feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

If you’re from Philly, you probably still get goosebumps thinking about Super Bowl LII. Who wouldn’t? But rewind to the week 14 matchup against the Rams that season—the Jason Kelce Show was in full swing. The Eagles clinched the NFC East title with a 43-15 win. Sound familiar? That wasn’t just a one-off. Kelce’s 4-1 record against the Rams speaks volumes. So, when the Eagles legend sat down ahead of another high-stakes clash, you could almost hear the whispers: Jalen Hurts, don’t let us down.”

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Speaking on SportsRadio 94 WIP on January 16, Kelce didn’t hold back when asked the big question: Could the Rams shut down the Eagles the same way they manhandled the Vikings? Spoiler alert—he doesn’t think so.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The problem the Rams are gonna have is stopping our run game,” Kelce explained. “If they stack the box, they’ll leave our receivers exposed in one-on-one situations. I just think our offensive line is much better than the Vikings’.” Bold? Sure. But Kelce isn’t wrong. The Eagles’ offensive line has been a fortress… And yes, that’s us saying it while the Rams handed Sam Darnold nine sacks in the Wild Card round alone. Philly is a different gravy right now, as a unit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tony Paulines
Where Does Osu Still Lack Elite Talent?

Let Tony do the scouting, you just make the pick.

Pick your positions. Get Tony’s top 5:

And speaking of Darnold, he’s taken 48 hits this season. Hurts? Only 38 sacks, and that’s with his scrambling style. Kelce was quick to point out that Hurts brings a different dynamic—his dual-threat ability forces defenses to make tough choices. Stack the box? You’re leaving the secondary vulnerable. Stay back? Hurts will gash you on the ground.

But where does Jalen Hurts stand in terms of comparisons this season with Sam Darnold?

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2024 (so far)GamesPassing YardsTouchdownsInterceptions
Sam Darnold174,3193512
Jalen Hurts 152,903185

Statistically, though, Hurts’ season hasn’t been as flashy as Darnold’s. But Kelce made it clear: it’s not just about Hurts. “Our O-line is the real difference,” he emphasized. And he’s got a point. The Eagles’ offense ranked 8th overall, driven by a rushing attack that’s second in the league. Their passing game? A modest 29th, but when you’re averaging nearly 27 points per game, who’s complaining?

ADVERTISEMENT

The Rams are a solid team, no doubt. But Kelce’s confidence isn’t misplaced. If the Rams can’t crack Philly’s offensive line, this could be another chapter in Jason Kelce’s storied dominance over LA. And as for Hurts, well, he might just be ready to hand one to Kelce.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jalen Hurts is going with the ‘Winner’s’ MANTRA

You’ve read Jalen Hurts’ numbers, right? Not exactly MVP vibes at first glance. And if you’re from Philly, you’ve probably had some nail-biting moments over the Eagles’ ahem uneven passing game. But here’s the thing—there’s more to the story than stats.

Take Sunday’s game against the Packers. On paper? 130 passing yards, 19 straight snaps without a completion, and just two passes over 11 yards. YIKES! Fans and analysts alike started questioning if Philly still looks like a Super Bowl contender. But Hurts? He shrugs it off.

“Every game is different,” Hurts said. “I think you guys need to understand that I don’t play the game for anything other than to win.” Translation: W’s are all that matter. And he’s backing it up—Philly is 4-0 this season when he throws for under 135 yards. It’s not pretty, but it’s working.

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare that to Matthew Stafford’s outing against the Vikings in the Wild Card round—19 completions for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Similar lines… But here’s what makes Hurts special: his ability to adjust. Whether it’s his arm or his legs, he’ll find a way to get it done.

And let’s not forget Saquon Barkley. Yeah, we’ll leave it that.

ADVERTISEMENT

Against a Rams defense that struggles to stop anything, don’t expect Sunday to be an air show either—especially with playoff football and potentially snowy conditions on the horizon.

Bottom line? The Eagles don’t care how they win, as long as they do. And Hurts? He’s built for that. Whether he’s throwing dimes or running the ball, he’ll find a way. Because in Philly, it’s not about style points. It’s about the scoreboard.

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Syed Talib Haider

1,219 Articles

Syed Talib Haider is the NFL Editor at EssentiallySports with over five years of experience as a sports beat reporter. He began his journey at the outlet covering the NFL, steadily building a strong readership for his in-depth reporting on major events, most notably as a senior writer during Super Bowl LIX, where his coverage helped capture the immediacy and drama of the game. His work during that season led to his promotion to the editorial desk, where he now oversees NFL coverage and guides the outlet’s strategy.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Antra Koul

ADVERTISEMENT