The Philadelphia Eagles have been cruising through an impressive season, and they’ve already secured their spot in the playoffs. But the winds might be changing for them after their recent game against the Washington Commanders, where quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion. With the playoffs approaching rapidly and Hurts’ availability uncertain, the Eagles are faced with a crucial decision at the quarterback position.
There’s no denying the dynamic difference Jalen Hurts brings to the field compared to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Hurts’ dual-threat capability has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ balanced offense, and without him, there’s been a noticeable drop in their offensive production. In the recent game, Pickett finished with 14 completions on 24 attempts for 143 yards, managing a touchdown but also throwing an interception. While Hurts managed to rack up 41 yards with three rushing attempts, Pickett, despite having the same number of tries, could only muster 13 rushing yards. Clearly, Pickett’s game has been inconsistent, and it’s unlikely he can lead the Eagles effectively through the playoffs unless Hurts returns in good health.
Enter Kirk Cousins as a potential solution for the Eagles. It’s been rumored that the Atlanta Falcons might release Cousins, having relegated him to the bench in favor of Michael Penix Jr. At 36 years old, Cousins could be eager for an opportunity to both start and contend for a Super Bowl—a chance the Eagles can offer should they bring him into the fold.
While Cousins might not offer the mobility that Hurts does, he brings a level of consistency and experience that Pickett currently lacks. Despite throwing 16 interceptions, Cousins has still accumulated 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. With offensive weapons like AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith at his disposal, Cousins would certainly have the support he needs to make a significant impact, filling in for Hurts.
