NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles are led by their franchise QB Jalen Hurts. While the Eagles are one of the few teams who has not had to rely on their backups, the organization rolled the dice and came out a winner in the QB sweepstakes this offseason.
Hurts needed an understudy. This season, that job belongs to the former starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett. While Pickett is no threat to take Hurts’ job, he does offer a level of professionalism and an ability to move the chains. The Eagles are set up pretty well in the QB room heading into the 2024-25 NFL season.
Jalen Hurts
To be fair, the jury is still out on Hurts even after signing a massive deal and being an MVP front-runner in 2022. Last season, there was a decline in his play. Many believe that Hurts was playing hurt but he refused to say so. Either way, not all the blame can fall on the shoulders of Brian Johnson and his offensive scheme. Hurts is the leader on the field for the Philadelphia Eagles. When he plays with no intensity, the team tends to follow suit.
Last campaign, Hurts passed for 3858 yards 23 TDs and 15 INTs. But almost importantly, Hurts did not have the same effect running the ball as the prior season. He tucked the ball 157 times for 607 yards and 15 TDs. A far cry from his previous season stats. This year, Hurts has to take the offense back and show why Howie Roseman paid him. 2023 was an off-year but this season, he needs to get back to form if the Philadelphia Eagles have any chance of being contenders.
Kenny Pickett
Who failed in Pittsburgh? Was it the team or was it Pickett? Under Pickett, the Steelers went 25-24. Not one to be ever confused with Patrick Mahomes, Pickett did have a few good games under his belt but it was not enough to keep him in Steelers Gold. Now he’s delegated to being a clipboard holder while he watched Hurts.
Will the Philadelphia Eagles Carry 2/3 QBs in 2024
For his career, Pickett has passed for 4474 yards and 13 TDs to go along with 13 INTs. For all the criticism he has taken during his career, Pickett should prove to be a valuable backup. He has played in big games and should be able to grasp the Kellen Moore-led offense. What also stands out the most to some is his ability to have poise when the game is on the line. Picket has 6 comeback victories and 7 game-winning drives on his resume. If Hurts should come down with an injury, Moore will need that type of steady hand to lead the offense of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been known to carry just two QBs on their roster during the season but there is a chance they could keep Tanner McKee another season. According to some in the media, McKee has even outplayed Pickett during Training Camp but that’s just Camp. Keep your eyes on this battle for QB2.
