The Philadelphia Eagles have been firing on all cylinders during the 2024 NFL season, overcoming early challenges to emerge as one of the league’s top contenders. After a disappointing end to the 2023 season and a rocky 2-2 start to this year, the Eagles have since turned their fortunes around, rattling off eight consecutive victories. Their latest triumph came in a hard-fought win over the Baltimore Ravens, solidifying their position as one of the NFC’s elite teams.
Now, with a matchup against the struggling Carolina Panthers (3-9) at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot as early as this weekend. Their consistent performance over the last two months has been a testament to the team’s adaptability and resilience, but one key player has arguably flown under the radar despite being instrumental to their success: quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Hurts has been a steadying force for Philadelphia, providing efficiency and versatility in a season where the team has leaned heavily on its rushing attack. Even with a run-first offensive identity, Hurts has managed to shine, tallying 26 total touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions. His ability to execute whatever is required—whether through the air or on the ground—has given the Eagles a chance to win each week.
Despite his impressive numbers, Hurts has faced some skepticism, a sentiment former Eagles star Seth Joyner addressed during a recent interview on 94WIP SportsRadio. Joyner praised Hurts’ adaptability and performance, calling out critics who question the quarterback’s capabilities.
“I don’t understand all this apprehension about Jalen,” Joyner said. “He has proven he can get it done when he needs to. Every single year, a team is wired and built differently. You bring in Saquon Barkley behind arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, and though they struggled early in a new offense, they adjusted, leaned on the running game, and found massive success. When Jalen is asked to be efficient, he’s more than capable of getting the job done.”
Joyner emphasized that Hurts has delivered whenever the situation demanded, particularly in critical passing scenarios. “What more do you want from him as a quarterback?” Joyner asked. “The identity of this football team right now is rushing, and Jalen is playing the game exactly as he needs to.”
As the Eagles march toward the postseason, they are fortunate to have a leader like Hurts under center. His ability to adapt to the team’s evolving strategy while maintaining a high level of play makes him an invaluable asset. With Hurts at the helm, Philadelphia is poised to make a deep playoff run and possibly contend for a championship.
