Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles had one of their best games of the year in a bounce-back 30-13 win against the Denver Broncos.

Hurts Hot Start

In a matchup vs the Los Angeles Chargers last week, the Eagles strayed away from the passing game. However, this week was very different as Philadelphia attacked through the air early in the game. Hurts started on fire, completing 6 of his first 7 passes. The Eagles relied on his passing ability early and it paid off in a big way. Hurts finished with 178 yards through the air and 2 touchdowns. Both of Hurts's touchdowns were to his former Alabama teammate Devonta Smith.

Big Game for the Birthday Boy

Smith had a big day for the Eagles too. Sunday was Smith's birthday, and he had a party in the endzone twice as he scored two touchdowns.

On Smith's first touchdown, he made an electrifying catch over his former Alabama teammate and fellow rookie Patrick Surtain JR. Smtih talked about the play after the game.

"The quarterback just trusted me and gave me a chance to make a play. That's what we always talk about, having trust in each other and he trusted me," said Smith.

His second touchdown came in the second quarter. Smith beat the defensive back at the line of scrimmage and was wide open in the end zone for the score. The rookie was very satisfied with how his 23rd birthday turned out.

"I got a win for my birthday, which is all I wanted," Smith stated. 

Play of the Game

Smith and Hurts had a lot of big plays in the Eagles win. However, the most important play of the day came on the defensive end. In a seven-point game in the third quarter, the Broncos were driving down the field and decided to go for it in a 4th and 1 situation. Running back Melvin Gordon made a push for the first down but got the ball knocked loose. Eagles' safety Darius Slay picked up the ball and ran for an 83-yard touchdown. Slay said his thoughts during the play in a post-game interview. 

"An offensive lineman tried to grab it," Slay recalled. "I just snatched it out of his hand quickly, like, 'Nah, give me that. That's mine.'"

Slay's big play put the Eagles in a comfortable position. Philadelphia had complete control for the remainder of the game and left Denver with a big-time win.

Looking Ahead

The Denver Broncos still have a chance to win the AFC West. The Broncos are now 5-5 and have a division game coming up. Denver is on a bye next week, although when they return it will be to play the Los Angeles Chargers. The game will take place on November 28th at 1:05 P.M. PST. 

The Eagles will be headed back to Philadelphia for their next game. Philadelphia will face off against the New Orleans Saints at 10:00 A.M. PST.