Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts showcased his versatility and athleticism in a commanding performance against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, propelling his team to a 23-14 victory. Hurts set season highs in rushing attempts and rushing yards, reminiscent of his near-MVP campaign from last season.
On the ground, Hurts recorded 15 rushing attempts for 72 yards, effectively utilizing his legs to pick up crucial yards and convert on third downs. His exceptional performance also included throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown on 25-of-38 passing. This marked his fifth career game with 300 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, surpassing Michael Vick for the most in Eagles history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown commended Hurts on his performance, stating, "Overall, I think he had a really good performance. Picking up third downs with his feet, strong runner as he's always been, but just having that will just to stay up on his feet, just staying poised the entire game."
Hurts' exceptional play on third down was instrumental in sustaining drives and keeping the offense on the field. He rushed a career-high eight times for 45 yards, converting six first downs and providing a sense of relief to his teammates. Left tackle Jordan Mailata expressed his gratitude, saying, "The relief is like, first down, we're not getting off the field, hell yeah, continue the drive, let's go get some points. He bailed us out, man."
Despite speculation surrounding Hurts' ground game in the early weeks of the season, he silenced doubters with his outstanding performance against the Rams. Displaying his football IQ, Hurts utilized his knowledge of routes and his exceptional athleticism to make crucial decisions on the field. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni jokingly referenced the criticism, stating, "What did you all say? He couldn't do it anymore or something."
Hurts himself emphasized the importance of timing, stating, "Things come when they're supposed to. I think it's as simple as that."
The Eagles' victory over the Rams improved their record to a perfect 5-0 for the season. They now look ahead to a matchup against the 2-3 New York Jets.
Philadelphia's success on Sunday was not limited to Hurts' stellar performance. The defense held the Rams to just 14 points, while the offense surpassed 400 yards for the fourth consecutive game. Cornerback Darius Slay praised Hurts, saying, "I watch him all the time. It's always magic. Every time I get the corrections [on the sideline], I stand there and go watch Hurts work."
