Through the first seven weeks of the 2022 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles had been the NFL’s only undefeated team by dint of an outstanding run game, a defense that’s really finding its way, and the occasional big passing play from quarterback Jalen Hurts.
And when we say “occasional,” we really mean it. Hurts came into Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers as one of the most big play-shy quarterbacks in the NFL. Per Pro Football Focus, Hurts had attempted just 13 passes of 20 or more air yards, completing six of those passes for 256 yards and a touchdown. Those 13 deep attempts ranked 30th in the NFL, right down with guys like Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan. Hurts’ six deep completions ranked 24th, between Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins.
