The NFC East rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders heats up this Thursday, with first place on the line.
Both teams depend heavily on their quarterbacks to propel them toward victory in this high-stakes divisional showdown.
Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels bring different skill sets to the field, but both play crucial roles in their offenses, making this quarterback clash a defining factor in their teams’ seasons.
What we’ve seen from Jalen Hurts so far in 2024.
Jalen Hurts has been a force to be reckoned with, throwing 12 passing touchdowns, placing him among the top-10 quarterbacks in that category.
After a rough start to the season with turnovers, Hurts actually went five consecutive games without one—which came to an end with an interception last week against Dallas.
Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities are still unmatched, especially in the red zone. He leads all quarterbacks with 10 rushing touchdowns, thanks largely to the Eagles’ well-executed "Brotherly Shove" and/or "Tush Push"—honestly, whatever you prefer at this point.
With 378 rushing yards on 93 attempts, Hurts continues to demonstrate his ability to keep defenses on their toes. Ranked fourth in total touchdowns with 22, Hurts trails only Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Baker Mayfield.
Despite a challenging season, Hurts’ potential to take over games makes him one of the league's most dangerous offensive players.
What we’ve seen from Jayden Daniels so far in 2024.
Jayden Daniels has brought consistency and versatility to Washington’s offense. In 10 games, he’s been highly efficient, with a 68.7% completion rate and only two turnovers. This ability to avoid mistakes has been crucial in keeping the Commanders competitive.
Daniels has not only made his mark in the air but on the ground as well. He ranks second in quarterback rushing yards, trailing only Lamar Jackson, with 464 yards on 85 carries and four rushing touchdowns.
In addition to being top-12 in passing yards, with 2,147 this season, Daniels also has nine passing touchdowns and only two interceptions. He has proven to be a steady, reliable presence under center, consistently moving the chains and minimizing costly errors.
Statistic | Hurts | Daniels |
|---|---|---|
Passing yards | 1976 | 2147 |
Completion Rate | 69.8% | 68.7% |
Passing TDs | 12 | 9 |
Interceptions | 5 | 2 |
Rushing Yards | 378 | 464 |
Rushing TDs | 10 | 4 |
QBR | 64.3 | 71.2 |
What to look for from Jalen Hurts vs. the Commanders defense.
Hurts faces a Commanders defense that’s among the league’s best at limiting quarterback pass attempts, ranking fifth in fewest allowed. However, they’ve struggled to keep quarterbacks out of airing it out to the end zone, allowing the eighth-most passing touchdowns.
Washington’s defense also brings plenty of pressure, ranking ninth in sacks, which could force Hurts to rely on his scrambling ability. But, with his dual-threat style, Hurts is well-equipped to evade pressure and make plays with his legs.
Given Hurts’ red-zone efficiency and Washington’s tendency to allow rushing attempts to quarterbacks, his potential to add another rushing touchdown remains high.
What to look for from Jayden Daniels vs. the Eagles defense.
Daniels will face a tough test against an Eagles defense that excels at limiting the passing game. Philadelphia ranks fourth in fewest passing touchdowns allowed and gives up the second-fewest passing yards in the league (1,732), behind only the Tennessee Titans.
This defense also limits rushing yards to quarterbacks, ranking fourth in fewest allowed. However, Daniels’ mobility could give him an edge, as his rushing ability might open opportunities when the pocket collapses.
Philadelphia’s stout secondary and strong pass rush mean that Daniels will need to rely on quick reads and efficient decision-making to avoid sacks and capitalize on any defensive lapses.
A battle for NFC East supremacy.
The Eagles and Commanders have long been division rivals, and this Thursday Night Football matchup adds another chapter to their rivalry.
As both teams clash for the top spot in the NFC East, quarterback play will be pivotal. Hurts brings an explosive, multi-dimensional style, while Daniels offers steady, turnover-free consistency.
Whichever quarterback can outplay the other could ultimately tip the scales in this heated race for the division lead.