3 Eagles who need to spearhead a victory over rival Cowboys, statistical predictions included

Jalen Hurts, quarterback

We mentioned QB1 as a member of this week's list earlier. Let's get into it. The Eagles' on-field leader on offense, Jalen Hurts, hasn't been bad to start his season, but he hasn't played unequivocally great, either.

Following the season-ending injury to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 8, the Philadelphia gunslinger ranks sixth among active players at his position in passing yards. His 19 total touchdowns aren't too shabby either. He also leads all quarterbacks with six rushing touchdowns at the start of Week 9's action.

What is concerning, however, is the rate at which Hurts has turned the ball over. Atlanta Falcons second-year star Desmond Ridder is the only quarterback with more total turnovers (interceptions and lost fumbles) than Jalen Hurts has had.

Ridder has been credited with 12 turnovers (six interceptions, six fumbles lost) so far this season. Philadelphia's field general has been credited with 11 (eight interceptions, three lost fumbles). He needs to reduce his turnovers moving forward.

With the Falcons recently turning over starting quarterback duties to backup Taylor Heinicke, Hurts could end up being the new leader in total turnovers among players at his position if he has another bad week in that statistical department. Even though he has a good team around him, Philly does not want that as his turnover-prone ways this season could hurt them when it matters most: in the playoffs.

Hurts finished with three interceptions versus the New York Jets, a club with a very good defense. The Cowboys' defense has makes plays as well. They have collected nine interceptions and six forced fumbles (with three fumble recoveries) in seven games.

Philly's playmakers will need to evade all kinds of pressure that Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and his unit send their way. Hurts needs to minimize his mistakes in what should be a close contest. Another bad turnover game from Hurts could be the difference in what gives the Cowboys a key road victory against the club in front of them in the NFC East.

Hurts has a 5/4 touchdown-to-interception ratio in three career contests versus the Cowboys. If he were to follow up his Week 8 performance with a similar stat line in the upcoming game against Dallas, that would put Philadelphia in a good position to win.

Most importantly, Philly's gunslinger again needs to keep his turnovers to a minimum. Victory is important, but some turnover-free football ahead of the bye would be very encouraging to see.

Statistical prediction by Jalen Hurts - 275 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 37 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown

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