Jalen Hurts explains his only goal is to win, and his role will look different each game

The Eagles were back to work on Wednesday and quarterback Jalen Hurts spent some time talking to reporters after practice. He talked a bit about getting into a rhythm, preparing for the Rams, and how he makes an effort to spread the ball around.

His message was clear, all that matters is winning, regardless of how it looks. He noted that winning and losing, success and failure is all subjective, but to him, winning as a team is all that matters.

Here’s what else the QB had to say:

On what it means to get into a rhythm

“Every game is different.

I think you guys need to understand that I don’t play the game for anything other than to win, and my role in each game will be different. And the approach in each game is different.

You just want to go out there and do your job, and take advantage of opportunities, obviously, and I think thing are magnified a little bit more because there’s less opportunity in certain areas, but ultimately, it’s about winning the game. We’re talking about playoff football.”

On the Rams’ development

“Upfront, they’ve always been a great team, and we caught them while they were hot — and we’re catching them when they’re hot again. This is a young team, led by a great coach, great quarterback, great players all around. They got a great defense. They’ve been very disruptive upfront.

Just gotta come and execute. I think it starts in the trenches in a game like this, and we’ve been able to run the ball effectively. So, hopefully we continue to impose our will upfront.”

Hurts said that the Rams getting nine sacks last week against Minnesota isn’t something they really think about as they plan, they try to focus on the things they can control.

They also aren’t relying too much on their game from earlier in the season. Saquon Barkley was able to have a big game, but Hurts noted that each game is it’s own game — they’ll watch the tape, but acknowledge that it’s a different team from the group they played in Week 12.

Takeaways from the Wild Card win
“I think there were some opportunities — there’s always gonna be something you want back, or wish you could’ve done or taken advantage of, but ultimately, I think we all make plays when we needed to the most, and I think that’s what matters.”

On spreading the ball around
When asked about the effort to get A.J. Brown the ball, especially coming off a rare one-catch game, and Hurts said that there’s always an emphasis on spreading the ball around.

“I think just getting everybody involved is important. Make it an effort to be efficient in what we do, and [A.J. Brown is] a big part of what we do. DeVonta [Smith]’s a big part of what we do. Dallas [Goedert]. Saquon [Barkley]. Everybody. Everybody has a role. And so, I think it comes down to managing everything that we have, and trying to take advantage of everything, being efficient.”

Hurts was later asked about other teams trying to take the run game away and to stop Saquon Barkley, but the QB explained that it was a bit of a loaded question because he didn’t recall a game in which it works.

“HURTS: I don’t think there’s been a game where he’s been taken away.

REPORTER: Right, but they tried to…

HURTS: [smiling] They try, you know. He’s a great player, and I think we compliment each other well, and he’s been able to get dirty yards, dirty yards, and soon enough he pops one off. That’s been a big part of our success this year as a team. And that’s a credit to everyone playing a role in that.”

The QB later talked about how Barkley is a special player and his ability to be as healthy as he is at this point in the season, and after nearly 400 carries, is not normal. He said the RB came to Philly very hungry, and there have been some things he’s had to battle through, but Barkley is very dedicated.

Other notables

The QB said he wasn’t trying to send any kind of message by practicing in short sleeves this week and last, and simply noted that he likes to keep things consistent and that’s how he plays games.
Hurts was asked about the play in which he took the snap from under center that wasn’t play action, and while the QB noted he didn’t call the play, it’s something he doesn’t mind doing. He added that there are different things he knows he’s capable of doing, it’s just a matter of when it’s needed or used.