Commanders DC Warns Jalen Hurts of Physical Defense in NFC Championship

Ahead of the NFC Championship Game, Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. warned that if Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs the ball, he will be treated like a running back, implying a physical approach to tackling him. Whitt's comments highlight the Commanders' strategy to contain Hurts, who recently showcased his rushing ability with a 44-yard touchdown against the Rams. While Hurts has been effective in his dual-threat role, concerns arise regarding his protection, as he has faced significant hits without penalties in the past. The Eagles are expected to match this physicality with their own game plan against Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has also demonstrated a strong running ability. Despite Whitt's bold remarks, there is skepticism about whether the Commanders can execute this plan effectively, especially given their struggles against the run during the regular season. The game is set to kick off on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET in Philadelphia.