As the Eagles look to rebound from an awful loss last weekend, they’ll have to do it with a new QB at the helm. According to Derrick Gunn, Jalen Hurts — who’s been dealing with an ankle injury — is out tomorrow, and backup Gardner Minshew will get the start against the Jets.
Hurts previously stated he felt ready to play on Sunday, but Nick Sirianni didn’t share the same sentiments. However, while a Minshew start seems likely as of now, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that the Eagles want to make a few decision on game day before making any official decision on the starter.
While Hurts is the better QB, a major part of his game is his mobility – which would obviously be affected by the ankle. Even if Hurts is well enough to play, perhaps it would be smart to rest him. The Eagles can especially afford to do that given their opponent’s subpar play (NY currently sits at 3-8).
Minshew last started in week 15 of the 2020 season, throwing for two touchdowns, no interceptions, and 226 yards. In total, Minshew threw for 16 touchdowns, five interceptions, 2259 yards, and possessed a 95.9 passing rating last year – but also saw an extended benching.
Is A QB Controversy Coming?
If Minshew plays well, there’s a decent chance many fans and analysts will spend the bye week and beyond clamoring for more “Minshew Mania” – after all, it wouldn’t be an Eagles season without such an occurence.
Of course, until Hurts struggles over the course of multiple games, the Eagles shouldn’t be in any hurry to make a permanent switch at QB. After all, Hurts is the more promising quarterback, and Philadelphia needs to see more of him in order to make a decision on him moving forward.
It will be interesting to see how Minshew plays, however. The Eagles will continue to have him under control for 2022, so perhaps this could serve as an audition for him to continue his stranglehold on the #2 position, regardless of what Hurts’ future looks like.
