After missing two weeks with a sprained shoulder, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was back at the forefront of the record-breaking offense in Week 18. They certainly didn’t look as dynamic as we saw earlier in the season, but Hurts acknowledged they were trying to protect him and his shoulder.
Hurts spoke to reporters after their win over the Giants on Sunday — a win that gave the team first place overall and advanced to the playoffs in a first-round bye, in addition to being crowned NFC East Champions.
“We just achieved a big goal of ours. It’s something we set out to do for ourselves. This year we set out to do that and it’s something we did.
My whole thing forward is let’s prepare to play our best ball. It’s been a great ride this year, but the work isn’t done yet.”
Here’s what else the QB had to say:
About his injury and getting back on the field
Throughout his post-game interview, Hurts repeated “Good enough” in response to questions about how he felt, how he felt on the field and how close he was to 100 percent. He also didn’t want to get into the logistics of how the decision was made for him to play and who was pushing it.
Hurts was asked if he had any concerns or worries about coming back this week.
“I had some things that I had to struggle with myself. I knew I wanted to be available for my team. It’s really tough being out, let alone taking some losses when you’re out. So I wanted to be available for my team.
I really feel like if you want something you have to do what you have to do to get it, and today we’ve done just enough to make that happen. And now it’s 0-0. We have a new goal ahead of us. But it’s a day-to-day process as it has always been and we’ll keep getting better.
I have a lust to get into this game, I pushed myself beyond measure to be available and more of the risk/reward tradeoff of today’s game, whatever that was, we did what we had to do. We’re No. 1 and we’re the NFC East Champs and that’s the goal we set out to do and now I can continue to recover and be ready for the playoffs.”
The QB declined to say if a reward for playing on Sunday was to better prepare him for the playoffs, but said he believes everything happens for a reason.
“I pushed myself to be available and it wasn’t an easy thing. It wasn’t an easy thing. It’s still not easy, but we’re here, we’re grateful and we’re looking forward to what’s to come.”
On the play calling
Hurts was asked about the coaches trying to protect him with some of the called plays. He said some things are just a product of gameplay, they got Miles Sanders and Boston Scott going a little bit. The QB acknowledged they could have been more efficient but gave credit to the Giants defense.
“They’ve definitely made some adjustments since we last played them.”
He later explained that the Giants have a really good red zone defense and he has no doubt they will learn from some of the problems they had in that area on Sunday. Hurts said they just had to do their details and plays and be on the same page.
The QB was asked about the 4th and 2nd miscommunication with the punt team, but Hurts quipped that they won the game whether or not he agreed to Nick Sirianni’s call for the punt, so that’s all that matters.
About being division champions
“It’s coming through Philly. The work is not done yet.”
Hurts later spoke about how winning the NFC East as a starter is a huge accomplishment, but admitted he may not yet realize the magnitude of the moment.
“All I know is that we have so much more for us out there so I’m looking forward to getting back to work and continuing to grow with these guys. I urge everyone in this dressing room to not only hold themselves accountable, but to hold the man next to them accountable as well.”
On what he has learned
“Just to be thankful and to be thankful for the opportunities that we have. Apparently we witnessed something terrible on Monday night. Terrible. You know, God bless him for being able to find his way back, but I mean, I think there’s a lot that we really have to be thankful for.