'Absolutely brilliant': Confident Eagles QB Jalen Hurts plays like franchise QB
With a 24-7 win over the Vikings on Monday, the Eagles looked like one of the best teams in the NFL, and Jalen Hurts played like a franchise QB. It's early in the season, but Eagles fans have plenty to be excited about, starting with Hurts.
Longtime Eagles radio play-by-play broadcaster Merrill Reese called Hurts' MNF performance "absolutely brilliant."
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, meanwhile, said Hurts provided a "great lesson for fans of teams with struggling, young quarterbacks."
The second-year starter looked in rhythm from the opening whistle. He completed all nine of his first-quarter passes for 102 yards and also added a rushing touchdown.
In total, Hurts completed 26 of his 31 pass attempts for 333 yards. He threw a 53-yard TD in which Quez Watkins beat his defender on the deep route. Hurts also rushed for 57 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns--including one in which he bulled his way through two defenders. Hurts reminded some of this former Eagles quarterback.
In the fourth quarter, Hurts got dinged with an unlucky interception in which an attempted screen pass bounced off Kenneth Gainwell's hands and into Jordan Hicks' outstretched arms. But that was one of the few warts in his otherwise outstanding performance.
Beyond the impressive stat line, Hurts played with every bit of the confidence and poise an Eagles fan could hope for. He fit throws into tight windows and seemingly had more zip on the ball than earlier in his career.
It was a complete team win, with the defense--led by cornerback Darius Slay (two interceptions)--also putting on a show. Hurts' performance, however, was one of the most impressive by an Eagle in recent memory.
The Eagles are 2-0 and tied with the Giants atop the NFC East. Their performance Monday night put the division -- and the rest of the NFL -- on notice.
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