Dallas Week: Cowboys reveal how they’re game-planning for Jalen Hurts in practice

Victor Williams
October 12, 2022
Eagles
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Dallas has beaten the likes of Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford so far this season, but they have yet to play against a quarterback as dynamic as Jalen Hurts.

In addition to taking significant strides as a passer, Hurts remains dangerous in the open field when forced out of the pocket:

Jalen Hurts 2022 rushing stats

Yards: 277 (2nd amongst QBs)
TDs: 6 (tied for 2nd in NFL)
First downs: 22 (3rd in NFL)

In an attempt to contain the Eagles signal-caller on Sunday night, Dallas is having third-string QB Will Grier simulate Hurts due to his mobility:

Cowboys QB Will Grier to simulate Eagles QB Jalen Hurts this week on practice scout team, Mike McCarthy said. Team has used WR Cedrick Wilson, CB C.J. Goodwin as QBs in past. "Will has played in this kind of offense at West Virginia. I think he will do a heck of a job."
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 12, 2022

Grier only rushed for 328 total yards in his two years at West Virginia, so I’m not sure what college tape Mike McCarthy was watching. You’ll have to ask my business partner and fellow Dub-V alma mater Drew Smith about that one. Furthermore, why Dallas would even reveal this information to the media is beyond me.

Hurts has struggled with Dallas in the past, throwing for 668 yards, 3 TDs and 4 INTs in his two career games against them (both losses). He’ll look for his first win on Sunday as the Eagles try to move to 6-0 heading into the bye week.