The Philadelphia Eagles secured a hard-fought 26-18 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 11, but despite the win, Jalen Hurts’ performance was met with criticism from a former quarterback with a sharp eye for detail.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, known for his candid takes and no-nonsense approach to analyzing the game, didn’t hold back in assessing Hurts’ outing, offering both praise and concern as the Eagles continue their push toward the postseason.
While the Eagles were able to extend their win streak with the victory, Fitzpatrick noted that Hurts’ individual performance was far from his best. “Let’s talk about Jalen Hurts tonight,” Fitzpatrick began. “They won. His stats look OK… But I walk out of this game with not a ton of confidence with the way he’s playing right now.” Fitzpatrick, whose expertise as a quarterback provides him with a nuanced understanding of the position, pointed out that although Hurts helped lead his team to a win, his performance left much to be desired.
Hurts’ stat line for the game, which included 221 passing yards and a single rushing touchdown, was solid, but not spectacular. He completed 18 of 28 passes, yet failed to throw a single passing touchdown. While Hurts did contribute to the win, it was clear that his passing game had limitations during this matchup. Fitzpatrick, who has always been an advocate for quarterbacks pushing the envelope in high-pressure situations, noted that Hurts’ inability to find the end zone through the air raised some concerns.
Despite the rough performance, Hurts took a measured approach when discussing the game after the win. In his post-game comments, he emphasized that the most important thing was that the Eagles came away with the victory, not necessarily the specifics of his personal performance. “At the end of the day, we got the win,” Hurts said. “The team did what we had to do to secure that W.” Hurts, ever the team-first player, also took time to praise the defense, acknowledging that they played an outstanding game in securing the win.
Hurts’ rush for a touchdown in the second quarter, which helped keep the Eagles’ offense on track, was one of the highlights of his day, but it wasn’t enough to overshadow his struggles as a passer. His inability to connect with his receivers in the red zone, combined with his lack of big plays through the air, left many wondering if the Eagles would be able to rely solely on his rushing ability in the postseason or if more would be required from his arm.
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Fitzpatrick, however, wasn’t necessarily down on Hurts’ potential. The former QB expressed confidence that Hurts could turn things around, particularly with the talent around him. Fitzpatrick pointed to the Eagles’ overall roster as a major strength, noting that the team could still make a deep playoff run, and perhaps even reach the Super Bowl, despite Hurts’ inconsistent play. “I think back to you saying this Eagles team is going to the Super Bowl,” Fitzpatrick remarked, acknowledging the Eagles’ overall potential while still critiquing their leader’s performance.
Indeed, while Hurts may have had an off game, the Eagles’ roster remains one of the most balanced in the league. Their defense has been playing at a high level, and the special teams have been effective. The Eagles are still 8-2 and remain among the top contenders in the NFC. But as the playoffs approach, it will be crucial for Hurts to find his rhythm as a passer, especially when facing teams with explosive offenses and high-caliber defenses.
Looking ahead to Week 12, the Eagles will face a tough test against the Los Angeles Rams, who have shown flashes of brilliance this season. The Rams’ defense, while not elite, can create pressure on quarterbacks, and Hurts will need to improve his passing accuracy and decision-making under duress. After that, the Eagles will travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens, who boast one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL.
The next few weeks will serve as a critical stretch for Hurts and the Eagles. While the team has certainly been winning games, they can’t afford to let performances like the one against the Commanders slide under the radar. Hurts’ ability to elevate his play in upcoming games against playoff-caliber teams will be pivotal for Philadelphia’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Though Hurts may not have been at his best on Sunday, the Eagles are not panicking. Head coach Nick Sirianni has faith in his quarterback’s growth and ability to bounce back from less-than-perfect outings. With Hurts’ competitive spirit and drive, it’s unlikely that he’ll let one bad game affect his long-term development. The key now is for Hurts to continue learning from these experiences, refining his mechanics, and gaining consistency.
As for Fitzpatrick’s take, while it was certainly a critique of Hurts’ play, it also underscored the sky-high expectations that have surrounded the young quarterback. Hurts has already shown that he has the potential to perform in clutch moments, and while he might have faltered against the Commanders, his ability to respond to this critique and raise his level of play will determine how far the Eagles can go this season.
In the grand scheme, a performance like the one against Washington is a reminder that even the best quarterbacks will have days where things don’t go perfectly. The important thing for Hurts is to learn from it, adjust, and keep his focus on what ultimately matters—winning games and leading his team to the postseason. The next few weeks will be crucial for Hurts to show that his ability to win isn’t limited by a rough patch or a few missed opportunities, but rather defined by how he responds to adversity. The Eagles will need him at his best when the stakes get higher.