Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett provided a spark in relief of injured starter Jalen Hurts on Sunday, connecting with star receiver A.J. Brown for his first touchdown pass in an Eagles uniform. The young signal-caller, acquired in an offseason trade with the Steelers, showed poise and promise as he helped Philadelphia maintain their lead over the Washington Commanders.
Hurts exited the game in the first quarter to be evaluated for a concussion after taking a hard hit on a 13-yard run. Enter Pickett, the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2022 who had yet to take meaningful snaps for the Eagles. The 25-year-old stepped up to the challenge, leading a scoring drive capped by a well-placed 4-yard touchdown pass to Brown in the corner of the end zone.
Kenny came in and did a great job. He was ready for the moment and made some big-time throws. That’s what you want to see from your backup.
– Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni
Pickett’s performance was a reassuring sight for the Eagles, who invested significant draft capital to acquire him as an insurance policy behind Hurts. The young quarterback’s ability to step in and produce points speaks to both his talent and the Eagles’ offensive system under head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen.
The Importance of Quarterback Depth
In a league where quarterback injuries are an unfortunate reality, having a capable backup is crucial for teams with championship aspirations. The Eagles recognized this when they traded for Pickett, who showed promise during his time as the Steelers’ starter.
- Experience: Pickett started 24 games for the Steelers, giving him valuable game reps
- Skill set: He possesses the arm talent and mobility to operate the Eagles’ offense effectively
- Mentorship: Learning behind Hurts has allowed Pickett to refine his game and prepare for opportunities like this
What’s Next for the Eagles?
While the severity of Hurts’ injury remains unknown, Pickett’s performance should give the Eagles confidence in their ability to weather the storm if necessary. The team’s deep roster and strong coaching have them well-positioned to continue their playoff push, even if their star quarterback misses time.
For Pickett, this taste of success in an Eagles uniform could be just the beginning. As he continues to develop within the team’s system, he has the potential to become a valuable long-term asset, whether as a backup or an enticing trade chip down the line.
As the Eagles await word on Hurts’ status, they can take solace in knowing that their offense is in capable hands with Kenny Pickett. The young quarterback’s poise and production under pressure bode well for both his future and the team’s prospects as they navigate the challenges of an NFL season.
