Drew Brees Criticizes Jalen Hurts’ Sliding Decision
Drew Brees Criticizes Jalen Hurts’ Sliding Decision
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Key Points
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The fourth-down situation was reported inconsistently: one account described it as fourth-and-2, while the Fox broadcast characterized it as fourth-and-3. Hurts converted with a five-yard pass to Dontayvion Wicks, and the Eagles scored a touchdown nine plays later when he found DeVonta Smith for 22 yards.
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Former Eagles center Jason Kelce publicly defended Hurts after Brees’ criticism, and the decision to avoid contact came amid a game in which Philadelphia also saw Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert suffer injuries.
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Jalen Rose mocked Brees’ criticism on social media, writing: “Brees couldn’t run against a Pop Warner team & never considered lowering his shoulder.”
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The victory marked Philadelphia’s first road win over the Titans franchise since the Eagles defeated the Houston Oilers in the “House of Pain Game” on Dec. 2, 1991.
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The broadcast was called by Brees and Adam Amin, with Brees filling in for Mark Sanchez, who was unavailable following an arrest the previous November.
Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts drew criticism from Drew Brees after sliding short of a first-down marker in the Eagles' 24-20 Week 2 win over Tennessee. Fox Sports broadcast the game as Brees, filling in for suspended analyst Mark Sanchez, questioned why Hurts didn't lower his shoulder against defenders. The decision set up a fourth-down attempt, which Hurts converted with a five-yard pass to Dontayvion Wicks before leading a game-winning drive.
Hurts finished with 264 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 16 rushing yards. The Eagles improved to 2-0 after Hurts connected with DeVonta Smith for a 22-yard touchdown, then found Darius Cooper for the winning score with nine seconds left. The decision to slide sparked debate among analysts and former players about protecting star quarterbacks versus aggressive play-calling.
Why Brees Took Issue With Hurts' Sliding Decision
Drew Brees argued that Hurts should have fought for more yards instead of sliding. The slide left Philadelphia facing fourth-and-3, a less favorable down-and-distance than if Hurts had lowered his shoulder and potentially gained the first down outright. Fox Sports broadcast Brees' live commentary as he questioned the quarterback's willingness to take contact.
Brees' criticism focused on the risk-reward calculation. Gaining a yard would have given the Eagles a more manageable fourth-and-1 situation. Instead, Hurts' caution forced Philadelphia to execute a longer fourth-down conversion, though the team ultimately succeeded and scored the winning touchdown shortly after.
Defenders Rally Around Hurts' Injury-Prevention Approach
Jason Kelce, the Eagles' former center, publicly defended Hurts after Brees' criticism. Kelce argued that protecting a franchise quarterback is the prudent choice, especially early in the season when the team still has plenty of games remaining. The Eagles also dealt with injuries to Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert during the game, making health a priority.
Other analysts sided with Hurts' decision to avoid unnecessary contact. Protecting star quarterbacks from injury has become standard practice in modern football. A late-season injury to Hurts would have been far more costly than a fourth-down attempt in Week 2.
Jalen Rose Counters Brees With Social Media Jab
Jalen Rose mocked Brees' criticism on social media, writing: "Brees couldn't run against a Pop Warner team & never considered lowering his shoulder." Rose's comment highlighted Brees' limitations as a mobile quarterback during his playing career. The NBA analyst used the moment to question whether Brees had the physical tools to make the plays he was criticizing Hurts for avoiding.
Rose's post reflected broader disagreement with Brees' take among sports personalities and fans. Many argued that Brees was criticizing a decision he never had to make, given his immobility as a passer. The exchange underscored how divided opinion remained over Hurts' choice.
Eagles Notch Historic Victory With Hurts Leading Late Surge
Philadelphia's 24-20 victory marked the franchise's first road win over Tennessee since defeating the Houston Oilers on December 2, 1991, in the famous "House of Pain Game." That 1991 win came at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, making this Week 2 triumph particularly significant for Eagles history. Tennessee news outlets covered the Titans' late-game defensive breakdown that allowed Hurts to engineer the winning drive.
Hurts' poise under pressure demonstrated his ability to deliver in clutch moments. Despite throwing two interceptions, he guided the Eagles down the field in the final moments to secure victory. The game validated Philadelphia's decision to build the offense around Hurts, even if individual plays like the fourth-down slide remained subject to debate.
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