Jalen Hurts Shines Despite Lingering Knee Injury, Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to prove himself as a triple-threat quarterback, even without his mobility. Despite a lingering knee injury that limited his ability to scramble and run, Hurts delivered an exceptional performance in the Eagles’ 38-31 victory over the Commanders on Sunday.
Although unable to rely on his legs, Hurts showcased his arm and mind, leading the Eagles to victory. Tight end Dallas Goedert praised Hurts’ ability to execute plays from the pocket, highlighting his elite-level skills with his arm and mind.
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Hurts was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. He completed an impressive 76.3% of his passes for 319 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 135.7. This performance solidified his place among Eagles quarterback greats, as he became the third quarterback in franchise history to complete 75% of his passes for over 300 yards and 4 passing touchdowns in a single game.
Despite questions about his knee injury, Hurts remains tight-lipped on the matter. Although he has not appeared on the injury report, it is evident that he is not operating at 100%. In the game against the Commanders, Hurts had a career-low rushing total of 6 yards on four attempts. However, his exceptional performance and recognition as Player of the Week for the third time in his career overshadowed any concerns about his knee.
Reflecting on his growth as a quarterback, Hurts credited his experience and the accumulated knowledge from facing various defenses as key factors. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni also emphasized the importance of experience in Hurts’ development, noting his improved decision-making, accuracy, and quick release.
Hurts remarked that his experiences have shaped his on-field decision-making and that relying on his memory bank has become second nature. After a slow start to the season, Hurts has reentered the MVP race, claiming the second-shortest MVP odds behind Patrick Mahomes.
While the focus will remain on Hurts’ knee injury as the season progresses, the upcoming bye week will allow him time to rest and recuperate. It is worth noting that his best game of the season came while he battled through the injury.
Teammates, such as Goedert, have praised Hurts’ work ethic and dedication to continuous improvement. Over the past four years, Hurts has consistently put in the effort to refine his skills and it manifests on the field.
Despite his injury, Hurts has shown resilience and adaptability. With his arm and mind operating at an elite level, the young quarterback’s future looks promising as he continues to mature and learn from his experiences.