Lincoln Financial Field looked like a snow globe come to life, but the Eagles painted the frosty gridiron green with a 28-22 win over the Rams in the divisional round. Jalen Hurts set the tone early, busting loose for an epic touchdown run on the first drive. But the cheers turned to gasps in the third quarter when Hurts limped off the field, leaving Philly fans holding their breath.

After the game, NBC’s Melissa Stark asked the question on everyone’s mind: “Are you OK?” Hurts’ response? Classic QB cool: “I finished the game.” But let’s be real — just finishing won’t cut it next week. Not with Jayden Daniels and the Commanders waiting in the NFC Championship.

Daniels has been lighting it up and Hurts? He managed just 128 passing yards with zero passing touchdowns. Philly’s defense may have saved the day this time, but if Hurts doesn’t bounce back, outscoring Washington could be an uphill climb. After all, they hardly broke a sweat outscoring the fancied Lions. Still, Hurts didn’t let the moment rattle him. When asked about avenging their 36-33 loss to Washington earlier this season, he stayed focused: “Excited for the next opportunity.” Hurt or not, Philly will need him at his best if they want to keep flying high.

Compare that to JD’s divisional round show against the No. 1 seed. Yeah, it was just too good to be true. 299 yards for 2 TDs. Ford Field was livid. He brought Dan Campbell to tears. And put a weird smile on Magic Johnson’s face (Michigan-born legend, owning a Washington franchise, that’s a tough one to solve even for his big brain). 

So, that’s what Jalen Hurts would be toe-to-toe against. You see, ahead of the Rams game, he was part of the QB battle with Matthew Stafford. Sure, he won the game. But if we talk about the dub in that battle, the 36-year-old took that one by a mile. 324 yards for 2 TDs… Yeah, Hurts was quiet compared to that. However, the Eagles still soared. Courtesy? The D-line. And maybe, just maybe, they might do it again against the rookie Daniels.

Jalen Hurts might need another defensive carry to get that NFC title

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles squeaked past the Rams in a game that was more nerve-wracking than a fourth-quarter comeback. The defense? Stellar. The offense? Not so much. Hurts wasn’t playing at his best as he finished his second playoff game under 200 yards. It wasn’t the usual “Hurts doing Hurts things” magic we’re used to. Instead, he took too many sacks, missed some easy throws, and the offense just didn’t click. Remember that safety he gave up that let the Rams close in? That was a moment where Philly fans were biting their nails.

And yet, somehow, they won. But let’s not forget—this game should’ve been wrapped up earlier. The Eagles’ defense gave Hurts all the chances in the world. They forced two field goals in the red zone, a fumble recovery here, a turnover there, and it should’ve been more. But you know how it goes—opportunities missed. A.J. Brown dropped two passes, including a deep shot that could’ve been a game-changer. And then, the dreaded false start by Lane Johnson wiped out a touchdown. It’s these little things that nearly cost the Eagles the game.

Oh, and speaking of defense, rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell left the game with a shoulder injury. But don’t worry—he’s “fine,” and has assured the fans: “I will be good.” So, there’s optimism that he’ll be ready for the NFC Championship against Washington.

Well, Hurts would certainly want so… Because Philly needs all hands on deck (and maybe another defensive takeaway) to get that title. With rookie sensation Jayden Daniels on fire, this won’t be a walk in the park. Daniels is a dual-threat—he can pass and run like a vet. His 3,568 passing yards and 891 rushing yards this season speak for themselves.

His numbers in the playoffs? Even better. The Eagles’ defense, ranked 3rd in the league, is going to have their hands full. But it’s not just Daniels that they have to worry, it seems. The Eagles need more from Hurts. No more missed opportunities, no more dropped balls. If they want to move on to the Super Bowl, it’s time for JH to step up and go toe to toe with JD.