Eagles QB Jalen Hurts‘ recent run of quality play could have major ramifications for Philadelphia’s future. Aside from the obvious fact that getting the quarterback position settled is the most important agenda item for any NFL club, confidence in Hurts as the long-term solution under center opens a lot of other doors for the franchise, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com observes.
Although there are a number of high-profile passers that could be available via trade this offseason — Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, and Russell Wilson, for instance — the Eagles would not have to empty their cache of draft picks to acquire such a player if Hurts really is the answer. And considering the club has at least two 2022 first-round selections and is in line to recoup the Colts’ 2022 first-rounder as part of this year’s Carson Wentz trade, it would certainly be preferable to use those choices on cost-controlled young talent at other areas of need (like safety, where Bo Wulf of The Athletic believes the Eagles could make a significant splash this offseason).
Plus, this year’s crop of collegiate quarterbacks is not considered an especially strong one. Although some college signal-callers have played their way into first-round consideration, none of them have obvious franchise potential, and arguably none of them have the upside of Hurts. So Philadelphia will be happy to let other clubs take fliers on that group of players while it forges ahead with a QB that has shown marked improvement as the season has gone on.
Since Week 8, Hurts is the only player in the league with three or more rushing touchdowns and passing touchdowns. He is also averaging 5.4 yards per carry during that timeframe, good for seventh-best in the NFL (regardless of position). His running ability is part of what makes him such an intriguing player, so while his 90.4 quarterback rating on the season positions him closer to the bottom of the league than the top, Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics — which consider throwing and rushing prowess — consider him a top-10 QB, ahead of players like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
So if Hurts’ arm continues to improve — he has thrown just one pick since Week 6 — there is reason to believe that he is, as owner Jeffrey Lurie hoped, the right QB to build around.
Whaaaaaaa but so many couch GMs on here said he sucked and had no chance of being QB1 in Philly. I’m absolutely shocked!
Pump the breaks here. Its no coincidence that the Eagles current hot streak started when they actually started running the ball instead of relying on Hurts throwing it. In 11 starts he hasn’t thrown over 200 yards in 6 games.
He leads the team in passing and rushing. Some of you just refuse to give him any credit.
A QB should lead the team in passing, but not in rushing. Just like most young QBs that can run, he’s running the ball too much, as soon as he feels pressure he’s gone. He’ll have to learn how to stay in the pocket and find the open receiver.
Fair enough, but point is he has had to carry the load for the entire offense in his first full season as a starter. Their RB’s, Sanders, Howard, Scott, have all been injured at some point this year, and outside of Devonta Smith, he doesn’t really have anyone to throw to. Granted, Goedert and Watkins have had moments, but still. Given what he has to work with, I think he has played fairly well.
I don’t think there’s a true Eagles fan anywhere that doesn’t want him to be a franchise QB so they can use those picks to load up and fill the many needs. But, you can’t rely on a franchise QB when he runs so hot and cold. Some of his decision making flaws can’t be easily fixed.
Goedert is 8th in the league for tight ends in receiving yards. It would be higher if he didn’t have to split receptions with Ertz to start the year before the trade. He has had more than just moments.
Wait a minute. Your big argument is the starting QB is leading his team in passing yards? Who else would be leading? The running back? The long snapper?
Good timing on this article and comment, he’s playing poorly so far today. Making the kind of poor decisions that pushed many to say he’s not the guy. One step forward, two steps back…
Cable tv Jalen showed up today.
Maybe you should watch today’s game.
Seriously. It’s like no one watched that Giants game
lmao this aged well. Hurts looked terrible throwing the ball today.
Threw into double and triple coverage, threw behind receivers, threw high to them and made them go up after it. When things are clicking it’s all good, then you have a game like today that makes you long for a franchise QB again.
In essence, the Eagles drafted Hurts in the 2nd round, making their QB at the time angry, and now want to dump their 2nd round pick from a year ago for someone else? Great GM’ing there Howie.
Howie’s biggest mistake was assuming the Eagles OL would never need upgrades. When it went into decline the QB play suffered and will likely continue to do so until the OL sees improvement.
Currently they rank 2nd in the league in rushing metres per game and 8th in points per game. They also rank 4th in the league for giveaways (INTs + Fumbles).
This tells me they run the ball often and run it well. The offence scores enough points and they rarely give the ball away. Which tells me Hurts is doing a good job leading this team on offence and doesn’t make to many mistakes.
Also when you team is constructed like this you can save a decent bit of coin on receivers. Looking at the roster you have Smith, Goedert and Sanders, give them 1 more decent WR and you have all the skill positions you need. For example I’d look at Will Fuller in FA. Born and raised in Philly, a speed receiver, been out injured this season so could come cheaper than expected.
Then in the draft with the picks go heavy on defence and some o line
I started him in fantasy over Mac Jones and Carr this week. It is either him or the receivers or the pass routes. No one is ever open so of course he is always throwing into coverage. reminds me of the Lions this year with Goff and Stafford last year.
This aged well
Great fantasy football qb, below average real life NFL QB.
Solid intangibles. He will stick around in the NFL for a long time as a backup. His lack of arm strength and accuracy is problematic.