Eagles overcome banged-up Jalen Hurts’ struggles with injury now a real concern

Eagles overcome banged-up Jalen Hurts’ struggles with injury now a real concern

PHILADELPHIA — Maybe the Eagles can make it all the way to a Super Bowl without a prolific pᴀssing attack.

Maybe they can win it all even though Jalen Hurts is hurting and not exactly looking like a franchise quarterback. 

Once again, Hurts made more noise with his legs than he did with his right arm, as Sunday’s 28-22 victory over the Rams in an NFC divisional playoff game at snowy Lincoln Financial Field was fueled by the rushing of Saquon Barkley and a ground game that churned through the Rams with the greatest of ease.

Jalen Hurts throws a pᴀss during the Eagles-Rams game on Jan. 19, 2025. Getty Images

There is nothing wrong with amᴀssing 285 rushing yards, and Hurts produced 44 of his 70 rushing yards with a first-quarter touchdown run. 

But the pᴀssing game once again lagged behind, with Hurts completing 15 of his 20 pᴀsses for only 128 yards.

His top wide receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, were quiet. Brown caught two pᴀsses for 14 yards and Smith had four receptions for 21 yards. 

“We just didn’t connect,” Hurts said. “Just didn’t connect this time around. It’s been a minute in general since we’ve done that as a whole. So, holistically as an offense, we just want to go out there and take advantage of all the opportunities we have at hand and continue to learn from them.” 

Hurts was sacked seven times and lacked his usual mobility in escaping pressure.

In the final minute of the third quarter, Hurts was flung to the turf by nose tackle Neville Gallimore for a safety that trimmed the Eagles’ lead to 16-15. 

Jalen Hurts runs with the ball during the Eagles-Rams game on Jan. 19, 2025. AP

If not for Barkley’s franchise playoff record 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns, the Eagles would be finished for the season, rather than gearing up for the NFC Championship Game, which will be a third meeting with the Commanders — the teams split two games in the regular season. 

Will Hurts be ready, willing and able for that game? 

“Great question,” Hurts said. “Just seeing how the week will go. Seeing how things progress.” 

Is he confident he will make the start? 

“Yeah,” he said. 

Hurts twisted his left knee in the third quarter when he was sacked by safety Jaylen McCollough.

Jalen Hurts is sacked during the Eagles-Rams game on Jan. 19, 2025. AP

Hurts’ legs were pinned under his body and he grabbed at his left knee.

He spent time in the medical tent and when he returned to the field he was wearing a protective brace on his left knee. 

“Tough game,” Hurts said. “A challenging game. I was able to finish the game, and we will see how the week goes.” 

With snow falling and getting heavier in the second half, coating the entire field, throwing the ball was difficult, especially in the blustery conditions.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled at times but he managed to complete 26 of 44 pᴀsses for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

He was able to push the ball down the field far more effectively than Hurts. 

“It was a new experience,” Hurts said of playing in the snow. “Definitely, next time that happens, I’ll be able to look back and pull from this game and be better from it.”

Related Posts

NFL insider Jordan Schultz leaves Fox Sports in shock career move

NFL insider Jordan Schultz leaves Fox Sports in shock career move

Fox Sports have parted ways with NFL insider Jordan Schultz after only one season, it has emerged. Schultz, the son of billionaire ex-Starbucks CEO mogul Howard Schultz,…

Taylor Swift’s ‘epic’ pH๏τobomb in Travis Kelce picture goes viral after couple’s surprise trip to Nashville

Taylor Swift’s ‘epic’ pH๏τobomb in Travis Kelce picture goes viral after couple’s surprise trip to Nashville

After Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce popped up at a Nashville bar on Monday night, an ‘epic’ pH๏τobomb from the 14-time Grammy Award winner has gone viral…

BREAKING NEWSFurious Aaron Rodgers unleashes on ‘fake marriage’ rumors amid conspiracy theories over mystery wife

BREAKING NEWSFurious Aaron Rodgers unleashes on ‘fake marriage’ rumors amid conspiracy theories over mystery wife

Aaron Rodgers’ frustration was palpable Tuesday when he exploded into a furious rant over his right to a private life amid rampant rumors shrouding his new marriage. …

BREAKING NEWSAaron Rodgers confirms shock NFL retirement stance after Steelers deal and fake marriage rumors

BREAKING NEWSAaron Rodgers confirms shock NFL retirement stance after Steelers deal and fake marriage rumors

Aaron Rodgers has confirmed that he is ready to bow out of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The quarterback signed a one-year, $13.65million deal with…

More embarrᴀssment for Shedeur Sanders as he is ruthlessly mocked by his own brother over speeding scandal

More embarrᴀssment for Shedeur Sanders as he is ruthlessly mocked by his own brother over speeding scandal

Shilo Sanders did not hold back on younger brother and fellow NFL rookie Shedeur Sanders, making fun of the Cleveland Browns quarterback over his current speeding scandal. …

Delight for Travis Kelce as his Taylor Swift-named racehorse seals another huge win

Delight for Travis Kelce as his Taylor Swift-named racehorse seals another huge win

NFL star Travis Kelce won big for the first time as owner of racehorse Swift Delivery at the weekend.  The Kansas City Chiefs star bought a stake…