(Philadelphia) Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen play similarly, but have very different styles.
Serious and stoic, Hurst, the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, is always in control of his movements. Allen, who runs the Buffalo Bills offense, believes playing with emotion is the key to his success.
No matter how they play, both men are among the best in their profession and they will face off Sunday, as the National champion Eagles (9-1) host the three-time Eastern champions. American, the Bills (6-5).
“Never get too excited, never worry too much,” Hurts said of his approach.
A workaholic determined to perfect his craft, Hurts led the Eagles to victory in 26 of his final 28 season starts. Like Allen, he is a threat both through the air and on the ground: he has thrown for 2,497 yards and rushed for 345, providing 24 combined touchdowns.
“I love every facet of my game,” Hurts said. As I grow as a player and leader, I want to be the best version of myself. »
In Monday’s 21-17 victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs – a rematch from the last Super Bowl – Hurts didn’t put up spectacular stats, but he was opportunistic in key moments. As he has always been since joining the Eagles.
“He’s definitely a tough player to play against,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said. He plays at a high level, a very high level. And he uses his arm as much as his legs. No matter the situation, it’s difficult to defend yourself against him. »
Allen poses the same kind of challenge to his opponents. He amassed 3,136 passing yards and 29 total touchdowns. His 22 touchdown passes were an NFL high heading into Week 12. Allen has struggled at times this season and his 12 interceptions also put him at the top of the Goodell league.
He has been intercepted at least once in seven consecutive games. His play and the offensive problems led to the dismissal of coordinator Ken Dorsey, replaced by quarterbacks coach Joe Brady, just before the 32-6 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday. last.
Allen threw three touchdown passes in the win, including an 81-yard play to Khalil Shakir. Brady wants his quarterback to find fun again and play freely.
“I just want him to be Josh Allen,” Brady said. You know, the pleasure and the feeling of excitement that he seems to control. »
This is where Allen’s emotion comes into play.
“I play better when my emotions are on edge and maybe I’ve kept them more hidden over the last few weeks, or even this season,” Allen admitted. But I have to let my teammates know how important this sport is to me and how important they are to me. »
In Stefon Diggs and A. J. Brown, Allen and Hurts have two of the best receivers in the league. But both players struggled last week.
Diggs had just 27 passing yards, the third lowest total of his career in more than three seasons in Buffalo, in addition to dropping several balls. Brown, second among NFL receivers heading into Thursday’s games with 1,013 yards, had just one catch for eight yards. A disagreement with Hurts led to an interception by the Chiefs.
Both of these players should be expected to bounce back this week.
This game will mark defensive end Brandon Graham’s 189th game, which will set an Eagles record. The 14-year veteran ranks fourth in club history with 72 sacks.