Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion during the Philadelphia Eagles’ 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, which snapped their impressive 10-game winning streak. Hurts exited the game in the first quarter after a hard hit resulted in his head colliding with the turf. He was evaluated and later ruled out due to his concussion.
In Hurts’ absence, Kenny Pickett, who had recently joined Philadelphia after his stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, stepped in and completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, including one touchdown but also threw an interception. Pickett later revealed that he sustained a rib injury during the game and would undergo further evaluations.
Despite suffering injuries, both quarterbacks showcased resilience in a challenging game. Pickett managed to lead a scoring drive that briefly put the Eagles ahead in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his potential as a backup when called upon. A.J. Brown, a key receiver for the Eagles, expressed his confidence in Pickett’s performance saying it could serve as a valuable experience should they need him again.
The defeat had significant implications for the Eagles’ playoff positioning. They now have a slim 4% chance of securing the top seed in the NFC playoffs following their loss and the Detroit Lions’ victory. To clinch the NFC East title, they must win their upcoming games against the Cowboys and Giants, while the Lions need to lose their remaining matches.
Interestingly, this matchup marked a rare occurrence in football history; the Eagles recorded five turnovers but still ended up losing, a feat only matched by one other team since the Super Bowl era. Following the loss, the team acknowledged their numerous mistakes, including penalties and blown coverage, that contributed to the defeat.
The team remains focused on moving forward, with star running back Saquon Barkley vowing their commitment to winning each game and staying united in the locker room.
As the Eagles regroup, they have an opportunity to bounce back in the next matches, and with the playoffs fast approaching, the team’s resilience and teamwork could be pivotal in their quest for success. The challenges they faced may unite them as they look to refine their performance and regain their winning momentum.