The Philadelphia Eagles finished a rough stretch with a 31‑0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, a win that showcased Jalen Hurts’ resilience and the team’s ability to turn a season’s narrative on its head.
A Dominant Performance on Sunday
In a game that felt almost poetic, the Eagles built a massive lead early and never looked back. Hurts completed 12 of 15 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns, earning a passer rating of 154.9. His rushing effort added 39 yards on seven carries, including four crucial runs that converted third‑down opportunities.
That 154.9 rating is the second‑highest of Hurts’ career, only surpassed by his perfect 158.3 rating against the Vikings in Week 7. It also marks the first time a Philadelphia quarterback has recorded multiple games with a 150‑plus rating and an 80‑plus completion percentage in the same season.
The Game‑Changing Passes
Hurts’ first two touchdown throws were short, 4‑yard shovel passes to Dallas Goedert—one in the first quarter and another in the third. Goedert also missed a guaranteed touchdown earlier in the first half, a missed opportunity that the Eagles avoided later.
The highlight of the game came on the first snap of the fourth quarter when Hurts delivered a 27‑yard strike to A.J. Brown. After the pass, Hurts let out a double fist pump, a gesture that captured the emotions of the moment.
Coach Sirianni’s Praise
Head coach Nick Sirianni called the performance “resilient.” He added, “Always has been resilient and thought he was really good running the offense, being in command out there, just making good decisions with the football, good runs. He had a good game.” The quote underscores how Hurts has returned to form after a week that saw him turn the ball over five times—including four interceptions—against the Chargers.
Hurts on the Message of Response
During post‑game interviews, Hurts emphasized the team’s focus on responding to adversity. “Everybody’s watching,” he said. “It just comes with it and it hasn’t changed. I think everybody needs to remember where I come from and how I’m built. I just want to lead in the right way, set the right example. I’ve done the same thing since I went to University of Alabama and everything that has been in front of me, so it’s no different now.”
When asked if he had been thinking about that message on Sunday, Hurts answered simply, “Absolutely.” He followed up with, “We responded with a win. So we have to continue to stack those one week at a time, one day at a time.”
Team‑Wide Emotion
The quarterback’s display of emotion resonated with teammates. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata said, “We just haven’t been playing good ball. I’ll just call it how it is. We haven’t been. So you’ve got to celebrate the moments that we do execute third downs, touchdowns. Especially big ones like that. You’ve got to celebrate that. I’m glad he’s showing emotion now.”
Mailata’s comments reflect a broader sense of relief after the Eagles snapped a three‑game losing streak and secured a decisive shutout against a Raiders squad that had struggled to score.
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Hurts finished with a 154.9 passer rating, the second‑highest of his career.
- The Eagles defeated the Raiders 31‑0, ending a three‑game losing streak.
- Hurts’ 27‑yard TD to A.J. Brown and his post‑game fist pump highlighted his emotional response to the win.
- Coach Nick Sirianni praised Hurts’ resilience after a week of turnovers.
- Team members, including Jordan Mailata, expressed relief and celebration of the team’s comeback.
Looking Ahead
The victory provides a much‑needed boost for the Eagles as they prepare for the remainder of the season. With Hurts returning to high‑level play and the defense stepping up after a rough stretch, the team is poised to keep momentum going. The win also serves as a reminder that, even after adversity, a focused response can turn the tide in the NFL.
The 31‑0 triumph will likely be a reference point for the franchise’s future, illustrating how a single game can redefine a team’s trajectory and restore confidence in both its players and coaching staff.
