No big break for Jalen Hurts in Eagles’ Monday night loss

Reports that Philadelphia backup quarterback Jalen Hurts had received more practice time with the first team last week had built anticipation that the former Alabama standout would get a chance to run the Eagles’ offense against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.

And if there ever seemed a good time to let Hurts get an opportunity in place of Carson Wentz, the first half on Monday night was it. On Philadelphia’s first three possessions, the Eagles posted a three-and-out on each and Wentz completed 1-of-6 passes for 2 yards.

On the fourth series, Hurts came in on second-and-9 at the Philadelphia 28-yard line, and for the first time this season for the Eagles’ offense, Wentz left the field. A false-start penalty spoiled Hurts’ appearance, but he completed a 6-yard pass on the next trip to the line of scrimmage. And then he came out and Wentz went back in – to get sacked on third down.

The next time Philadelphia had the ball, Hurts came in for Wentz on third-and-2 at the Eagles 28. He handed off to Miles Sanders, who was stopped for no gain.

And that was all for Hurts in the Eagles’ 23-17 loss to the Seahawks, even though Philadelphia completed its first five offensive series with a total of minus-1 yard, no first downs and no points.

Wentz completed 25-of-45 passes for 215 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and ran for 42 yards on five carries. He was sacked six times. The interception came in the end zone on a fourth-down throw from the Seattle 15-yard line with 8:35 to play and the Eagles trailing 20-9.

Wentz completed three passes for 58 yards on Philadelphia’s final possession, getting a one-handed catch from tight end Richard Rodgers for a 33-yard Hail Mary touchdown with 12 seconds to play.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson completed 22-of-31 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Wide receiver DK Metcalf caught 10 passes for 177 yards and recovered Philadelphia’s onside kick after the final score of the game.

Four other players from Alabama high schools and colleges were at the Seattle-Philadelphia game:

· Eagles offensive tackle Jack Driscoll (Auburn) played but did not record any stats.

· Eagles safety Rudy Ford (New Hope, Auburn) was designated as a game-day inactive. Ford did not practice last week because of a hamstring injury, which also caused him to miss Philadelphia’s previous game.

· Jarran Reed (Alabama) started at defensive tackle for the Seahawks. Reed made three tackles, shared a sack and registered two quarterback hits.

· Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (Athens) was designated as a game-day inactive.

By improving to 8-3, Seattle stayed one game ahead of the Los Angeles Rams on top of the NFC West standings. The Seahawks host the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia dropped to 3-7-1, so instead of leading the NFC East by one-half game, it trails the Giants and Washington Football team by one-half game. The Eagles visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon.

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) helps bring down Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz during an NFL game on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.

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