TAMPA − Because he's the quarterback, Jalen Hurts gets most of the scrutiny. That means praise when things go well for Hurts and the Eagles, and criticism when they don't.
For Hurts against the Buccaneers, it has mostly been criticism. That's because the Eagles are playing the Bucs for the fifth time since the start of the 2021 season, when Hurts became the Eagles' full-time starter − twice in the regular season and twice in the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Time: 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Channel: FOX
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
The Eagles are 1-3, including two lopsided playoff losses, most recently a 32-9 loss this past January. Each time, Bucs coach Todd Bowles has found a way to exploit Hurts' weaknesses by blitzing him relentlessly and making him scramble to his left.
In all, Hurts has completed 59% of his passes against Tampa Bay with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
"I think it’s been different every time we’ve played them," Hurts said. "Different time of the year, different moment, different offense, different approach, philosophy if you will. I got a ton of respect for them, Coach Todd Bowles and what he does."
So far this season, Hurts has been much better against the blitz under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Hurts is completing 72% of his passes, according to Pro Football Focus.
Bowles and the Bucs defense will certainly test that.
"I think I’m wiser, I’m older, more and more season in some areas, and I think that helps us," Hurts said about his success handling the blitz. "And the different things I’ve learned with the new staff."
For Hurts against the Buccaneers, it has mostly been criticism. That's because the Eagles are playing the Bucs for the fifth time since the start of the 2021 season, when Hurts became the Eagles' full-time starter − twice in the regular season and twice in the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Time: 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Channel: FOX
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
The Eagles are 1-3, including two lopsided playoff losses, most recently a 32-9 loss this past January. Each time, Bucs coach Todd Bowles has found a way to exploit Hurts' weaknesses by blitzing him relentlessly and making him scramble to his left.
In all, Hurts has completed 59% of his passes against Tampa Bay with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
"I think it’s been different every time we’ve played them," Hurts said. "Different time of the year, different moment, different offense, different approach, philosophy if you will. I got a ton of respect for them, Coach Todd Bowles and what he does."
So far this season, Hurts has been much better against the blitz under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Hurts is completing 72% of his passes, according to Pro Football Focus.
Bowles and the Bucs defense will certainly test that.
"I think I’m wiser, I’m older, more and more season in some areas, and I think that helps us," Hurts said about his success handling the blitz. "And the different things I’ve learned with the new staff."
Eagles vs Buccaneers history
- Series record: Bucs lead, 12-11
- Eagles' last win: Sept. 25, 2023 (25-11)
- Bucs' last win: Jan. 16, 2024 (32-9, playoffs)