WATCH: The viral moment that could've gone a lot different for Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts narrowly avoided disaster on Sunday after beating the Washington Football Team. As Hurts walked off of Washington’s field, the Eagles’ contingent of fans in attendance cheered him on and leaned over the railings for high fives. As Hurts raised his arms to high five the fans, the railing gave out, resulting in a handful of fans to fall to the ground, just narrowly missing Hurts.
Hurts quickly got out of the way, but then helped the fans up and shared a unique embrace with them.
If the railing and the falling fans would have hit Hurts on the way down, it could have been disastrous for the Eagles. Hurts completed 17 of his 26 pass attempts on Sunday for 214 yards. He also rushed seven times for 44 yards, leading the Eagles to a 20-16 victory over Washington.
On the season, Hurts has thrown for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has also rushed 139 times for 784 yards and ten touchdowns.
The incident with the railing falling is one of many issues at FedEx field, the home of the Washington Football Team. Notably, there have been plumbing issues where sewage leaks into the stands from above on multiple occasions this season. Luckily for everyone involved, a serious nightmare was avoided on Sunday.
Hurts could be the future at quarterback for the Eagles
The Eagles selected Hurts with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. As a rookie last season, Hurts threw for 1,061 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. He also had 354 yards and three touchdowns rushing.
Despite showing flashes of his potential as a dangerous dual threat quarterback, the Eagles haven’t been completely sold on Hurts. But with his play this season, that could be changing.
“If Hurts keeps playing like this, sources say, the Eagles would get their best outcome possible. No search for a QB, because they would have one for the future that they are excited about,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said. “And the ability to use their definite two and likely three first-round picks on other positions to build their team.”
As Rapoport mentioned, the Eagles will likely have three first round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Eagles have their own pick, plus the Miami Dolphins’ pick and the Indianapolis Colts’ pick. If the Eagles can move forward with Hurts, they will be able to use those first round picks to address other holes around the roster, which would be huge for the franchise.
Hurts and the Eagles are locked into a wildcard after a 9-7 start. The Eagles take on the NFC East winning Dallas Cowboys in the final week of the regular season.