Hurts used playoff loss to Bucs as fuel: 'It's a feeling I haven't forgot'
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts used the wild-card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 as motivation for their Monday night game.
"It's a feeling I haven't forgot," Hurts said, according to Tim McManus of ESPN. "And things have gone very well ever since."
The Eagles lost 31-15 to the Buccaneers in Hurts' first season as Philadelphia's starting quarterback. It was an ugly performance from the 25-year-old, which resulted in a Tampa Bay coach calling him out for his ability to read a defense.
Buccaneers CB Coach Kevin Ross against Jalen Hurts in 2022: This guy can't read.. Keep him moving around now.. He can't read. He's gonna give us a couple."
- Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) September 23, 2023
Kevin Ross is still the Bucs CB's coach. pic.twitter.com/domD4RwlFS
Since that playoff loss to the Bucs, Hurts is 17-1 in his last 18 regular season starts.
The 2022 Pro Bowler was battling flu-like symptoms Monday, which Hurts said he has battled through in the past.
"It's not the first time I've dealt with this or had to play with something like this. And it always happens on Monday night for whatever reason," he said.
Hurts tallied 305 total yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in Week 3. His 34-yard TD pass to wide receiver Olamide Zacchaeus late in the second quarter capped off an impressive drive by the young quarterback.
Hurts stands in the pocket and delivers to Zacchaeus!
- NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2023
: #PHIvsTB on ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/NkpBC1YFYJ pic.twitter.com/plwzOOpd8P
The Eagles will take on the Washington Commanders in Week 4.
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