Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts showed his toughness and leadership on Sunday, as he played through a rib injury and led his team to a 28-23 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in a key NFC East matchup.
Hurts Suffers Injury in First Half, Returns to Game
Hurts was hit hard by Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons in the second quarter, and had to leave the field for the locker room before halftime. He was diagnosed with a rib contusion, but was cleared to return to the game after getting some painkillers and a protective vest.
“It was a gritty win, it was a tough win,” Hurts said after the game. “I just wanted to be out there with my teammates and do whatever I could to help us win.”
Hurts Throws Two Touchdowns, Runs for Another
Despite the injury, Hurts was able to make some big plays with his arm and his legs. He finished the game with 19 completions on 28 attempts for 236 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for 53 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
Hurts connected with wide receiver DeVonta Smith for a 25-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and with tight end Dallas Goedert for a 12-yard score in the third quarter. He also scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving the Eagles a 28-16 lead.
Hurts Helps Eagles Improve to 8-1, Take Control of NFC East
With the win, the Eagles improved to 8-1 on the season, and extended their lead in the NFC East to three games over the Cowboys, who fell to 5-4. The Eagles also have the best record in the NFC, and are in prime position to secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Hurts, who is in his second year in the league, has been a big reason for the Eagles’ success. He has thrown for 2,137 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, while rushing for 538 yards and seven touchdowns. He has also earned the respect and trust of his teammates and coaches.
“He’s a warrior, he’s a leader, he’s a winner,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said of Hurts. “He showed that today, and he’s shown that all year. I’m proud of him and I’m proud of this team.”
