Jalen Hurts’ Play Has Been a Concern for the Philadelphia Eagles in the Playoffs
Jalen Hurts has never had an issue with the Philadelphia Eagles building their team around Saquon Barkley. However, as the Eagles prepare to face the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Hurts’ recent performance has been a concern. Through the first two playoff games, Hurts has thrown for a total of just 259 yards, taken nine sacks, and hasn’t looked like himself.
Despite claiming he’s not feeling the effects of a concussion he suffered in December or rust from sitting out the last two games of the regular season, it’s clear that something is off. In the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams, Hurts completed 13 of 21 passes for just 131 yards and ran only twice for 10 yards. Against the Green Bay Packers, he was 15 of 20 for 128 yards.
Hurts acknowledged that he and the passing game are capable of more, but it’s clear that he’s trending in the wrong direction. He’s no longer the accurate, decisive quarterback who creates plays outside the pocket and has a strong arm. Instead, he’s playing more like a game manager, and the Eagles need more from their quarterback if they’re going to reach their second Super Bowl in three seasons.
The Eagles are built around Barkley, and while he’s been able to carry the team, they know they need more from Hurts. They gave him a $255 million deal, and it’s time for him to earn it. If Hurts can’t show some of his old MVP form, it will be increasingly hard for the Eagles to win the championship they’re chasing.