With the NFL playoffs heating up and only eight teams standing, the stage is set for a thrilling divisional round. The spotlight is firmly on the quarterbacks, those field generals expected to lead their teams into battle. Among them, Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts garners attention not just for what he can do with his legs, but for what he still has to prove through the air.
FS1’s Colin Cowherd offered an intriguing perspective on Hurts during Thursday’s edition of The Herd. He pegged Hurts at No. 8 among the remaining quarterbacks, pointing out that the Eagles lean heavily on their rushing attack.
While Hurts is adept in a run-first scheme, Cowherd raises questions about his pocket poise when trailing and needing to dissect defenses with surgical precision. Yet, it’s hard to ignore Hurts’ impressive record.
Over his last five playoff appearances, he’s accounted for 11 touchdowns without a single interception, showcasing leadership traits that are undeniably top-tier.
Despite the critique, Hurts displayed noteworthy prowess in the Eagles’ recent wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers. His 131 passing yards paired with two touchdowns highlighted his capability to step up when it matters.
He has tasted the pressure of the big stage before, having navigated the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. Though they fell to the Chiefs in a nail-biter, Hurts had his team in a strong position, holding the lead at both halftime and entering the final quarter.
Next up for Hurts and the Eagles is a face-off against the Los Angeles Rams at home. A ticket to the NFC Championship Game is on the line, where they’d clash with either the Commanders or the Lions. With the stakes climbing ever higher, Hurts has the chance to solidify his status not just as a dynamic runner, but as a capable passer against one of the league’s tougher matchups.
Sunday’s showdown between the Eagles and Rams kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth bringing you the action.
For Hurts, it’s another step in the journey, and perhaps the defining moment to silence any lingering doubts about his quarterbacking prowess. Whether he can rise to the challenge may very well dictate Philadelphia’s playoff destiny.