Eagles get difference-maker back in time for Super Bowl rematch
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, they may have a massive difference-maker back in the lineup.
After missing the last five games with a foot injury, Eagles guard Cam Jurgens is on track to return for the clash with the defending champs on "Monday Night Football." In a game featuring the likes of star quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, getting back a second-year offensive lineman might not seem like a big deal on the surface. However, he could have a significant impact, especially for the Eagles run game.
Before Jurgens went down in Week 4, the Eagles were off and running. Through the season's first four games, Philly rushed for 661 yards and 4.7 yards per carry, which would be good enough for third in the NFL entering Week 11. Meanwhile, the Eagles struggled to get anything going on the ground without Jurgens in the lineup. While the team went 4-1 in the five games Jurgens missed, the rushing game suffered greatly, averaging only 3.4 yards a carry off 150 attempts, which would rank 31st in the NFL today.
Jurgens' return could also be bad news for the Chiefs, who have proved to be susceptible against the run. The Chiefs come into their battle with the Eagles allowing 4.5 yards per carry, 27th in the NFL. Furthermore, they've allowed teams to eclipse 100 yards rushing in all but two games this season and in four straight.
Jurgens may not be the ultimate decider in Monday night's contest. However, there's no denying how much he means to an Eagles team that loves to pound the rock. Without him, a dimension of the game is lacking, but with him, Hurts and the offense can truly spread their wings.
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