Jalen Hurts Struggles in Eagles’ Overtime Loss
Jalen Hurts had a rough outing on the field during the Eagles’ 22-19 loss to the Chargers, marking one of the lowest points in his career. He struggled significantly, recording five turnovers, including a game-ending interception in overtime, and didn’t contribute meaningfully as a rusher.
On Monday Night Football, Hurts rushed just four times for a mere eight yards, which is notably low, especially when compared to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who managed 10 rushes for 66 yards, despite his injuries.
John Ritchie, a host on Philadelphia’s 94 WIP, noted the stark contrast between the two quarterbacks. He expressed his frustration during the post-game analysis, mentioning that Hurts seemed to lack the urgency typically seen in a close game. “The overtime burst was different than a normal burst,” Ritchie said, underlining his concerns about Hurts’ performance.
Interestingly, Ritchie pointed out the anomaly of Herbert—at 6-foot-6 and recovering from a hand injury—leading in rushing yards. “Why isn’t that your strength, Jalen?” he asked. “That should be how we milk the clock.” It seems like many fans share this sentiment, feeling frustrated watching Hurts not tap into that aspect of his game enough.
Just ten months after being named Super Bowl MVP, Hurts appeared more like a quarterback at risk of being benched than a leader on a championship-caliber team. Traditionally known for his playmaking abilities, Hurts has been inconsistent this season, particularly as a passer. His rushing this year has noticeably dipped, averaging a career-low of 3.8 yards per carry, with a paltry 25.9 rushing yards per game.
Ritchie’s insights highlighted the fact that Hurts had a chance to demonstrate his rushing ability—but during regulation, he was mostly quiet, having one 17-yard rush called back due to a penalty just before overtime.
Hurts himself acknowledged his shortcomings, stating, “I just didn’t make enough plays… we had too many turnovers.” He reflected on missed opportunities, especially when the team moved into the opponent’s territory, underscoring the Eagles’ struggles to score effectively.
Despite this setback, the Eagles (8-5) still hold the top spot in the NFC East. However, they have now lost three consecutive games and seem far from playoff favorites. It’s still too early to write them off completely, given their seasoned roster and upcoming games against weaker teams like Washington and Las Vegas.
Yet, for the Eagles to reach their potential, Hurts needs to find his form, especially in using his legs. Coach Nick Sirianni emphasized that winning is a team effort, but he knows Hurts carries a significant portion of the burden, adding, “I have to do a better job of helping him in those scenarios.” He acknowledged the uncharacteristic turnovers that plagued their performance.
