The question marks all revolve around Eagles quarterback Jaylen Hurts. After rushing for a 44-yard touchdown on the opening drive of Philly’s divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams, Hurts suffered a knee injury in the second half and looked uncomfortable for the remainder of the game.
The 26-year-old threw 15-of-20 for 128 yards in the game but was sacked seven times for a total of 63 yards, bringing the Eagles’ final net passing total down to 65 yards; the cold, snowy weather in Philadelphia appear to hamper the home team’s ability to pass the ball.
Hurts said after the game he was confident he would play against the Commanders, but if his mobility is affected by any lingering issues, it would severely hamper a key aspect of what makes him so dangerous.
Luckily for Philadelphia, they have the best running back in the league, who should be able to shoulder some of that burden.
Saquon Barkley had another outstanding game against the Rams – with 205 rushing yards including two long touchdown runs – and slowing him down will be key for the Commanders if they have any chance of winning.
Although the balance between the Eagles’ passing and rushing games seems to have been slightly off-kilter in recent contests, head coach Nick Sirianni says his team will be ready.
“You do everything you can do to win each and every game. There is going to be a game that we’re going to have to throw a bunch, and there’s going to be a game we have to run a bunch,” Sirianni told reporters on Tuesday.
“I wouldn’t say I have a level of concern of anything there. I know we’re able to win both ways. I know we can win passing the ball. I know we can win running the ball. Just so happens a little bit more this year, we’ve won running the football.
