It’s still a loss. But in a season full of lots of ugly defeats, this one was different for the Philadelphia Eagles, who fell to the Arizona Cardinals 33-26.
Making his second start in place of benched Carson Wentz, rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 63 yards and another TD.
Despite the loss, Hurts ignited the Eagles, who are suffering from a long list of injuries. He became the first Eagle with three passing TDs and one rushing TD since Nick Foles in 2013.
Along with the excitement of Hurts’ play comes a bubbling quarterback controversy. On Monday, head coach Doug Pederson announced Hurts would start in Week 16 when the Eagles visit the Dallas Cowboys. Opening lines at Pennsylvania online sportsbooks list the Eagles as two-point favorites.
Eagles Twitter reacted.
Betting splits for Eagles vs. Cardinals
Sunday morning betting splits from FanDuel for Eagles vs. Cardinals:
- 58% of the money was on the Eagles (+6.5) to cover the spread
- 82% of the money was on the Eagles (+220) moneyline
- 72% of the money was on the over (49.5)
Betting splits from BetRivers:
- 67% of the money was on the Cardinals (-6) to cover the spread
- 59% of the money was on the Cardinals (-275) moneyline
- 82% of the money was on the over (49.5)
What a shock: Wentz doesn’t want to be a backup
On Sunday morning, Adam Schefter reported that Wentz isn’t interested in being a backup and would want to move on if Hurts continues to start.
Hurts shines in second start
Questioning effort from Jeffery and Goedert
Rumors swirled before this season about Wentz and receiver Alshon Jeffery‘s strained relationship. The now-healthy receiver had two catches for 63 yards and drew two pass interference calls against Patrick Peterson.
When Hurts’ last-second Hail Mary hit the turf, there were questions about tight end Dallas Goedert‘s awareness/effort. Take a look:
Aqib Talib in the booth
Hurts wasn’t the only rookie attracting attention on social media. Aqib Talib, a former All-Pro cornerback, was a commentator and got mixed reviews.
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
