Washington Commanders Defense Presented 'Great Challenge,' Says Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

The Washington Commanders' defense has struggled at times this season, but Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sees things differently.

For the second time in five weeks, the Washington Commanders went toe-to-toe with the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, but again fell just short in a 38-31 loss at FedEx Field on Sunday. 

Regardless of the final point total, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has now twice experienced a Commanders defense that he calls "a great challenge."

“I mean, you know, they had some guys banged up defensively and offensively," Hurts said. "I know 57 [LB Cody Barton] didn't play today, one of their safeties didn't play as well. Had some changes in the back end for them, but Coach [Ron Rivera], their DC [Jack Del Rio] does a great job all the time. I feel like he's always done a great job, especially when he sees us twice a year, you know, so great challenge for us and I'm glad we overcame it.”

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts / © Brad Mills, USA TODAY

The defense has been arguably one of the weakest links for the Commanders this season, but the unit showed some positive strides against a dangerous Eagles offense. Jack Del Rio's group recovered two goal-line fumbles - one of which was committed by Hurts on the infamous "Brotherly Shove" - and held the Eagles out of the end zone until the final seconds of the first half.

However, the Eagles exploded in the second half, which was highlighted by a 21-point fourth quarter. What once seemed like a stout defensive performance against one of the best teams in the league instead resulted in the second-most points Washington has given up in a game this season. 

The Commanders are certainly disappointed after coming within one score of beating the Eagles both times this season, but the team now has a ton of positives to take from the Week 8 loss ahead of Sunday's clash with the New England Patriots in Foxboro.