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The Eagles throw the ball on 48% of their plays through Week 5, 29th in the NFL. Hurts has run the ball for double-digit attempts in all but one contest this season and averages over 13 carries a game. That game he had nine carries, and he has rushed for at least one touchdown in every game but that one. On the year, Hurts is rushing for at least a score per contest.
Hurts’ running capabilities have always been key to his game, in 24 career starts he has 1,322 yards and 19 touchdowns. That is more yards in the first 24 starts than Cam Newton, Josh Allen, or Michael Vick and more touchdowns than all of them plus Lamar Jackson.
With the Cowboys’ rush ability, Hurts scrambling could be an important tool to extend drives and get red-zone touchdowns instead of field goals. Hurts only has four touchdown passes compared to six to rushing scores.
Last season Dallas held Hurts in check, only allowing 35 yards on nine attempts in their only contest. That’s less than four yards a carry, with no touchdowns and no rushes over 10 yards the entire game.
The Cowboys had issues with the only other running QB they faced this season. The defense routinely overpursued on Daniel Jones and allowed him to step up through the middle, running for almost nine yards per carry. Jones ended the night with nine carries for 79 yards.
If the Eagles can keep drives alive with third-down scrambles by Hurts and scores in the red zone where the Cowboys have clamped down all season, their chances to win increase. If Dallas is able to lock up Hurts, it might be difficult for Philadelphia to put up points against this ascending defense and the Cowboys could steal another underdog victory.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or at Youtube on the Across the Cowboys Podcast.
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