By Teddy Brenner
History will reflect that the Eagles lost 33-26 to the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale after fighting back from 16-0 down in the first quarter.
That left Philly with a 4-9-1 record, bad enough for last in the NFC East, which is led by the 6-8 Washington Football Team.
In other words, the Birds’ playoffs hopes are hanging by a thread with two games to play — at Dallas and home with the WFT.
But rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts again showed that he is the man of the moment if not the future:
He led four scoring drives, demonstrated that his arm and his legs are up to the challenge and will undoubtedly start the rest of the season over pouting Carson Wentz.
Despite starting off with a 16-point deficit, Hurts led the Eagles in the second quarter — eventually tying the game in the third. He threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score, as the Eagles came roaring back against the Cardinals.
Hurts completed 24-of-44 passes (54.5%) for 338 passing yards and three touchdowns. He led four scoring drives and ran for 63 rushing yards on 11 carries. He also took a safety — due to penalty – when he was called for intentional grounding on the Eagles’ first drive.
Down 16-0 in the first quarter, the Eagles needed a big play to get their offense going. After completing a 10-yard pass to Jalen Reagor, Hurts decided to air it out for wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. The veteran wide receiver was able to somehow keep his feet inbounds as he hauled in a beautiful rainbow floater from Hurts, who put it right on the money. The completion went for a 24-yard gain. A few plays later, the Eagles would score their first points off a 32-yard screen toss from Hurts to Quez Watkins for a touchdown.
Hurts spread the ball around immediately against Arizona. Prior to halftime, Hurts had completed passes to eight different receivers for 177 yards and three touchdowns. He had just 17 completions for 167 passing yards in his first start against the New Orleans Saints.
Hurts’ top target was Jalen Reagor, who caught five passes for 49 yards on eight throws. Jeffery caught two passes for 63 yards on three targets.
