Everyone was focused on Jeffery Simmons’ comments heading into the Week 2 Eagles-Titans matchup and how Jalen Hurts might respond. It turns out the Eagles QB proved himself, but Simmons may have just been collateral damage for whom Hurts was really focused on beating.
“Got a lot of respect for Coach Saleh. [It’s] finally good to get him. He’s posed some great challenges, obviously, but kind of checked that off.”
His comments reflected a greater awareness of the coaches he’s struggled against and a commitment
to making sure he gets the last laugh.
The Eagles beat the Jets in 2021, Saleh’s first year as head coach, but Hurts was inactive due to an ankle injury. Then, in 2022, it was Saleh’s Jets in the preseason that hit Jalen Hurts late out of bounds, and led to Sirianni screaming at Saleh across the field — it’s also the reason Sirianni doesn’t play starters anymore in the preseason.
The next two times Philly faced a Saleh-led team or defense, the results were not great.
In 2023, the Eagles lost to the Jets, 14-20, in what would be their first loss of the season and the only loss through 12 games for the Birds. Aside from the final score, it was a rough day for Hurts, who finished 28-of-45 for 280 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
Hurts had another chance for redemption against a Saleh defense less than a year ago, when the Eagles faced the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. The Eagles lost 19-23, and while Hurts was able to avoid so many turnover traps, he had rough day opposite DC Saleh, finishing 20-of-35 for 168 yards and just one touchdown.
Now with the Titans, Saleh once again made things challenging for Hurts and the Eagles offense, but this time, Philly’s quarterback was able to put the game on his back and carry the team to a win. The QB finished 26-of-37 for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions — although, one of those wasn’t his fault. And as a result, Hurts can check off “Beat Robert Saleh” from whatever list of revenge he’s keeping.
