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It only took about 12 games for Jalen Hurts to win an NFL starting quarterback job.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson named Hurts the starter on Tuesday afternoon.
“I have come to a decision and I am going to go with Jalen Hurts this week against New Orleans. I looked at the whole thing and decided that for this week to look for that spark again to try to get the team over the hump,” Pederson said on Tuesday.
Hurts replaced the regular starter, Carson Wentz, in the second half of the Eagles’ loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Hurts led a touchdown drive and nearly brought the Eagles back from a three-score deficit.
Philadelphia’s record is just 3-8-1, but the Eagles are somehow just 1.5 games out of first place in the NFC East. Philly has lost four games in a row.
Hurts has played a decent amount for a backup this season. He’s been brought in frequently in short-yardage situations and has been a nice weapon for the Eagles.
So far this year, he’s completed 8-of-15 passes for one touchdown, one interception and 142 yards. He’s also rushed the ball 17 times for 82 yards (4.8 yards per rush) and six first downs.
Since leaving Alabama, Hurts’ NFL hopes have improved. He finished runner-up to Joe Burrow in last season’s Heisman race after an efficient year at Oklahoma. With the Sooners, he threw for 3,851 yards and rushed for another 1,298 yards. He scored 52 total touchdowns and threw eight interceptions.
The Eagles play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Kickoff will be at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
