It took an entire week for the news to be confirmed, but the anticipated NFC Wild Card round quarterback matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles is now official.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts were cleared from Friday’s final health report and will play in Sunday’s playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.
While Love injured his right elbow in the season finale and Hurts started the week under concussion protocol, Love practiced at full capacity on Thursday and Friday, and Hurts approved the concussion protocol on Friday.
Both quarterbacks are vigorous enough to play, so who will be better on Sunday?
Love completed 60.0 percent of his passes, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt, and in the final three games of the regular season, his passer rating was just 87.0. Hurts, on the other hand, suffered a concussion after throwing just four passes in Week 16 and missed the final two games. Sunday will be a battle between a quarterback who hasn’t performed particularly well to end the season against a quarterback who hasn’t played a full game since December 15th.
Both playmakers are struggling with injuries to their wingers. Christian Watson suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season finale, robbing the Packers’ passing game of its biggest threat. Meanwhile, the Eagles are dealing with injuries to AJ Brown (knee) and Devonta Smith (back), who are both expected to play Sunday after missing practice this week.
The Packers will also have a backup quarterback option available. Malik Willis is out of status despite injuring his right thumb in the season finale. He practiced fully on Thursday and Friday, as did Love.
Often, significant games – especially in the playoffs – are decided by the play of the quarterback. Which quarterback – Love or Hurts – will better handle the circumstances and create the large plays necessary to advance in the postseason?
