Before the start of December, Philadelphia Eagles rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts had thrown only three NFL passes. All three of them were completions, and they combined for 33 yards.
On Dec. 6, he replaced Carson Wentz mid-game and completed 5-of-12 passes in a 30-16 loss to the Packers.
Throughout the week, chatter around the NFL started to point towards the Eagles starting him over Wentz in their game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. It was a bold move considering how well the Saints were playing and the fact that it would be Hurts’ first career start.
Nonetheless, Hurts started that game Sunday and pulled off the upset over a team that was sitting at 10-2. The win helped the Eagles stay close in the NFC East standings, which currently have the Washington Football Team and New York Giants ahead of them.
Is Hurts Ready to Finish the Season?
Hurts looked as good as he could’ve on Sunday. I think the major key to the Eagles’ victory was how they used Hurts.
He executed the game plan well, which allowed him to open up the game with his running and complement that with his passing.
Hurts finished the game having completed 17-of-30 passes for 167 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He wasn’t sacked at all, which was half the offensive line doing well in certain situations, and half Hurts escaping the pressure well. He added 106 yards on the ground, which came off 18 rushes.
There was some narrative that the Eagles could finish their season with Hurts at the quarterback position. Honestly, I think that’s their only option after benching Wentz — who was supposed to be their franchise guy. I think that’s a decision they have to double down on moving forward.
Will the Saints Still Win The NFC South?
The Saints were expected to win the game, but they couldn’t get the job done. They allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to score 17 unanswered points — all of which came in the second quarter. One of those touchdowns was an impressive 82-yard run by Miles Sanders.
The Saints followed that up with 14 unanswered points in the third quarter as they started to mount a comeback. They entered the fourth quarter down 17-14 and eventually gave up another touchdown to Miles Sanders. A touchdown catch by Jared Cook gave the Saints hope, but they ultimately fell short.
Despite the loss, the Saints have still clinched a playoff berth. They currently sit atop the NFC South at 10-3 with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers behind them at 8-5. The Saints have the Chiefs, Vikings, and Packers remaining.
Drew Brees will be instrumental in the playoffs, but Taysom Hill will have to continue his solid play until then. The Saints also have to make sure they don’t rush Brees back, especially since he’s much more valuable in the playoffs than late in the season.
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