Jalen Hurts Provides Spark for Eagles Offense in Loss

Jalen Hurts replaced Carson Wentz on a stagnant Eagles offense in the third quarter of their loss in Green Bay. Prior to Hurts coming into the game, the Eagles, led by Wentz, had mustered a measly three points and just 79 passing yards on offense.

Hurts stepped into the game in the third quarter after a Packers touchdown that extended the Eagles deficit to 17. Instantly, the rookie quarterback provided a spark for the Eagles offense, finding fellow rookie Jalen Reagor for 34 yards on a third-and-long, but was unable to gain any more first downs and was forced to punt.

When Hurts came back after a Packers field goal, he took the offense straight down the field, rushing for a few key first downs and showing his improvements in the passing game. The Eagles, in Packers territory, lined up for a fourth and eighteen from the Green Bay 32-yardline, and Hurts found Greg Ward for his first career touchdown to bring Philadelphia within two scores.

Hurts finished the game 5-for-12 with 109 yards and a touchdown and interception that came off a tipped pass. Though those stats are not eye-popping they may be good enough to put Hurts in position to be the starter in Philadelphia. The former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback was taken in the second round of the 2020 Draft and had seen limited action at quarterback before this game. Hurts had mainly been used as a rushing threat, having only three passing attempts through 11 games.

Whether or not Hurts will take the starting spot will have to be seen this week, but Carson Wentz leads the league in interceptions and fumbles, two things Jalen Hurts rarely had problems with in college. The Eagles, now sitting at 3-8-1 on the season, may have played their way out of a chance at winning a weak NFC East, but may have something to look forward to in the future with Hurts.