Hurts’ importance was made clear on Sunday.
The Philadelphia Eagles crumbled after Jalen Hurts is taken out of Sundays match-up with the Washington Commanders with a concussion.
Social media has crucified Hurts over recent weeks, describing him as a ‘system quarterback’. A narrative has been established that without the offensive line that Howie Roseman has constructed, Hurts would be nothing. Sunday has dispelled this myth.
Philadelphia raced into a 7-0 lead and the Eagles looked comfortable. Saquon Barkley looked to continue his devastating form. It felt like a blowout was inevitable.
However, without the Hurts on the field, the Philadelphia offense looked stagnant, despite Kenny Pickett still managing to help his team put 27 points on the board.
Washington stole the game in the dying seconds – the score finishing 36-33 to the Commanders.
This is not an article that will diminish Pickett’s effort, he did a good job finding his team-mates. He finished with 14 of 24 passes, a touchdown and one interception.
Nor is this about A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith dropping the ball in vital moments of the game.
The article is being wrote to highlight the importance of Hurts to this offense.
Hurts criticism ‘ludicrous’
Lately, a whole host of media outlets have continually suggested that without an elite receiver like Brown and – arguably – the most dangerous running back in the league in Barkley, then Hurts would be an average quarterback.
It was never more evident than last night that these suggestions are ludicrous.
The Commanders defensive unit packed out the line of scrimmage to prevent Barkley from doing anymore damage after Hurts had left the game, as they had faith that Pickett did not have the deep shot in his armoury. Their finger was pressed firmly on the pulse with that assumption.
Not only does Hurts have the ability to find his receivers deep downfield – but if Saquon’s run game is being stifled, he has the ability to use his legs effectively.
His dual threat ability has garnered Philadelphia 46 wins from 66 games while the starting quarterback.
It might be time that Nick Sirianni considers wrapping his quarterback up in cotton wool once the NFC East title is secured – the playoffs could depend on it.
