Jalen Hurts' turnover issues continue (but DeVonta Smith deserves blame too)

It's too early to panic. As these words are being written, most of the Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints game remains, but as usual, Philly is making things hard on themselves.

This is the second time we have seen this so far this season. A red zone visit that all but guaranteed the Birds a minimum of three points winds up with the Eagles O gift-wrapping a turnover.

Don't take our word for it. Take a look.

The feelings after that one are all familiar...

In a game like this, points may be at a premium. Philly employs one of the best kickers in the NFL. You have to be smart on the road in the red zone on third down. If windows aren't open, throw the ball into the 17th row. Give Jake Elliott a chance to tie the ball game.

Instead, Jalen throws his fourth interception of the season and the second he has thrown in the red zone.

But, was this one on QB1?

A closer look shows DeVonta Smith may be the culprit on another Jalen Hurts interception.

Upon further review, here's what we're seeing. Jalen Hurts' red-zone pick in the Big Easy resulted from a rare poor route by DeVonta Smith. That's one we typically see run by A.J. Brown. That's no excuse. DeVonta can't stop or drift on that one.

So, here's the verdict. Jalen Hurts may not have been the culprit on this one, but no one else can be blamed for a bad-looking fumble here.

With that, Jalen Hurts has fumbled three times this season. Two have been lost, and after only throwing 19 interceptions in his first 45 career games, he has now thrown 19 in his last 20.

Regardless of whether Smith ran a bad route or not, that will be part of the Hurts discussion this week, and it should be. He's doing a poor job of protecting the football.