The Commanders are in the NFC Championship game after over 3 decades. While that’s a feat in itself, their rookie QB Jayden Daniels is up against the veteran Jalen Hurts. So, before the matchup, both sides are warning each other to come prepared. Though the Eagles are a well-balanced team with a top-notch O-line and players like Saquon Barkley in the mix, the Commanders are riding high on confidence after winning the divisional game 45-31 against the No.1 Lions.

On Thursday, January 23, Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt Jr warned Nick Sirianni about his quarterback. He said, “So, one thing is if he is going to run the ball, and if the coordinator makes a decision for him to run the ball, we’re gonna treat him like running back. And we’re gonna hit him that way.” That’s not a big deal. No one would expect less in the NFL. Some Eagles fans were concerned, but it didn’t faze Nick Sirianni in the slightest.

When asked about it, he just brushed aside any concern about the DC’s warning. His direct response was, “Every team is going to try to tackle Jalen. We, ultimately, already, are conscious of how we use him, and how we think about each play.” That’s about it, coach. That’s a known thing. Jalen Hurts gotta use his feet. There’s no two ways about it. And if he has to take a couple of hits, he knows how.

For Jalen Hurts, this stage is not new. In 2022, he led his team to the Super Bowl, which they lost against the Chiefs. In that game, he had 304 passing yards, but more importantly 3 rushing TDs and a rushing 2-pt conversion. In 2 playoff games this season, he has recorded 28 of 41 passes in 259 passing yards with 2 TDs. His rushing game has also yielded significant results, with 23 rushes for 106 yards and 1 TD. That’s what the rivals fear. That’s where he’s most dangerous. Every team plans to tackle him, hoping they can sway the game to their advantage. But he still does his thing.

For the Eagles, the good news has already arrived. Hurts is back and ready. But to defeat the Eagles, the Commanders‘ rookie QB Jayden Daniels has to come up with a great performance.

Nick Sirianni hopes for a fit side for the NFC game

During the divisional game against the Rams, QB Jalen Hurts was sacked in the 3rd quarter. The safety Jaylen McCollough put his arms around the signal caller, bending him backward. When he returned from the sidelines on the next drive, he had a knee brace.

There were doubts about his future, but he put them to rest. Nick Sirianni got his main man back on Thursday as the QB was a full participant in the practice. Though he was feeling good on Wednesday too, the QB insisted that he wanted to assess his recovery on a day-to-day basis.

He was not the only player injured. Rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell also injured his shoulder against the Rams. He also practiced with his teammates on January 23rd. That’s a good sign for the Eagles. Can they soar through the Commanders this time? Nick Sirianni will be eager.