Eagles News: Jalen Hurts on track to break his own record

With 14 rushing touchdowns in 14 games, Jalen Hurts is poised to break the QB record – PFT
Last year, Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen each ran for 15 touchdowns, setting a new record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season. This year, Hurts is poised to break that record, and Allen isn’t far behind. Hurts has 14 touchdowns through 14 games, meaning he needs one touchdown to tie the record and two touchdowns to break it. With three games left, Hurts is likely to do it. The “tush push” has become an almost automatic touchdown for Hurts and the Eagles once Philadelphia gets close enough to the goal line, and it’s hard to believe he won’t find the end zone at least two more times with three more games to play. Allen has 11 rushing touchdowns and could still break the record he shares with Hurts as well, although that’s going to be a taller order, needing five touchdowns in three games to do it.

NFL QB Index, Week 16: Baker Mayfield hits new high; Patrick Mahomes in danger of exiting top 10 – NFL.com
14) Jalen Hurts. After spending the week answering questions about his relationship with A.J. Brown, Hurts responded by throwing for 290 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers. He fired a laser to Brown for Philadelphia’s first touchdown and tacked on another via a two-yard pass to DeVonta Smith. Hurts stepped up to the challenge on a day in which Pittsburgh did a solid job of containing Saquon Barkley, mixing in a few runs to keep the offense going. The best achievement: Hurts led a drive lasting more than 10 minutes to finish the game.

Jalen Two-Shoes fined by NFL for equipment violation vs. Steelers – NBCSP
Jalen “Two Shoes” Hurts has reportedly been fined for an equipment violation in Sunday’s win over the Steelers. Hurts, 26, wore two different color Air Jordans on Sunday, but the problem was that one of them wasn’t the Eagles primary color.

Eagles-Commanders Game Preview: 5 questions and answers with the Week 16 enemy – BGN
2) What’s changed for the Commanders since they last played the Eagles? What’s different about Washington entering this matchup? The biggest difference is that Marshon Lattimore is finally healthy and played his first game in burgundy and gold last week; he wasn’t targeted in coverage once. That ability to simply remove his WR from the game should be huge for our defense, especially with rookie CB Mike Sainristil having a breakout year as well. Not only does it improve the coverage, it will give DC Joe Whitt more freedom to dial up blitzes or stack the box without having to worry about the back end. Another difference is that some illness seems to be affecting our offensive line. C Tyler Biadasz had to sit last week due to illness and the entire offensive line seemed to take a step back as a result. Now Biadasz is healthy, but RG Sam Cosmi (one of our better players) is missing practice due to illness. Hopefully he can play this week, but we’ll see. I mentioned in our last 5Qs that we are still thin at many positions and can ill afford to lose starters. If any of our starting IOL can’t play, the entire OL will have a bad day (like they did against the Saints).

Eagles-Commanders preview: Five things to watch – PhillyVoice
At the time the Eagles faced the Commanders Week 11, Washington’s defense was ranked 25th in defensive DVOA (20th pass, 24th run). And, well, they’re still 25th, but they moved down the rankings both against the pass and the run (24th pass, 26th run). It could be argued that their pass defense is better now that Lattimore is finally playing, but their run defense is still an issue. Here are their run defense ranks. In Week 11, the Commanders did a nice job keeping Saquon Barkley in check for most of the night, and then… bang… two touchdown runs in under 30 seconds. TD run No. 1. Great blocks by Lane Johnson and Mekhi Becton on that run. On the first play of the Commanders’ ensuing possession, Reed Blankenship picked off Jayden Daniels. Two plays later, Barkley struck again with a 39-yard TD run. Watch Cam Jurgens on that play. He tosses a DB like a rag doll, and when the DB gets up to try to chase Barkley, Jurgens dumps him to the ground again. I would imagine the Eagles’ game plan will center around the run game, and the Commanders’ defensive game plan will center around stopping it.

Zack, Vic and Reggie – Iggles Blitz
he Eagles defense this season is better than anyone could have anticipated. Everyone expected Vic Fangio to make a real difference for the unit, but I don’t think anyone saw them leading the league in points and yards allowed. This isn’t all Fangio, of course. He would be the first to tell you the players are the ones making his ideas come to life and shutting down offenses. Jalen Carter is the dominator up front. He eats up blocks and makes plays. Offenses have to account for him on every snap. Rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean brought speed, skill and toughness to the secondary that desperately needed those qualities. The key to the defense just might be Zack Baun. Baun is a good LB. He’s also a versatile player that Fangio can move around and be creative with. You don’t see a lot of exotic fronts with the Eagles, but they obviously are creative enough and complex enough that offenses struggle to figure them out consistently.

