The Eagles’ X-factor against the Packers isn’t Jalen Hurts

Less than a week left The Philadelphia Eagles are playing against the Green Bay Packers in a two-on-six Super Wildcard weekend showdown, and even Nick Sirianni isn’t sure who will be under center for his team at Lincoln Financial Field.

That’s right, in his first media session since beating the New York Giants in Week 18, Siriani made it clear that there was still no new information for reporters on KB1’s status, and his ability to return Sunday becomes more uncertain with each passing day .

And yet, in a beautiful twist of fate, the Eagles might actually be fine if Hurts isn’t able to go another week, thanks in large part to the strength of the roster built around him.

Of course, the idea of ​​no team being without its starting quarterback for one elimination playoff game is no laughing matter, as the Packers may also learn, depending on how Jordan Love recovers from his own injury in Week 18. Still, if the last two weeks – and really, the last two months – have shown fans anything, it’s that the Eagles are a team full of interesting players who can win in interesting ways. They’ve beaten opposing teams through the air, on the ground, and even on special teams, and whether they’re playing a certified Pro Bowler who can tear opposing teams apart with his legs, a local kid on his second NFL team, or A 6-foot-6 second-year pro with no real NFL experiencethey managed to stay competitive.

Factor in the best rushing game in the business and a starting pass-catching unit that can match up against just about anyone, and the Eagles’ depth will be their k-factor in Week 19 regardless of who is under center.

1. Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee have proven they can run the offense

When Hurts went down to the Washington Commanders in Week 16, it felt like a disaster.

Why, oh why, did the football gods abandon the Birds, Philadelphia fans asked. Take their truck, take their water ice, burn down the local Wawa, and knock soft pretzels out of existence Thanos-style, but a brain bruise on Hurts’ leg? A true American tragedy that would make Tennessee Williams blush.

And yet, in the quarters since then, the Eagles have gotten surprisingly good play from their other quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee, with the former playing well enough to win in Weeks 16 and 17 off Jalen Daniels’ crazy comeback and the latter turning around . in five incredible quarters to close the regular season.

Do fans have their preferences? You can bet some fans love the Pitt product’s experience and strength, while others believe McKee has the makings of a future NFL starting quarterback, according to Philadelphia media legend Reuben Frank announced after the game. But what both quarterbacks bring to the table is a clear understanding of Siriani and Kellen Moore’s offense and enough grit to play the style of Philadelphia football that won them 82.3 percent of their games during the 2024 NFL season.

But hey, don’t just take my word for it, because Sirianni had something similar to say about his quarterback depth on Monday.

2. The Eagles feel confident in their depth

After watching his third different quarterback win during the 2024 NFL season, Sirianni had to feel pretty good, right? The Eagles put together a quarterback room that could withstand injuries big and small, and through it all, the team was able to adjust its scheme on the spot to make it work.

But did Sirianni see anything from Mackie in Week 18 that could prompt him to leapfrog Pickett on the depth chart heading into the playoffs, either as Hurts’ backup or as the top option if KB1 can’t go? Well, Syriani was asked that question by reporters on Monday and let it be known that he feels very strongly about its depth no matter who’s playing, take what you will with that.

“I have a lot of confidence in both guys. I think when (KB) Kenny (Pickett) had to play, he played really well. When (KB) Tanner (McKee) had to play, he played really well. So we have a really good room. Obviously, (KB) Jalen (Hurts) had an outstanding season. We just have a great room,” Siriani told reporters.

“Credit to (executive vice president/general manager) Howie (Roseman) and his staff for getting these guys here. Then just a great job by these guys, taking advantage of their opportunities, and a great job by (offensive coordinator) Kellen (Moore), (passing coordinator/associate head coach) Kevin (Patulo), (running backs coach) Doug (Nussmeier), helping these guys to are developed. So we feel really, really good about the room and where we are.”

Wow, that’s a lot of words to say no to, isn’t it?

On the one hand, it makes sense why Siriani would want to hang on to Pickett if the Eagles have to turn to a backup, as he is entering a contract year and could theoretically be traded to another team in 2025 to hand the KB2 role entirely to McKee. Pickett has extensive experience running an offense in the NFL, and once the playoffs roll around, that could be important in the head coach’s eyes.

Then again, with the Eagles having an MVP-caliber running back who will be looking to get back on the field after missing out on a rushing title, does it really matter who the Eagles have under center when Saquon Barkley does he control the tempo of the offense on the field?

3. Saquon Barkley is rested and ready to rock

In Week 1, Saquon Barkley made his presence known by recording his own first ever 100-yard rushing game as a member of the Eagles.

Facing a defense that finished the regular season with seventh rushing unit in the NFLBarkley broke through the Packers defense between tackles, on the outside, and even contributed as a receiver, catching both balls thrown to him for 23 yards. Fans were shocked to see the Eagles’ big free agent hit the court right away, and their big win in Week 1 served as a sign of things to come.

However, Week 19 is a whole new world, and as Siriani noted Monday, the Eagles are ready for a much more challenging foe moving forward.

“The team is different than when we played the first week until now. A lot of things have changed (for) both teams,” Siriani told reporters. “So I can’t answer what they’re thinking there or how they’re thinking there. I know they’re going to pay attention to (RB) Saquon (Barkley) like everybody else that we play pay attention to him.”

While one could debate whether or not Siriani is on the money with his claims, as the Eagles are undoubtedly a much better team at full strength in Week 19, while the Packers have largely fallen short of expectations, one thing is for sure true: Green Bay will bring in Barkley no matter who he plays next to the shotgun. Fortunately, the Eagles know this is coming and will likely plan accordingly, in search of Terrell Davis’ all-time rushing record 2,476 yards very Barkley’s new goal. Luckily for Barkley, Syriani won’t be benching him for the game ahead of the Super Bowl, so yeah 471 more yards over four more plays is doable.