What Jalen Hurts, Eagles players said about their win against the Saints

The New Orleans Saints’ nine-game win streak ended Sunday with a 24-21 loss to the Eagles.

Philadelphia benefited from two key turnovers and was able to end the Saints’ 55-game streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher as both quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Miles Sanders each topped the mark.

“I think some of it was we had a couple more designed runs with Jalen. And then just, the style of run plan that we put together,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. “Coach Stoutland [offensive line/run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland] does a great job studying the front and what these guys do. We kept it to where we could have more probably repeat plays and just execution with the guys up front.  Guys did a nice job there, and it was fun to watch them out there play and get this win today.”

Here’s what Eagles players said about their big plays and win against the Saints:

Quarterback Jalen Hurts on how his ability to run the ball altered the Eagles’ gameplan: “I just think going out there and extending [the play] sometimes always helps. I think, up front, we did a great job to allow some of those things to happen. One thing when I look back on this game, a lot of money [was] left on the table for us. A lot of money on the table we left out there. We’re very excited. We’re happy we got a ‘W’ against a really good team. But we’re going to go back to work. We have a 24-hour rule on this thing, we clearly understand that. A lot to work on, a lot to build on. I’m excited to get back to practice, honestly, and get ready for the next game.”

Hurts on the confidence Eagles Head Coach Doug Pedersen has in the offense to attempt four fourth down conversions: “That’s trust in his 11 on the field. That’s belief in all 11 guys on the field. That’s how we’re going to play it, we’re going to play it that way. Every time we touch the field, at least my mindset is, to execute. Execute what’s called and, I’ll say it again, [there’s] a lot to learn from and a lot to build on. Execution is everything and always will be.”

Hurts on Miles Sanders’ 82-yard touchdown run: “The big guys up front. The big guys up front blocked their tail off all game. I think [Eagles WR] Alshon [Jeffery] had an impactful block on the outside. It's’ all 11 playing as one. All 11 doing their job and dominating that box and doing what they’re coached to do. We have confidence that if all 11 can do their job on every play it’s going to be a positive play. That ended up being an explosive run and definitely a game-changer.”

Running back Miles Sanders on his 82-yard run and how Hurts opened things up: “Opened up a lot of stuff. From the first play to the last, they had to respect him and his legs and he’s been doing a great job just reading it. Reading the [defensive end]. Reading his keys to either pull it or take it. That was a regular inside zone. They’d been playing over the top the whole time, letting the linebackers hit certain gaps. But I think the frontside linebacker hit the wrong gap and I just took it out the front and [Eagles TE] Zach [Ertz] had a hell of a block, made one guy miss and to the house I go.”

Defensive end Josh Sweat on if he saw an opportunity this week to create turnovers: “Some of the plays we noticed that he was holding the ball. We figured it would be a lot of boot and stuff like that, so we would have opportunities. I'll be honest, when he did that sprint out, I was like, 'Damn, I might not make it [laughter]'. Something just made me keep running and he held on to the ball and I pretty much saw an opportunity to strip the ball out. I thought I was going to get the recovery but good thing my boy was there.”

Linebacker Duke Riley on his interception: “Yea I think when Mills was pressuring him. I don’t know how it happened I just know I was in the right spot at the right time. I just looked up and I saw tipped ball and I just caught it. I wish I would have scored though to be honest with you.”