After the dust had settled from last weekends 6 wildcard matchups. There was plenty to discuss among the 12 Quarterback performances.
Ranging from MVP candidates in Allen & Jackson, leading their teams to blowouts victories before one of the two is sent home next week. To veterans that have been in this scenario before like Stafford, Hurts & Mayfield all the way down to Sam Darnold’s first playoff appearance.
And while the NFL Media echo chamber will try to tell you that Jalen Hurts had a “disastrous performance,” let’s take a look at how all of the QBs did in their last game.
Losing Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert – 14/32, 242Yards, 1TD, 4INT
Russell Wilson – 20/29 270Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 3Rush, 6 Rushing Yards
Jordan Love – 20/33, 212Yards, 0TD, 3INT, 2Rush, 10 Rushing Yards
Bo Nix – 13/22 144Yards, 1TD, 0INT, 4Rush, 43Yards
Baker Mayfield – 15/18 185Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 7Rush, 23 Rushing Yards
Sam Darnold – 25/40 245Yards, 1TD, 1INT, 4Rush, 19 Rushing Yards
Winning Quarterbacks
C.J. Stroud – 22/33, 282Yards, 1TD, 1INT, 6Rush, 42 Rushing Yards
Lamar Jackson – 16/21 175Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 15Rush, 81 Rushing Yards
Jalen Hurts – 13/21 131Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 6Rush, 36 Rushing Yards
Josh Allen – 20/26 272Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 8Rush, 46Rushing Yards
Jayden Daniels – 24/35 268Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 13Rush, 36 Rushing Yards
Matthew Stafford – 19/27 209Yards, 2TD, 0INT, 2Rush, -1 Rushing Yard
What’s With The Criticism?
It’s strange, Hurts was one of five QBs this last week who lead their team to a victory, and didn’t turn the ball over. Yet nobody is questioning Lamar Jackson’s 175 passing yard performance, as he’s likely to be crowned another MVP. And then, not a single soul is looking to judge Justin Herberts weekend. An early 6-0 lead turned into disaster as the Chargers QB threw 4 interceptions before being routed by C.J. Stroud.
Of course there’s always the conversation of “who’s got more weapons” well, Stroud was without Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. Herbert on the other hand, still had Quentin Johnson and Ladd McConkey.
Just because Jalen finally played his 4th game with Dallas Goedert, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith doesn’t mean the Eagles need a 400 yard passing game.
It’s especially difficult when you have a running back like Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley eating up over 100+ yards, and 25+ rush attempts.
Controlling The Clock
The Eagles did exactly what was necessary of the offense after they took an early lead in the opening minutes two minutes of the game. After the early touchdown, the Packers never tied the game again. That means the Eagles held the lead for 58:28 of the game. They had 3 minute drives that resulted in multiple quick punts, but still ate away at the clock. Exactly what you hope to do when you have the lead. Including a 7:23 drive in the 4th Quarter that extended the lead 9.
Flip-Flopping Narratives
It didn’t take long for anyone and everyone to add to the Jalen Hurts conversation. But as he stated during a media availability – his goal is to win, regardless of how it looks
Jalen Hurts asked about his last performance, and getting into a rhythm early: “I think you guys need to understand I don’t play the game for anything other than to win. My role and approach in each game will be different.. Ultimately it’s about winning the game. It’s playoff… pic.twitter.com/M8T2WlviBp
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) January 15, 2025
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There’s multiple QBs who went over the 240 passing yard mark and still lost the game.
With a re-established Hurts after missing two weeks, the Eagles will look to take on the Los Angeles Rams in a home game rematch from their Week 12 trip out West.
Photo Credit: Bill Streicher / Imagn Images
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