Quarterback Health? – Are Eagles & Packers Ready To Roll?

Quarterback Health? – Are Eagles & Packers Ready To Roll?

by Jack Chambers for Wannamakeabet.com

As the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles prepare for tonight’s NFC Wild Card clash, both starting quarterbacks—Jordan Love for the Packers and Jalen Hurts for the Eagles—have been cleared to play. This is welcome news for both teams, as their backups, Malik Willis (Green Bay) and Kenny Pickett (Philadelphia), offer very different styles of play and would significantly alter the dynamics of their offenses. Let’s dive into how each quarterback’s return impacts their team and the game.

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Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love has been a revelation for the Packers this season, stepping into the starting role and leading the team to a playoff berth. With over 3,700 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, Love has shown he can efficiently manage the offense while making big plays when needed. His rapport with key receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs has been instrumental in Green Bay’s success.

Relative Impact vs. Backup Play

Malik Willis, the Packers’ backup, is a mobile quarterback but has struggled with consistency and decision-making in limited appearances. When Love was briefly sidelined during the regular season, Willis stepped in but was unable to sustain drives or stretch the field with his arm. The Packers averaged 24.7 points per game under Love, while Willis’ one start saw the offense score just 10 points. Willis’ inexperience in reading defenses and handling pressure situations makes Love’s presence essential.

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Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts is the heartbeat of the Eagles’ offense, providing dual-threat capabilities that make Philadelphia one of the most dynamic teams in the NFL. With over 4,500 total yards and 35 touchdowns this season, Hurts has consistently elevated the performance of stars like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. His ability to extend plays with his legs and convert critical third downs makes him nearly impossible to fully contain.

Relative Impact vs. Backup Play

Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia’s backup, is a capable quarterback but lacks the dynamic skill set that Hurts brings to the table. In Hurts’ absence late in the season, Pickett filled in admirably, showing poise and efficiency in the pocket. However, the Eagles’ offensive scheme had to be adjusted, with fewer designed quarterback runs and a greater reliance on short passes. The team averaged 18 points per game with Pickett, compared to their season average of 28 with Hurts under center.

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Betting Implications

With both quarterbacks healthy:

• Point Spread: The Eagles remain -4.5 favorites. Jalen Hurts’ return solidifies Philadelphia’s edge, as his versatility forces defenses to account for multiple threats.
• Total Points: Set at 46. Both quarterbacks’ ability to produce explosive plays increases the likelihood of hitting the over.

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Conclusion

The availability of both Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts ensures a competitive and high-stakes Wild Card game. Love’s steadiness and Hurts’ explosiveness are central to their teams’ identities, and their backups, Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett, represent significant downgrades in production and versatility. Expect this game to come down to which starting quarterback can make the big play in the clutch moments.

Quarterback Health? – Are Eagles & Packers Ready To Roll?