Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles came away with a 22-10 win over the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the 2024 NFL playoffs. The Eagles’ defense came out to play as they forced Jordan Love into three interceptions, due to which Philly’s offense didn’t have to do much to win the game.
The Eagles quarterback threw for just 131 yards, yet his team had a comfortable lead for most of the game. He completed 61.9% of his throws, threw two touchdowns, and had a passer rating of 111.4
Fans React to Jalen Hurts’ Outing in the Wild Card Round
Hurts played well enough for the Eagles to win, but his performance failed to get praise from fans on social media. The majority of the fans believe that he is benefiting from the talent around him. Here are some of the reactions:
“He has the easiest QB job for teams in the playoffs…they really don’t need much from him,” said a fan about Hurts.
3. Carried by a super team
— Chase (@ccoats2) January 13, 2025
Another fan added, “Jalen Hurts is average, but the roster makes up for it in Philly.”
The ant on top is Jalen Hurts https://t.co/9AQI74OLl2
— Ja🔴 (@ProjectStrider) January 13, 2025
“Dak Prescott is still better than Jalen hurts,” wrote a fan.
“Jalen Hurts is holding this team back,” said one fan.
Another fan added, “Jalen Hurts gets carried so hard.”
The Eagles aren't winning a SB with average to bad Jalen Hurts.
— Brandon (@Brandon51786) January 13, 2025
Saquon Barkley had another big game as he rushed for 119 yards on 25 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Hurts didn’t have to do much in the game, but playing safe football without committing any turnovers should not be discredited.
It should also be noted that the Eagles quarterback has been out since Week 16 due to a concussion. It was obvious that Hurts would be a little rusty, as he hadn’t played a game for over 20 days, but he did what he was supposed to do against a Packers defense that was 10th-best in the NFL (79.8, C+) according to PFN’s Defense+ metric and had the joint third-best net turnovers (+13) in the league this season.
Philadelphia’s defense benefited from injuries to multiple Packers players during the game, including Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed. Love was down without his top three wideouts, as Christian Watson was already out due to an ACL injury. The Eagles made the most of its opportunity and ensured their quarterback wasn’t asked to play hero ball in his first game back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Although the fans were not impressed with Hurts, his team should be more than happy to come away with a win in a comfortable manner.
Should the Philadelphia Eagles Be the Favorite To Win the NFC?
The Eagles arguably have the best roster in the league, and given the number of injuries the Detroit Lions are dealing with, it is debatable that Philadelphia should be the favorite to win the NFC.
Here’s how Philly stacks up against Detroit when using PFN’s Offense+ and Defense+:
- Eagles’ offense (77.8, C+, 14th in the NFL) vs. Lions’ defense (81.5, B-, fifth in the NFL)
- Eagles’ defense (88.2, B+, second) vs. Lions’ offense (94.7, A, first)
The Eagles made light work of a Packers team that is a tricky matchup for everyone. Their defense is playing at an exceptional level, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is capable of slowing down the high-flying offenses of teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and the Lions.
Philadelphia’s Divisional Round opponent is not yet decided, but the NFC East team will be confident about their chances against any team. Here’s a look at the different scenarios in which the NFC Divisional Round games could be set up:
- If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win against the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Rams win against the Minnesota Vikings, the Eagles will face the Rams, while the Lions will face the Buccaneers.
- If the Buccaneers win and the Rams lose, the Eagles will face the Bucs, while the Lions will take on the Vikings.
- If the Commanders and the Vikings win, then the Eagles will host Minnesota.
- If the Commanders and Rams win, the Lions will host Washington, while Hurts and Co. will be up against Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay.
The Eagles may prefer playing against the Buccaneers the most out of the potential opponents. Not only does Tampa Bay have a sub-par defense (74.7, C, 16th), but Hurts will also have the opportunity to avenge last year’s embarrassing 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round.