A 22‑19 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night left Philadelphia’s quarterback Jalen Hurts visibly frustrated. In a Wednesday press conference, the 26‑year‑old admitted the team’s failure to finish strong in overtime was a painful reminder that the game was still “ugly” even after the loss.
The Game That Stung
The Eagles’ defeat came on Monday Night Football when the Chargers edged them 22‑19. In overtime, Philadelphia’s defense forced a 54‑yard field‑goal attempt from the Chargers, but the offense could not capitalize. Hurts and the lineup began at their own 31‑yard line, drove toward the Chargers’ 17‑yard line, and then threw a pass to Jahan Dotson that was intercepted. The play was Hurts’ fourth interception and the fifth turnover of the game. His passer rating for the match was 31.2, and the offense scored only one touchdown.
Hurts said, “The problem about the game is as ugly as it was throughout, I had an opportunity to win it at the end.” The quarterback highlighted that, despite his “clutch gene,” the team did not come up for the win in the final moments.
Statistical Struggles
The loss was part of a three‑game losing streak in which Hurts completed 59.3 % of his passes. He threw three touchdowns, five interceptions, and posted a passer rating of 69.9. The streak also exposed a broader offensive issue: the run game has been ineffective. Hurts recorded only eight yards on four rushing attempts in the Monday night game and has not surpassed 33 rushing yards in a game since Week 4.
This marks a nine‑game stretch without rushing for 50 yards, the longest such streak of his career. The previous high was five straight games. The lack of quarterback runs has become a focal point of discussion as the Eagles search for an offensive identity.
Hurts on Slumps and Confidence
When asked whether quarterbacks can go into a slump, Hurts answered, “That’s a part of the game.” He added that success or greatness is not linear and that the key is how one responds. “I have a lot of confidence in how we’ll respond. I have a lot of confidence in how it will go,” he said.
The quarterback also emphasized the need to stay focused after a tough outing. “Wake up the next day, go back to work,” he said. Hurts reiterated that he is not new to adversity and that he has a plan for moving forward.
Offense and Run Game Concerns
While the Eagles’ rushing attack saw some improvement in the Monday night game, the team appeared to shift away from the ground game in the second half. Saquon Barkley made a 52‑yard touchdown run on a Tush Push wrinkle and finished the game with 117 yards.
Despite the rushing contribution from Barkley, Hurts’ own ground production remains limited. He has not had more than 33 rushing yards in a game since Week 4, and the nine‑game streak without 50 yards on the ground highlights a persistent issue.
Hurts acknowledged that the lack of quarterback runs “has not been for lack of effort and has instead been a product of game flow.” He stated, “Right now, it’s just about finding ways to go out there and find a way to win the game.” He added that he does not focus on one area of the game in isolation but rather on taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles will need to address both the passing and rushing inefficiencies highlighted by the loss. Hurts’ confidence and willingness to respond to adversity suggest that the team can regroup. The focus will be on turning opportunities into tangible results in the coming games.
The Monday night performance also underscored the importance of the run game in balancing the offense. With Barkley’s 117‑yard effort, the team has shown that a strong ground attack can complement the passing game, but consistency will be key.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles lost 22‑19 to the Chargers, with Hurts throwing his fourth interception in overtime.
- Hurts’ season statistics in the losing streak include 59.3 % completion, 3 TDs, 5 INTs, and a 69.9 passer rating.
- The quarterback has gone nine games without rushing for 50 yards, the longest streak of his career.
The game and subsequent comments from Hurts highlight a need for the Eagles to improve both their offensive execution and run game balance. The team’s response in the next match will be crucial to determining whether they can reverse the losing streak and position themselves for a playoff push.
