Jalen Hurts has the Philadelphia Eagles in a position to gain something it missed last season.
After a victory over Washington, the Eagles are 7-7 and alive for the NFL playoffs.
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Hurts, a second-round selection in 2020, struggled against the New York Giants.
He tossed a career-high three interceptions in a 7-13 loss, but Hurts’ response in Tuesday’s matchup was valiant. People question his accuracy and ability to be successful at the quarterback position. He has had to prove himself several times, but Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni believes in the 2017 CFP National Champion. Hurts turned in his best performance of the year, completing 20 of 26 passes (76.9 percent) for 296 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He showed he can be efficient and explosive in the Eagles’ 27-17 victory at home. Hurts averaged a season-high 11.4 yards per pass attempt while targeting eight receivers.
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Washington became the fifth opponent that Hurts compiled a passer rating of 100 (110.4) or better. He led three touchdown drives of 70+ yards and accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing scores). Hurts guided the Eagles to convert seven of 13 attempts on third down, 519 yards offensively, and 7.4 yards per play.
Despite two turnovers, he had command of Philadelphia’s offensive attack. If the Eagles win out, Hurts would place it in a wildcard spot for the playoffs. Philadelphia might need a team or two to lose a game, but it must win its final three matchups. Hurts has recorded good numbers as a first-year starter in the NFL.
Jalen Hurts’ statistics for Eagles as a full-year starter
-Completed 231 of 377 passes, 61.3 percent
-2,731 passing yards
-14 touchdown passes
-nine interceptions
-10 rushing touchdowns (leads team)
-85.8 passer rating
-733 rushing yards (leads team)
Hurts is not the most conventional quarterback, but he is getting the job done.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