The case for Zack Baun as Defensive Player of the Year – The Read Optional
It is rare for any linebacker to look the part right away. Even the most polished prospects typically need three seasons before rounding into shape in all facets of the position. But Baun has stepped in… right away… as an All-Pro player. The numbers are eye-popping, but the process behind them is just as encouraging. Baun has been everywhere for the Eagles defense. He is a walking dose of Adderall, roaming across Philly’s front and swarming all over the field. He has good instincts, digests information fast, and once he commits, he’s gone; there’s no hiccup in his process. He can explode downhill or tap-dance through crevices in the front. He spins magic out of the mundane. And his malleability has allowed Fangio to adjust the structure of his defense.

Eagles’ Brown: ‘I’m OK with being whatever bad guy I have to be’ – ESPN
Brown didn’t expect the type of firestorm ignited by his original comments, but he did acknowledge last week that his words were intentional, designed to shift the focus to the slumping pass game so it could be fixed before it was too late. It’s part of his distinctive leadership style that has led to him being misunderstood publicly but appreciated by his peers internally over his two-plus years with the Eagles. “I’m OK with being whatever bad guy I have to be for the city, the town, whatever the case may be,” he said, “to hold everybody accountable, be accountable, and to get better. If I’m that guy I will be that guy, gladly.” The scrutiny from the outside helped spark what fellow receiver DeVonta Smith said were a lot of “tough” and “uncomfortable” conversations leading into last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown spoke of extra meetings between players and coaches that emphasized improving details and communication in the passing game. The results couldn’t have been more clear: After three straight weeks of being held under 180 yards through the air, Hurts went 25-of-32 for 290 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 27-13 win over Pittsburgh, marking the Eagles’ 10th straight victory. With concerns over the aerial attack largely alleviated, Philadelphia appears set up as well as any team in the NFL to make a run at a championship.

How Nick Sirianni’s handwritten letter, film sessions and discipline turned Eagles into contenders – NJ.com
One of Sirianni’s biggest strengths is finding different ways to motivate players. After serving a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy last season, Eagles backup cornerback Isaiah Rodgers needed someone to believe in him again. Before Rodgers made his first start of the season in Week 9, he found a one-page, handwritten letter in his locker that was written by Sirianni. “Nick said, ‘Your time is now. Be ready for those moments,’” said Rodgers, who had not started a game in two years before getting the nod against the Jaguars. “I take the paper with me to every game. I still have it. It’s still freshly folded.” Through the first 15 weeks of his rookie season, Eagles offensive guard Trevor Keegan has struggled with self-doubt, especially when he compares himself to his All-Pro caliber teammates and realizes that he’s not as good. “When I see (Sirianni) in the hallway, he pulls me over and says, ‘Hey, how are you doing? How is this stuff going?’” Keegan said. “Because there are growing pains and stuff. He’s been there for me. I really respect him for that. He doesn’t need to do that as the head coach of an NFL football team. He doesn’t have to worry about me. But it shows what type of man he is.”

Analyzing the matchups that could define the NFL in Week 16 – PFF
Daniels has actually been fantastic when dealing with rushers in his face this year, as his 68.6 PFF overall grade ranks fifth among qualified quarterbacks. His legs have proven a clutch asset in those situations — his 91.0 PFF rushing grade slots third among quarterbacks under pressure — while he’s committed a turnover-worthy play on only 3.3% of attempts, tied for the ninth-lowest mark among quarterbacks under pressure. What makes the Eagles’ defense so stout is that it wins both up front and in the back end, with pressure a prominent feature. Philadelphia sits sixth in team pressure rate and fifth in hurry rate, as Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith have all compiled pass-rush win rates of 14.6% or better. When these two teams squared off in Week 11, Philadelphia’s pressure hamstrung the rookie. Daniels went just 4-of-6 passing for 59 yards and a 53.1 PFF overall grade when pressured, which comprised 28.2% of his dropbacks. Compare that to a 75.9 PFF overall grade when not pressured, and the picture is painted of how the Eagles won decisively. If Washington’s offensive line can withstand an Eagles flurry, then Daniels and his 12th-lowest allowed pressure rate may be able to make plays. But if the Birds can rattle Daniels yet again, the NFC East will likely belong to them.

Eagles’ Quinyon Mitchell making a strong case for defensive rookie of the year: ‘He’s living up to the hype’ – Inquirer
Going into the season, Quinyon Mitchell set his sights on achieving something greater than an individual accolade like defensive rookie of the year. “Just winning a Super Bowl,” the rookie cornerback explained Wednesday. Fifteen weeks later, though, Mitchell has asserted himself as one of the front-runners for the award alongside Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jared Verse. The Eagles’ No. 22 overall pick out of Toledo has conceded just .70 yards per coverage snap (fifth-fewest among cornerbacks with a minimum of 500), according to Pro Football Focus. Mitchell ranks second in the NFL with 14 forced incompletions. All the rookie is missing from his resumé is an interception. Mitchell laughed when asked if that deficiency could impact how voters might view his season.

