It was a great road win for the Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) on Sunday afternoon against the Denver Broncos (5-5), and most importantly — it was great to see the progression of Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles QB logged 233 total yards, threw for 178 yards on 16-of-23 passing, and had two touchdowns on the day. And in the first half alone, Hurts was 15-for-20 passing, without any costly turnovers.
It was the type of progression that Eagles fans can only hope for Hurts, as uncertainty surrounding his ability to become the franchise quarterback starts to subside.
It’s only one game, but on an afternoon where he logged his 16th NFL start and only continues to improve. These are the types of games Hurts will need to continue to have in order to prove to the team that he is their guy. And these are also games Hurts must excel at in order for this team to make a push for the playoffs (there’s no secret this team will find a way to sneak into the playoff race after this game).
Head coach Nick Sirianni is calling all the right plays, and it has started to result in Hurts making beautiful art with DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, as Philadelphia makes a push towards the playoffs.
Alabama QB to an Alabama WR jumping over an Alabama DB.
Jalen Hurts ➡️ DeVonta Smith ⬆️ Patrick Surtain IIpic.twitter.com/RGR35e2Mqo
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 14, 2021
In the last few weeks, Hurts has shown growth in the most integral part of any QB’s game in this league: decision making. So many plays where it looked as if he would use his legs as a decoy in tight pocket situations, the man kept his eyes downfield and found open targets for key completions.
Devonta Smith with the 36 yard TD on his birthday against his former Alabama teammate
Refs rule it is a touchdown
pic.twitter.com/1QzK2l0y8n— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) November 14, 2021
Credit to Sirianni for calling all the right plays Sunday afternoon. The Eagles’ first-year head coach has made some offensive tweaks and adjustments for the benefit of this team week after week, and this game showed that. From enabling Hurts to use that arm more in the pocket to make sure Hurts’ confidence is where it should be on the field when times get rough.
It’s the little things that Sirianni lays out on the table for Hurts to succeed and grow at the helm of the offense.
The Eagles will play the Saints at home next week, and it’s important to note that they are coming off back-to-back losses in the aftermath of losing their starting QB, Jameis Winston.
With Miles Sanders returning, Hurts will need to show that dominance week in and week out. Sirianni will be under the spotlight per usual — as the two will look to churn out another win for this team next Sunday.
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