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Chiefs rookies step up in a big way on Conference Championship weekend

By Logan Lazarczyk

NFL Picks; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks for a receiver against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Picks; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks for a receiver against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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We are finally down to two teams remaining in the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, leading to a highly anticipated Super Bowl with Andy Reid facing his former team and the Kelce brothers facing off. Both teams had completely different paths to the Super Bowl, but the fact of the matter is, both teams have earned the right to play for the Lombardi Trophy.

Chiefs
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

Eagles defeat 49ers in unentertaining fashion due to monumental injury

The NFC Championship game was supposed to be a great matchup between two teams that were on a collision course since the playoffs started.

However, Brock Purdy suffered an elbow injury that turned out to be a torn UCL, after being hit while attempting a pass, which turned into a fumble. Josh Johnson was the only other active quarterback on the roster, and he was unable to stay in the game for an extended period after suffering a concussion. Purdy re-entered the game, but he was clearly unable to throw the ball, as the 49ers ran the ball on every play despite being down three scores.

Philadelphia did not look particularly great throughout the game, but with the 49ers not having any quarterbacks able to throw, the game became an inevitable win for the Eagles.

Jalen Hurts was obviously hindered by his sprained shoulder, leaving throws short and without any touch or feel. With that being said, it was a bit confusing to see the Eagles dial up designed running plays for Hurts with a substantial lead and the 23-year-old quarterback clearly not at full health. Hurts only completed 15 of 25 passes for 121 yards and no touchdowns, while rushing for only 39 yards on 11 carries.

There is not much to say about this contest, as it was anything but that. The injury to Purdy really took the steam out of this game, and once again Kyle Shanahan was held back by his quarterback being unable to stay healthy.

Purdy was diagnosed with a completely torn UCL on Monday, which is a six-month injury, leaving his availability for the early portion of the 2023 season in doubt. It has not been determined if Purdy needs to have surgery, which has been recommended by the 49ers.

If Purdy is not ready for week 1 of next season, will Trey Lance be the starter, or will San Francisco go after Tom Brady? Brady has been able to stay healthy for much of his career, but he showed some decline this season and will be 46 years old heading into next season.

The 49ers’ quarterback situation will be an intriguing storyline to follow this offseason. There are a number of things that can transpire with this situation.

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