A.J. Brown’s big grab sets up Jalen Hurts’ 32nd career rushing TD
PHILADELPHIA – In a thrilling match against the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts showcased his resilience by playing through a knee injury in the second half. Despite the discomfort, Hurts led his team to a 31-17 victory, tying Randall Cunningham for the Eagles’ quarterback franchise record with his 32nd career rushing touchdown.
The highlight of the game came when wide receiver A.J. Brown made an extraordinary catch at the one-yard line, setting up Hurts’ record-tying rushing touchdown. Brown’s incredible play demonstrated the team’s determination to succeed even in the face of adversity.
After the game, Hurts downplayed any concerns about his injury. “I’ll be fine,” he said confidently when asked about it. However, when questioned about its potential impact moving forward, Hurts expressed hope that it wouldn’t hinder him.
Throughout the game, Hurts exhibited his versatility by rushing for 21 yards and one touchdown on 11 attempts, along with throwing for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Despite grimacing as he left the field, Hurts’ toughness and ability to play through pain left his teammates in awe.
“He’s a tough individual,” praised receiver A.J. Brown, emphasizing Hurts’ resilience and determination to lead the team. Right tackle Lane Johnson echoed this sentiment, commending Hurts for never showing any signs of complaint despite getting injured during scrambles.
There was a brief moment of confusion during halftime when Hurts was late returning to the field, leading backup Marcus Mariota to warm up on the sideline. However, coach Nick Sirianni clarified that there was never any doubt about Hurts continuing as the starting quarterback.
“He played at a very high level,” Sirianni said. “I thought he played really outstanding. Man, he is a competitor. There is nobody else I would rather be our quarterback. He played his butt off tonight. He’s tough.”
While Hurts had a challenging game with two turnovers, including a pick-six, he showcased his ability to generate points for the team. Currently, his turnover total for the season stands at 10, the second-highest in the NFL behind Desmond Ridder of the Atlanta Falcons. Remarkably, Hurts has thrown an interception in three consecutive games, a career-high for him.
Nevertheless, Hurts’ performances continue to contribute to the Eagles’ success, as they improve to 6-1 for the season. In addition to tying Cunningham’s rushing touchdown record, Hurts achieved this milestone while wearing the team’s throwback kelly green jerseys.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Hurts expressed his admiration for Cunningham. “It’s crazy,” he said. “Kind of cool to do that wearing his old jersey.”
Looking ahead, Hurts remains focused on the team’s next opponent. When asked about his injury and the upcoming week, he simply stated, “Nothing too much. Just get ready for the next opponent.”
Despite the challenges he faced on Sunday night, Jalen Hurts proved his resilience and commitment to leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victories. As the team continues to strive for success, their quarterback’s determination and ability to overcome adversity will undoubtedly be key factors in their future triumphs.