Keys to Eagles Avoiding Early 2022 NFL Playoff Exit

The Philadelphia Eagles have earned the right to sit at home and enjoy the NFL Wild Card Weekend. They have also earned the lofty expectations that come with being a No. 1 seed.

That's not a guarantee of playoff success, though. Just ask the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans, which were unceremoniously eliminated in the divisional round despite being the top seeds in their conferences.

The last time the Eagles were the No. 1 seed, they came away with the Lombardi Trophy in 2017.

This time, they come in with a little less momentum. That team won five of its last six before losing the final game of the season without most of its starters.

This year, they've lost two of their final three with the lone victory coming against a New York Giants team that rested several starters. That doesn't mean this team isn't still destined for greatness, though.

Here are three keys to the Eagles getting the most out of their opportunity as the top team in the NFC.

Get Hurts Involved in the Run Game

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 08: Nick McCloud #44 of the New York Giants sacks Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on January 08, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Eagles offense is at its most dangerous when Jalen Hurts is being utilized as a runner. For all the improvements he has made as a passer this season, he is still at his best when being utilized as a designed runner.

Getting the 24-year-old back from a shoulder injury can make that tricky. It was clear he wasn't too excited about running against the Giants in Week 18. But the fact that he had just 13 yards on nine carries while the Eagles only beat New York's backups 22-16 doesn't bode well.

For comparison, Hurts ran for 77 yards on seven carries in a 48-22 victory over a Giants team fighting for a playoff spot in Week 14.

That version of the Eagles' offense is really difficult to stop.

Having a quarterback like Hurts, who can serve as an additional running back, changes the math when scheming run plays. It also puts pressure on teams to assign additional resources to make sure he doesn't break contain.

All of those things opens up additional running room for Miles Sanders and the running backs and making things easier in the passing game.

Hurts' ability to run the ball is going to be the X-factor for the offense.

Tighten Up Pass Protection

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The return of Lane Johnson could be huge for the Eagles.

There are reasons to brush off the recent slump for the Eagles. Injuries and a rusty Jalen Hurts have played a major role, and both of those things could be made better with a bye week.

However, the lack of pass protection is a concern that is going to take some scheming to figure out. Philadelphia surrendered six sacks in a 20-10 loss to the Saints, and Hurts took three more sacks in the season finale.

Lane Johnson sat out the final two games of the season with a torn adductor but will make an attempt to play in the playoffs, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

That could go a long way in solving the problems. According to PFF (h/t Josh Tolentino of the Philadelphia Inquirer), the 32-year-old has not allowed a sack or quarterback hit all season.

How well Johnson is able to hold up against opposing pass-rushers with his injury could be the most under-the-radar story in the playoffs. If the Eagles can get him back and figure out how to protect Hurts, the offense is going to be right back on track and dangerous.

Seamless Reintegration in the Secondary

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C.J. Gardner-Johnson's return needs to boost the secondary.

When fully healthy, the Eagles have one of the best secondaries in the league. Unfortunately, it's been a while since they've been completely healthy.

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has made his return after missing more than a month with a lacerated kidney. There's still hope that slot cornerback Avonte Maddox will be able to return to the lineup from his toe injury.

Getting both players back would be ideal. Gardner-Johnson appeared to be right back in the swing of things in his first game back. He had seven tackles with one for a loss against the Giants on Sunday.

However, secondary play relies heavily on communication and trust, and the Eagles' ability to reintegrate key players on the fly is going to be crucial.

The version of the secondary that gave up 347 passing yards to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys can't be the one that comes to the playoffs. The unit was picked apart the next week in zone coverage going against Andy Dalton and the New Orleans Saints.

The Eagles' deep crew of pass-rushers is going to give the defense a chance to be great in the playoffs. The secondary has to match that energy and take advantage of errant throws.