Jalen Hurts’ Commanding Performance Matched By Philadelphia Eagles’ Stingy Defense In Win Over Minnesota Vikings!
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-7 on Monday night as quarterback Jalen Hurts was in control on the ground (57 yards, 2 TDs) and through the air (26-of-31, 333 yards), while the Eagles’ defense frustrated Kirk Cousins & Co., coming away with three interceptions.
Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts has been the team’s best player in both games so far, and that’s no small thing. Entering the season, the big question was whether Hurts was good enough to take advantage of a loaded roster and turn the Eagles into legit contenders.
There’s a long way to go, but he has been dynamite so far. Vegas has taken notice. Hurts’ MVP odds moved from 14-1 to 8-1 at Caesars Sportsbook following Monday’s win.
He is now the third favorite behind Josh Allen (+325) and Patrick Mahomes (+450). The big improvement has been Hurts’ passing. He was decisive and accurate with his throws against Minnesota. Given how effective he is as a runner, defenses are going to have a very hard time containing him if he continues to burn it up through the air.
Promising trend: The Eagles’ defense got off the mat in a big way after yielding 35 points to Jared Goff and the Lions Week 1. The difference? Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon was much more aggressive. He dialed up a number of creative blitzes and had the corners challenging the gifted group of Minnesota receivers. The result was three interceptions, including a pair by Darius Slay.
Pivotal play: Early in the second quarter, Hurts found a streaking Quez Watkins for a 53-yard touchdown to put the Eagles ahead for good. It was a total defensive breakdown, with three defenders gravitating toward tight end Dallas Goedert while Watkins cruised down the field unmarked.
QB breakdown: This was Hurts’ third game since the beginning of last season with two rush touchdowns and a passing touchdown. The rest of the league has four, per ESPN Stats & Information research. — Tim McManus
Underrated statistic to know: Hurts is the second Eagle in the Super Bowl era with 300 passing yards and two rushing TDs in a game. He joins quarterback Mike Vick, who did it on Monday Night Football in 2010 against Washington.
Next game: at Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Sept. 25)
Tim Mcmanus & Kevin Siefert
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