The Philadelphia Eagles just got the kind of win that can reset a locker room’s energy and quiet a whole lot of outside noise. Hosting a struggling Las Vegas Raiders squad, the Eagles took care of business in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 31-0 shutout that moved them to 9-5 on the season. And while the win came against a team sitting at 2-12, it was the kind of performance this team - and especially quarterback Jalen Hurts - needed.
Now just one win away from locking up the NFC East, the Eagles are back in control of their playoff destiny. But the story coming out of Sunday’s game wasn’t just about the standings - it was about Hurts, the pressure he’s faced, and the way he continues to respond.
Jalen Hurts Isn’t Watching - He’s Living
Asked this week about the outside pressure and whether he's felt the heat from critics calling for a change under center, Hurts didn’t flinch. His response was classic Hurts - calm, measured, and quietly defiant.
“Perception is from those who are watching,” he said. “I’m not watching. I’m living.”
That one line says a lot. It’s not just about blocking out the noise - it’s about staying grounded in the work, in the process, and in the belief that you’re built for moments like this. And if we’re being honest, that’s been Hurts’ M.O. from the jump.
Just a week ago, following a tough overtime loss to the Chargers in Week 14, head coach Nick Sirianni was asked point-blank if he’d consider benching Hurts for either Tanner McKee or Sam Howell. The question alone spoke volumes about the scrutiny Hurts has been under during a season that’s had its fair share of ups and downs.
His answer? Not in words - but in execution.
Against Las Vegas, Hurts was sharp and efficient, going 12-of-15 for 175 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t just manage the game - he controlled it. Yes, the Raiders were overmatched, but Hurts did exactly what you want from your franchise quarterback in a get-right game: he executed cleanly, stayed poised, and reminded everyone why this is still his team.
“It’s who I am,” Hurts said when asked about tuning out the outside chatter. “This isn’t my first rodeo.
It’s been a very unprecedented journey to be here. But unprecedented is unprecedented.”
That’s Hurts in a nutshell - a guy who’s had to earn every snap, every start, and every ounce of respect. And he’s done it by staying true to himself.
Eagles Eye Division Title, Playoff Momentum
Sunday’s win didn’t just boost morale - it helped put the Eagles back on track in a big way. After a midseason slide that had some fans flashing back to last year’s collapse - when Philadelphia went from 10-1 to 11-6 before getting bounced in the wild-card round - the team now has a realistic path to the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
They can clinch the NFC East this Saturday with a win over the Washington Commanders, who’ve already been eliminated at 4-10. The Eagles opened the week as 6.5-point road favorites, and with the division within reach, expect them to come out with purpose.
This game isn’t just about seeding. It’s about momentum.
It’s about proving that this version of the Eagles can finish strong - something last year’s team couldn’t do. And with Hurts leading the charge, they’ve got a chance to rewrite the narrative.
A.J. Brown, Hurts, and the Evolution of a Duo
It’s worth noting how far this offense has come - and how much the relationship between Hurts and A.J. Brown has evolved.
Around this time last year, Brown made headlines for expressing frustration with the passing game and what he wasn’t getting from Hurts. Fast forward 12 months, and that same duo helped power a Super Bowl run, with Hurts walking away with the MVP of Super Bowl LIX.
That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from trust, reps, and a whole lot of work behind the scenes. And while this season has had its bumps, the foundation is still solid.
Hurts isn’t just trying to prove people wrong - he’s trying to lead his team right. And with the playoffs looming, he’s reminding everyone that he’s still the guy who can do just that.
So, yes - the pressure’s been real. The questions have been loud.
But Hurts? He’s not watching.
He’s living. And right now, he’s leading.