Jalen Hurts, the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, suffered a concussion during the team’s game against the Washington Commanders, leading to a disappointing end of their 10-game win streak. The Eagles lost the match 36-33, complicating their pursuit of the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
Hurts was injured early in the first quarter when he fell and collided with the turf while being tackled by linebacker Frankie Luvu after a 13-yard run. Following an evaluation in the medical tent, he was ruled out of the game. Coach Nick Sirianni did not provide specific updates about Hurts’ condition after the game.
Kenny Pickett replaced Hurts and had a solid performance, completing 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, he too sustained an injury, to his ribs, while being tackled in the fourth quarter. Pickett managed to contribute to a crucial drive that resulted in a go-ahead field goal, but the Eagles ultimately fell behind after Washington made a late touchdown.
The outcome has significant implications for the Eagles. With a record of 12-3, they now face an uphill battle to clinch the NFC East title and improve their chances of earning the No. 1 seed, which has now dropped to just 4% according to NFL NextGen Stats. To secure the top spot, the Eagles will need to win their remaining games against the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, along with help from other teams.
Despite the tough loss, the team showed resilience, with wide receiver A.J. Brown acknowledging the confidence Pickett gained from stepping up in Hurts’ absence. The game also featured standout performances from players such as Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
As the Eagles reflect on the game, coach Sirianni recognized the need to address the sloppiness that contributed to their defeat, emphasizing that fundamental mistakes are costly against strong opponents. The team is committed to regrouping and staying focused for the remainder of the season.
In summary, while the Eagles faced a setback with their injuries and the loss, the experience gained by players stepping into their roles can be invaluable moving forward. The team’s resilience and determination suggest that they still have a strong chance to finish the season on a positive note, no matter the challenges ahead.