NFL Power Rankings, Week 15: Packers take top seed, Eagles sparked by Jalen Hurts

It was a bit of irony as Jalen Hurts made his first start for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New Orleans Saints, who were starting Taysom Hill. Hurts was drafted by the Eagles in the second round this past offseason and immediately comparisons were made to Hill, who was a gadget player behind Drew Brees.

Those comparisons were unfounded as the two are nothing alike — other than the fact they can run, but even their running styles differ drastically. That didn’t stop them from coming though as everyone thought Hurts could be the specialist Hill was for New Orleans. Now in Week 14, they were each starting as Hill was still in the place of an injured Brees, and Hurts took over for an ineffective Carson Wentz.

Hurts showed from the first drive that he’s a better fit for this team. Not only can he improves better behind a struggling offensive line, but his rushing is a much-needed component when no one is getting open. On top of that, the players seem to believe him whereas that doesn’t appear to be the case for Wentz.

In his debut, Hurts had 167 yards passing and a touchdown and 106 yards rushing as Philly knocked off the Saints. Now at 4-8-1, they are somehow still alive in the NFC East, which is surprising. They’re unlikely to catch Washington, but here’s no denying Hurts gives them a better chance than Wentz did.