Wildcard Weekend Recap: Why Jalen Hurts Performance is Being Criticized
After the dust had settled from last weekend’s six wildcard matchups, there was plenty to discuss among the 12 Quarterback performances.
Ranging from MVP candidates in Allen and Jackson, leading their teams to blowout victories before one of the two is sent home next week.
To veterans that have been in this scenario before, like Stafford, Hurts, and Mayfield, all the way down to Sam Darnold’s first playoff appearance.
And while the NFL Media echo chamber will try to tell you that Jalen Hurts had a “disastrous performance,” let’s look at how all of the QBs did in their last game.
Losing Quarterbacks
- Justin Herbert – 14/32, 242Yards, 1TD, 4INT
- Russell Wilson – 20/29 270Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 3Rush, 6 Rushing Yards
- Jordan Love – 20/33, 212Yards, 0TD, 3INT, 2Rush, 10 Rushing Yards
- Bo Nix – 13/22 144Yards, 1TD, 0INT, 4Rush, 43Yards
- Baker Mayfield – 15/18 185Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 7Rush, 23 Rushing Yards
- Sam Darnold – 25/40 245Yards, 1TD, 1INT, 4Rush, 19 Rushing Yards
Winning Quarterbacks
- C.J. Stroud – 22/33, 282Yards, 1TD, 1INT, 6Rush, 42 Rushing Yards
- Lamar Jackson – 16/21 175Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 15Rush, 81 Rushing Yards
- Jalen Hurts – 13/21 131Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 6Rush, 36 Rushing Yards
- Josh Allen – 20/26 272Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 8Rush, 46Rushing Yards
- Jayden Daniels – 24/35 268Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 13Rush, 36 Rushing Yards
- Matthew Stafford – 19/27 209Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 2Rush, -1 Rushing Yard
What’s With The Criticism?
PHOTO: Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
It’s strange; Hurts was one of five QBs this last week who led their team to a victory and didn’t turn the ball over. Yet nobody is questioning Lamar Jackson’s 175-passing-yard performance, as he’s likely to be crowned another MVP. And then, not a single soul is looking to judge Justin Herbert’s weekend. An early 6-0 lead turned into disaster as the Chargers QB threw 4 interceptions before being routed by C.J. Stroud.
Of course, there’s always the conversation of “who’s got more weapons.” Well, Stroud was without Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. Herbert, on the other hand, still had Quentin Johnson and Ladd McConkey.
Just because Jalen finally played his 4th game with Dallas Goedert, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith doesn’t mean the Eagles need a 400-yard passing game.
It’s especially difficult when you have a running back like Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley eating up over 100+ yards and 25+ rush attempts.
Controlling The Clock
The Eagles did exactly what was necessary of the offense after they took an early lead in the opening minutes two minutes of the game. After the early touchdown, the Packers never tied the game again. That means the Eagles held the lead for 58:28 of the game.
They had three-minute drives that resulted in multiple quick punts but still ate away at the clock, precisely what you hope to do when you have the lead. One such drive, a 7:23 drive in the fourth quarter, extended the lead to 9.
Flip-Flopping Narratives
It didn’t take long for anyone and everyone to add to the Jalen Hurts conversation.
As he stated during a media availability – his goal is to win, regardless of how it looks.
Multiple QBs went over the 240 passing-yard mark and still lost the game.
With a re-established Hurts after missing two weeks, the Eagles will look to take on the Los Angeles Rams in a home game rematch from their Week 12 trip out West.
PHOTO: Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
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