Eagles insights: No. 1 seed within reach, Kenny Gainwell’s popularity, Bryce Huff’s potential return – PHLY
The most plausible scenario is the Eagles winning out and the Lions and Vikings each losing one game. It’s not a likely outcome, but it’s more likely that it was one week ago. My contention is that the No. 1 seed in the NFC is more important this year than in previous seasons. The obvious advantage is the opening-round bye, but homefield advantage is more pronounced with the Lions involved. The Lions play 14 of 17 games this season in a dome. If you saw that Rams-Lions matchup last year, you know how the Ford Field crowd can affect the game. Put them in their dome, on their turf, in front of their fans, and it’s a daunting challenge. But send Jared Goff into Philadelphia in January — he’s 6-7-1 in his career in temperatures below 40 degrees — in front of the Eagles crowd, and you might expect a different game. I’d argue this would be less pronounced in the AFC or even if the Packers were the top contenders for the NFC East. This is why I’m paying close attention to the Lions’ outcomes (in addition to the Eagles) during the next three weeks.

Vic Fangio has been a hit in his native Philly with the Eagles. Is this his last stop? – The Athletic
Jim Skipper, another former Stars assistant who spent 22 NFL seasons coaching running backs, believes Fangio “deserves another crack at it.” But Fangio isn’t a “self-promoter,” Skipper says. Fangio is content coaching from the booth, where he’s (usually) away from the broadcast cameras. The Eagles defense is doing the talking for him. Sirianni, who couldn’t hire Fangio in 2022 after Jonathan Gannon’s late departure, is prepared for the possibility that other teams might poach the defensive mind that took him long enough to secure.At least one NFL higher-up believes Fangio can be a head coach again. “I do,” Ryan Pace said. “I say that quickly. I do.” But it’s just as easy to imagine Fangio content, a regular at the Philadium, grinning at a new photograph on the counter. “Philly, that’s his thing,” Rickey Jackson said. “I think he’ll sit right there and be the coordinator for the next four, five, six years. I don’t think he’s not worried about no head coaching job. If he gets one, he gets one. If he doesn’t, he ain’t worried about it. He’s satisfied. He just wants a championship. That’s all he wants. He wants a championship with that defense. That would be satisfying enough for him.”

Landon Dickerson Mic’d Up in DOMINANT win vs Steelers – PE.com
Landon Dickerson was Mic’d Up for Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers!!! Join the Pro Bowl guard as he battles it out in the trenches and get a different perspective of the Eagles’ 10th consecutive win. Experience all this and more on this episode of Mic’d Up!

Washington Commanders fans – a story of confidence, pride and faith – Hogs Haven
In fact, 82% of Hogs Haven readers responding to the survey predict that the Washington Commanders will either lose the first game they play (49%) or get eliminated after only a single win on Super Wildcard Weekend (33%). Only 11% of respondents foresee the Commanders playing in the NFC Conference Championship game or the Super Bowl, and 7% predict that the Commanders won’t make the playoffs at all!

WATCH: Netflix releases trailer for Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys documentary premiering in 2025 – Blogging The Boys
If is not obvious, the documentary seemingly covers the Jerry Jones era of the Dallas Cowboys specifically. Interestingly the trailer sort of presents things as if the Cowboys became America’s Team under him when that is obviously not true. Nevertheless, there are clips shown with various members of the Cowboys’ glory days: Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. The trailer is short, but the final words are overlayed from Jerry Jones himself. “Keep ‘em talking.” “It’s a soap opera 365 days a year.”

Giants injury update: Banged-up Brian Burns will be ‘ready to go’ vs. Falcons – Big Blue View
New York Giants edge defender Brian Burns (ankle, neck and probably a few other unreported maladies) did not practice on Thursday. Burns has missed both practices this week as the Giants prep for the Atlanta Falcons, but head coach Brian Daboll believes his best remaining defensive player will be on the field Sunday. “He should be ready to go for the game,” Daboll said. Burns has 8.0 sacks on the season. Like wide receiver Malik Nabers, the 26-year-old two-time Pro Bowler has continued to work through a variety of ailments and regardless of the 2-12 team’s lack of on-field success.

The Chargers used a bizarre NFL rule for a ‘fair catch free kick’ field goal – SB Nation
Just before halftime of Thursday night’s game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos, Chargers punt returner Derius Davis settled under a punt attempt and waved his arms for a fair catch. Tracking him in coverage was Denver backup cornerback Tremon Smith, who made contact with Davis as he was trying to field the punt. Instead of the half ending on that play, that infraction extended the first half for one untimed down, and opened the door to one of the rarest plays in NFL history. The play known as the “fair catch free kick.” [BLG Note: Any other nerds out there who like to look up rare NFL rules/plays and were thus familiar with this play? This was for us! And shout out to former Eagle Dicker the kicker making it happen.]