Commanders DC: If Eagles' Jalen Hurts Runs the Ball, We're Going to Hit Him Like a RB

The Washington Commanders are prepared to get physical with Jalen Hurts if the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback plans to break the pocket and run the ball during Sunday's NFC Championship Game between the teams.

"We've had a number of these [running quarterbacks] that we've had to prepare for. The one thing is, if he's going to run the ball—the coordinator makes the decision for him to run the ball—we're going to treat him like a running back," Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. told reporters Thursday. "And we're going to hit him that way. That's their decision if they want to get him hit the way that he gets hit. If they don't, they'll keep him in the pocket."

Hurts may not run as much as normal against the Commanders, but it won't have anything to do with a bit of bluster from a defensive coordinator.

The Eagles' quarterback injured his knee during last weekend's 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams and was clearly hobbled during the late stages of that game, limiting his mobility. While Hurts has been practicing this week and is seemingly in line to play on Sunday—he was a full participant at Thursday's practice—it remains to be seen whether he'll be at 100 percent.

"He's tough. He's gritty. He wants to be out there with us at all times," Philly left tackle Jordan Mailata told reporters on Thursday. "Nothing but respect for him. He embraces adversity. He's a lot more energetic this week. He's fired up."

Right tackle Lane Johnson offered a positive update on Hurts as well:

Hurts led the Eagles to a 26-18 win over the Commanders in November and had them on their way to a second victory in December before he suffered a concussion in the first quarter. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game and his absence slowed down an Eagles offense that scored touchdowns on its first two drives of that game. In turn, the Commanders could focus on slowing down Saquon Barkley, playing a part in Washington's resulting 36-33 win (the brilliance of Jayden Daniels also factored heavily into the final result).

Hurts' running ability not only forces defense to remain disciplined against the read-option and RPO actions the Eagles run, opening up big lanes for Barkley, but also serves as solid backup plan in the passing game when his initial reads are covered. Without him available—or at less than 100 percent—Philly's offense becomes less dynamic.

Either way, the Washington defense has struggled against this Eagles offense, giving up 772 yards and 59 points in the two games between the teams. And those scoring numbers could have been worse—the Eagles settled for nine field goals, making six of them, and played without Hurts for three quarters in the second meeting.

So Whitt will have his work cut out for him, with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.