Analyzing Jalen Hurts’ Standout Performance Against Giants
At last, the Eagles pulled away with a convincing win against the Giants in Week Seven. The final score of 28-3 was the greatest margin of victory this season thus far. The offense was clicking on many drives throughout, with quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley having massive performances in New York. Although Hurts’ passing yards don’t jump out, he had a 71.4 completion percentage, paired with a spectacular throw under heavy pressure to wide receiver A.J. Brown for a 41-yard touchdown. In an even more promising sign, it was Hurts’ second game in a row without a turnover. This was pleasing to see, considering Hurts’ was on a nine-game turnover before Week Six. With that being said, let’s look at how Hurts’ performance in a key divisional game can give the Eagles momentum to build from.
When your starting quarterback is pulled early in the fourth because the chance for the opposing team to come back is slim to none, that is always an ideal outcome. For Hurts yesterday, he put the offense in a position where the victory was secured after three quarters. He looked more comfortable in the pocket, throwing with poise and composure throughout. Previously, it was emphasized that Hurts was leaving the pocket too quickly, not giving receivers a chance to find space. Eclipsing a 70% completion percentage was also his highest of any game thus far. This was the first game of the season where it seemed that Hurts was in control throughout. His decision-making has improved dramatically in the last two weeks, and it shows how vital his habits are to the success of this offense.
Of course, it is unrealistic to expect Hurts to go perfect in the turnover category for the rest of the year, but stretches of clean games will be pivotal down the stretch. The only downside of his performance yesterday was the lack of targets for wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Smith only had one catch yesterday for negative yardage. Fortunately, Hurts and the offense still managed to put up 28 points, a great sign for hopes of getting the offense going. Standing at 4-2 in a wide-open NFC East, Philadelphia travels to Cincinnati in hopes of going on their first three-game win streak of 2024. It will be interesting to see if Hurts can stay consistent and provide another strong outing on the road.
