Jalen Hurts Battled Flu Symptoms to Lead Philadelphia Eagles to Victory
By Tim McManus, ESPN Staff Writer
September 26, 2023, 12:15 AM ET
TAMPA, Fla. – Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts revealed that he played through flu-like symptoms during Monday night’s impressive 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Just us executing,” Hurts said when asked about his performance while dealing with illness. “It’s not the first time I’ve dealt with this or had to play with something like this. And it always happens on Monday night for whatever reason.”
Hurts was not the only player affected by illness. Center Jason Kelce mentioned that several Eagles players were under the weather leading up to the game.
“It feels like everyone in the world is right now,” Kelce said. “It’s kind of ramping up again. We had a lot of guys on the team this week… it’s maybe that time of year right now in Philly.”
Despite the health challenges, the Eagles’ offense managed to put up an impressive 472 yards. Running back D’Andre Swift had a standout performance with 130 rushing yards, while receiver A.J. Brown contributed with 9 catches for 131 yards.
Following the game, Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham jokingly compared Hurts’ performance to Michael Jordan’s famous flu game in the 1997 NBA Finals. While Hurts didn’t have an epic performance like Jordan, he did have his ups and downs, throwing and rushing for a touchdown but also throwing a couple of interceptions. Nevertheless, he showcased his talent with a few impressive throws.
Hurts’ return to Tampa held significant meaning as it was the site of the Eagles’ playoff loss to the Buccaneers last season, which ended their 2021 campaign. In that game, Hurts completed 23-of-32 passes for 258 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. A Buccaneers assistant coach, who was mic’d up for the game, was heard saying, “This guy can’t read [the defense].” Hurts mentioned that those comments served as “a little extra inspiration” for him.
“It’s a feeling I haven’t forgotten,” Hurts said about the playoff loss. “And things have gone very well ever since.”
Indeed, Hurts has an impressive regular-season record of 17-1 as the Eagles’ starting quarterback since that playoff defeat.
Hurts’ ability to perform at a high level despite battling flu-like symptoms is a testament to his toughness and dedication to his team. It also highlights the resilience of the entire Eagles roster, as many players were dealing with illness leading up to the game.
The victory over the Buccaneers is a significant milestone for the Eagles, as it marks their first win against Tampa Bay since their playoff defeat. It also solidifies their position as a strong contender in the NFC.
Hurts’ performance under challenging circumstances is likely to earn him praise and admiration from fans and teammates alike. His ability to lead the team to victory while not feeling his best demonstrates his determination and leadership qualities.
As the Eagles continue their season, they will look to build on this impressive win and maintain their momentum. Hurts’ resilience and ability to overcome adversity will be crucial in their pursuit of success.
In conclusion, Jalen Hurts’ decision to play through flu-like symptoms and lead the Philadelphia Eagles to victory showcases his dedication and commitment to his team. Despite facing health challenges, Hurts and his teammates delivered an outstanding performance, proving their resilience and determination. This win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers holds significant meaning for Hurts and the Eagles, as it marks their redemption from last season’s playoff loss. Moving forward, Hurts’ ability to overcome adversity will be vital in the team’s quest for success.