The Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious against the Los Angeles Rams, advancing to the NFC Championship Game. Before shifting focus to their next opponent, the Washington Commanders, quarterback Jalen Hurts addressed the media, reflecting on his knee injury, the impact of the snowy conditions, and the significance of this playoff journey.
When asked about the opportunity to play in the NFC Championship Game, Hurts expressed his excitement and determination:
“This is everything. This is what we work for. All of our energy and my energy have been directed toward this goal.”
Hurts didn’t have much reaction to facing the Commanders for the third time this season, emphasizing that the opponent doesn’t matter as much as his team’s preparation and execution.
On His Knee Injury
“Tough game. A challenging game,” Hurts admitted. He clarified that while he didn’t sustain multiple injuries during the game, he’ll monitor his recovery throughout the week. Confident in his ability to play, he responded simply with a “Yeah” when asked about his availability for the upcoming game.
On Playing in the Snow
Hurts acknowledged the snow presented a unique challenge:
“It was a new experience. Next time, I’ll be able to pull from this game and improve.”
He emphasized the importance of communication, fundamentals, and maintaining an aggressive approach in such conditions. Reflecting on the Rams’ performance, Hurts credited their efficient gameplay, particularly their strong defensive front. However, he commended his own team’s defensive resilience, highlighting their ability to force crucial turnovers in pivotal moments.
“We were able to weather the storm,” Hurts said. “It took complementary football—big plays on offense, defense, and special teams. I would’ve loved to capitalize on those turnovers when we had the opportunities, and we will next time. But I’m proud we got the win as a team.”
On Saquon Barkley’s Game-Changing Play
Hurts praised Saquon Barkley’s electrifying 78-yard touchdown run, noting he anticipated the play’s success based on the defensive alignment and Barkley’s ability:
“It was a big-time play we needed, and he delivered.”
Additional Takeaways
Hurts emphasized the importance of finding an offensive rhythm amid the pressure from the Rams’ defense, noting that rhythm isn’t about specific play types but about discovering what works in the moment. He also praised Jalen Carter’s late-game sack, which effectively secured the win, calling it a “great defensive play.”
On missed deep passes, Hurts admitted the connections weren’t there but noted it had been a while since the team consistently executed such plays. He framed it as an opportunity to learn and improve moving forward.
While Hurts avoided delving into specifics about offensive play-calling, he reiterated his focus on executing what’s asked of him and deferred those questions to Kellen Moore or Nick Sirianni.
Ultimately, Hurts displayed a confident yet focused demeanor, signaling the Eagles are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead as they aim for a Super Bowl berth.
