PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts showed little concern about his lackluster statistics following his return to the field after a three-week concussion absence.
He recorded just 131 passing yards and rushed for only 36 yards, even failing to complete a pass in the entire second quarter.
However, Hurts emphasized that the only numbers that truly mattered were those on the scoreboard, with the Eagles beating the Packers 22-10.
“It’s about winning,” Hurts stated. “We’ve focused on finding ways to win, and that’s what counts.”
The Philadelphia Eagles, already crowned as the NFC East champions, continue to build on their impressive season with an overall record of 13 wins and just one loss as they prepare for an upcoming divisional round playoff game against either the Rams or the Vikings scheduled for Sunday.
The success of the Eagles this season can largely be attributed to Hurts, the NFL’s rushing leader Saquon Barkley—who still managed a respectable 119 rushing yards—and wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown.
However, in the game against Green Bay, the defense took center stage, successfully pressuring quarterback Jordan Love into throwing three interceptions.
“That’s what we pride ourselves on, our defense,” cornerback Darius Slay remarked. “At the start of the year, turnovers weren’t happening as often, but as the season progressed, we really picked it up. We’re a tough team that knows how to take the ball away.”
This strong defensive performance is the kind of formula that typically leads to success in the playoffs.
The Eagles showcased their defensive prowess by accounting for three interceptions—by Zack Baun, Quinyon Mitchell, and Slay—and one fumble recovery courtesy of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. This total of four takeaways marked their highest in a playoff game since they achieved the same feat in a 2002 match against Chicago.
Baun’s interception made him the first Eagles linebacker to achieve this in a playoff game since DeMeco Ryans in 2014, while Mitchell became the first rookie Eagles player with a postseason interception since Roynell Young in the NFC Championship in January 1981.
Despite the impressive defensive work, the Eagles only capitalized on the fumble recovery for points on their opening drive.
Regarding their offensive performance, the question remains whether Hurts did enough to maintain confidence in the team’s potential for a Super Bowl victory.
His modest output was partly due to his recovery from a concussion, along with the offensive coordinator Kellen Moore struggling to find the right game rhythm for Hurts during the match.
As a result, the Eagles leaned heavily on their formidable defense for the victory against Green Bay. According to Brown, the passing game needs to regain its rhythm.
“As an offense, we faced some struggles. We didn’t execute the way we desired, but Jalen made a lot of good plays,” head coach Nick Sirianni assessed.
In terms of highlights, tight end Dallas Goedert returned for the regular-season finale after missing four games due to a knee injury.
He demonstrated his worth with a tough touchdown run, impressively shedding tackles and delivering powerful stiff-arms en route to scoring.
“Dallas Goedert is one of the most physical players in the league when he has the ball in his hands,” Sirianni praised.
In a lighter note, wide receiver A.J. Brown made waves by reading self-help author Jim Murphy’s book “Inner Excellence,” which unexpectedly climbed the Amazon bestseller list.
Conversely, kicker Jake Elliott continues to face challenges, hitting field goals from 32, 31, and 30 yards but missing an extra point that allowed the Packers to stay within reach in the second half.
Elliott’s overall record of 28 out of 36 field goals this season, coupled with a poor showing from 50 yards or beyond, raises concerns for crucial moments in playoff games.
In injury news, linebacker Nakobe Dean sustained a serious left knee injury that unfortunately will sideline him for the playoffs.
He was seen on crutches with his leg in a brace after limping off the field during the second quarter.
A notable statistic is that Sirianni has now achieved three consecutive playoff victories at Lincoln Financial Field. This ties him for the longest home postseason winning streak in Eagles history with esteemed coaches Andy Reid and Dick Vermeil.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will await the outcome of the wild-card matchup between Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams taking place in Arizona on Monday night.
