Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts' Rushing Strategy: Will He Dial Up More Runs in the Playoffs?
The Eagles are gearing up for the playoffs, and the question on everyone's mind is whether quarterback Jalen Hurts will increase his rushing yards. It's a trend that has been debated all season, with some pointing to past performances as evidence of Hurts' reluctance to run.
In 2025, Hurts set a personal best with 25 passing touchdowns and had 300 more passing yards than he did in 2024 on 93 fewer attempts. However, his rushing yards took a significant hit, dropping to 421 total yards, the lowest since becoming the full-time starter in 2021.
Since taking over as the team's starter in 2021, Hurts' average rushing yards per game have dropped year after year. His average has decreased by nearly half compared to his first full season, and he's become more selective with his runs, opting to avoid big hits and instead get down or out of bounds.
While being a reluctant runner may be beneficial for Hurts' self-preservation, it's also changed the way defenses approach him. Edge rushers and linebackers no longer need to account for a potential run on every shotgun play, but many still incorporate "spy" concepts into their game plans to try and keep Hurts from escaping the pocket.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo is often cited as the reason for Hurts' decreased rushing yards, with play-calling taking a more conservative approach. According to data from NFL Pro, Hurts averaged just 1.7 designed rush attempts per game this season, down from at least 2.4 in each of the previous five seasons.
However, it's not just Patullo's play calling that's led to the drop-off. Scrambling yards have also decreased significantly, with Hurts scrambling on only 19.8% of his dropbacks this season. It suggests that he's become more instinctual about when to leave the pocket and is choosing to avoid big hits.
While it's possible that Hurts will increase his rushing pace in the playoffs, it's unlikely that he'll suddenly start dialing up his own number as much as he did in the past. The evidence from last season suggests that he averaged 3.8 designed runs per game during the four playoff games, but this is still just a small increase from the regular season.
In reality, Hurts will likely continue to be selective with his runs, using his athleticism and quick decision-making to avoid big hits and pick up first downs. While it may not lead to the same level of production as in previous seasons, it's enough for him to remain an effective quarterback and a threat in the Eagles' offense.
The Eagles are gearing up for the playoffs, and the question on everyone's mind is whether quarterback Jalen Hurts will increase his rushing yards. It's a trend that has been debated all season, with some pointing to past performances as evidence of Hurts' reluctance to run.
In 2025, Hurts set a personal best with 25 passing touchdowns and had 300 more passing yards than he did in 2024 on 93 fewer attempts. However, his rushing yards took a significant hit, dropping to 421 total yards, the lowest since becoming the full-time starter in 2021.
Since taking over as the team's starter in 2021, Hurts' average rushing yards per game have dropped year after year. His average has decreased by nearly half compared to his first full season, and he's become more selective with his runs, opting to avoid big hits and instead get down or out of bounds.
While being a reluctant runner may be beneficial for Hurts' self-preservation, it's also changed the way defenses approach him. Edge rushers and linebackers no longer need to account for a potential run on every shotgun play, but many still incorporate "spy" concepts into their game plans to try and keep Hurts from escaping the pocket.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo is often cited as the reason for Hurts' decreased rushing yards, with play-calling taking a more conservative approach. According to data from NFL Pro, Hurts averaged just 1.7 designed rush attempts per game this season, down from at least 2.4 in each of the previous five seasons.
However, it's not just Patullo's play calling that's led to the drop-off. Scrambling yards have also decreased significantly, with Hurts scrambling on only 19.8% of his dropbacks this season. It suggests that he's become more instinctual about when to leave the pocket and is choosing to avoid big hits.
While it's possible that Hurts will increase his rushing pace in the playoffs, it's unlikely that he'll suddenly start dialing up his own number as much as he did in the past. The evidence from last season suggests that he averaged 3.8 designed runs per game during the four playoff games, but this is still just a small increase from the regular season.
In reality, Hurts will likely continue to be selective with his runs, using his athleticism and quick decision-making to avoid big hits and pick up first downs. While it may not lead to the same level of production as in previous seasons, it's enough for him to remain an effective quarterback and a threat in the Eagles' offense.
. He knows his limitations and isn't gonna get sacked all the time... trust me I've seen the behind-the-scenes stuff 
. The playoffs are a whole different ball game but he's still gonna be careful not to take unnecessary risks 
. He'll just pick off those short gains and make them go for more 
. Don't count him out, he's still got it 
!
Newsflash: he's 4 years into being the starter and his rushing yards have taken a hit, but we're still not expecting him to suddenly become Michael Vick. It's all about playing smart football now 
. He's got better options (i.e. throwing TDs) and defenses are onto his "runs" so he'll stick to what works. Don't @ me with stats 
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. He might not be as reckless as he was in the past, but that's exactly what makes him a more reliable QB in my opinion 
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And yeah, I don't think he'll be rushing a lot in the playoffs. He's just being smart about it and trying to avoid taking unnecessary hits 
. It's all about getting Hurts comfortable and letting him make plays with his legs 
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. He'll probably just stick with what he's doing and still put up some decent numbers. And honestly, it's better for him to be cautious and focused on avoiding injuries than trying to force his way through tackles