The Washington Commanders are bracing for a physical battle with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, particularly if the dynamic signal-caller decides to leave the pocket and run during Sunday’s NFC Championship Game.
“We’ve had a number of these [running quarterbacks] that we’ve had to prepare for. The one thing is, if he’s going to run the ball – the coordinator makes the decision for him to run the ball – we’re going to treat him like a running back,” Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said.
“And we’re going to hit him that way. That’s their decision if they want to get him hit the way that he gets hit. If they don’t, they’ll keep him in the pocket.”
Asked for his reaction to Whitt’s comments, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (surprisingly) didn’t take the bait.
“Every team is going to try to tackle Jalen. We, ultimately, already, are conscious of how we use him, and how we think about each play,” he said.
Whitt’s comments underline the Commanders’ strategy to limit Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities, but Philadelphia’s offensive leader may already be limited due to injury.
Hurts hurt his knee during last weekend’s 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams, appearing hobbled in the game’s closing stages.
While Hurts has been a full participant in practice this week, questions remain about whether he’ll be at full strength.
“He’s tough. He’s gritty. He wants to be out there with us at all times,” Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata said of Hurts. “Nothing but respect for him. He embraces adversity. He’s a lot more energetic this week. He’s fired up.”
Hurts has been pivotal to the Eagles’ success this season, including against the Commanders.
In November, he led Philadelphia to a 26-18 victory over Washington and was on track for a similar result in December before suffering a concussion in the first quarter.
Without him, the Eagles’ offense stalled in a 36-33 loss, despite an early scoring surge.
Hurts’ mobility is central to Philadelphia’s offensive strategy, particularly in read-option and run-pass option plays that create opportunities for running back Saquon Barkley and help keep defenses off-balance.
If Hurts is less than 100 percent, the Eagles’ offense may struggle to maintain its usual explosiveness and dynamism.
Washington’s defense, however, faces an uphill battle regardless.
The Eagles racked up 772 total yards and 59 points across their two meetings this season.
Despite those impressive numbers, Philadelphia settled for nine field-goal attempts in those games, converting six, and played much of the second matchup without Hurts.
With a Super Bowl berth on the line, Whitt and the Commanders’ defense have a monumental task ahead.
Having said that, Washington certainly appears up to the challenge.
What are your thoughts on the matchup? … Are the Eagles in trouble???
