A four-interception, five-turnover nightmare against the Chargers in Inglewood two weeks ago was the low point of Jalen Hurts’ season. Yet, in the very next two games, Hurts turned the tide, throwing five touchdowns, completing 73 percent of his passes, and rushing for 79 yards to help the Eagles defeat the Raiders and the Washington Commanders.
Rebounding From a Rough Night
The Chargers’ loss left Hurts with a record of four interceptions and five total turnovers. The following week, he faced the Las Vegas Raiders and posted a 12-for-15 performance-an 80 percent completion rate-for 175 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, 39 rushing yards, and a 154.9 passer rating. Against the Commanders, he went 22-for-30, a 73 percent completion rate, for 185 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 40 rushing yards, and a 111.1 passer rating.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history to produce that level of efficiency after a four-interception game.
Historic Milestones
Hurts’ two-game stretch-five touchdowns, no interceptions, 73 percent accuracy, and at least 75 rushing yards-places him as the seventh quarterback ever to achieve that combination. The list includes Jeff Garcia (2003), Daunte Culpepper (2005), Deshaun Watson (2019), Lamar Jackson (three times), Drake Maye, and Josh Allen (earlier this year).
The Eagles’ 29-18 win over Washington on Saturday in Landover sealed the NFC East title, making the team the first since the 2001-2004 Eagles to win the division in consecutive years. Hurts said, “Great accomplishment today,” adding, “Kind of reminds me of when I was in high school. We hadn’t been in the playoffs in 20 years, and I was able to do that with my teammates in high school, for my pops (coach Averion Hurts), and it was a big feat.”
He continued, “So I think right now, given all the success and all the competitive football that is going on in this division over the last 20 plus years, to be able to win it back-to-back is a huge accomplishment. It’s the first time for everything and it’s something that we can just check off the box as we achieve for more.”
Team Success
With the 29-18 victory, Hurts became only the sixth quarterback in NFL history to reach the postseason in his first five years as a full-time starter. The predecessors were Otto Graham (1940s), Donovan McNabb (2000-2004), Joe Flacco (2008-2012), Russell Wilson (2012-2016), and Patrick Mahomes (2018-2023). Head coach Nick Sirianni also became the fifth coach to guide his first five teams to the playoffs.
The Eagles are now 10-5, with the NFC East title locked up. They have two games remaining: a trip to Buffalo next Sunday and a home contest against Washington at the Linc.
The only other time the Eagles reached the playoffs in five straight seasons was 2001-2004 under Andy Reid.
Hurts’ Leadership
Hurts reflected on the rare nature of their success: “These times, they’re rare times,” he said. “So something that we all need to soak in and relish in this moment right now. Take it a day at a time as we always have, but keep the main thing the main thing. That’s what we’ve done. for five years since everybody’s collectively been here.”
He added, “It’s been my approach since I’ve been in Eagle. And I think as a team, you know, just the caliber of guys that we’ve been able to get with the mentality that where they come from and their backgrounds and defensively, the vibe that they have and that continuity that they have, everything kind of coming together. We just want to continue to improve.”
“There’s always joy found in winning collectively, truly embracing that,” Hurts said. “And when guys put the team first, that’s when things are truly fun. And you think about all the guys that are on board and come into the team, every team changes every year. And not everyone experiences the same things, because they’re not here. It always changes. My point is, as a leader, as a quarterback, you want everybody to experience that level of winning, which is a first step for us.”
Key Stats
- Season totals: 66 percent completion, 24 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, over 400 rushing yards.
- Two-game span: 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 73 percent accuracy, 79 rushing yards.
- Against Raiders: 12-for-15, 175 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 39 rushing yards, 154.9 rating.
- Against Commanders: 22-for-30, 185 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 40 rushing yards, 111.1 rating.
Hurts’ performance has been described as “sharp and accurate,” “decisive,” and “well-adjusted to life under center.”
Key Takeaways
- Hurts rebounded from a four-interception game to deliver five touchdowns and no interceptions over two wins.
- The Eagles secured back-to-back NFC East titles, a first for the franchise since 2004.
- Hurts joins a select group of quarterbacks who have reached the postseason in their first five full-time seasons.
The season’s resilience and leadership set a strong tone for the Eagles as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
