There were some long stretches during SundayâÂÂs game when the Eagles offense failed to click, including five three-and-outs in 11 total possessions, but they were able to beat the Commanders because of big plays that got sprinkled throughout the contest.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a hand in many of them. He hit a 64-yard pass to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to set up tight end Dallas GoedertâÂÂs first touchdown catch and then hit Wicks for another score later in the first half. After the Commanders cut the Eaglesâ lead to one point in the fourth quarter, Hurts scrambled for 22 yards on third-and-18 and then hit Goedert for a 43-yard score that gave them the cushion they needed to finish out a 24-22 victory.
After the game, Hurts was asked about his ability to come up with big plays when his team needs them the most.
âÂÂYeah, but itâÂÂs not something thatâÂÂs forced,â Hurts said, via a transcript from the team. âÂÂItâÂÂs the same focus that you have throughout the whole entire game. ItâÂÂs the same poise that you play with throughout the whole entire game. And so, it goes back to all 11 being on the same page and then me taking responsibility and the opportunities I have with the ball in my hand. Talking about this on a production meeting leading up to the game with [Tom] Brady. When youâÂÂre playing a position, a lot of it is about making sure youâÂÂre in the right play, when youâÂÂre doing the right thing that takes no talent. . . . ItâÂÂs just about meeting the moment when your opportunity comes. Collectively, weâÂÂve got a lot to build on, obviously a lot to correct and IâÂÂm excited to get back into the process of becoming the team that weâÂÂre supposed to become.âÂÂ
Putting together a steadier and more consistent offensive attack will be on the list of things to correct as the Eagles move into Week 2 and beyond, but that process will be made easier thanks to the knowledge that they can turn to Hurts and expect him to come up with something special in the biggest moments of games.