The Tennessee Titans want to make Jalen Hurts beat them from inside the pocket on Sunday, but executing that plan will require a disciplined performance from the entire defensive front.
“We just need to make Jalen Hurts be a QB,” Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons told reporters. “Stop his runs, make sure Hurts doesn’t get out of the pocket, and make plays.”
Simmons’ comments were less about questioning Hurts’ ability as a passer and more about removing the second element that makes the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback so difficult to defend. Hurts completed 18 of 26 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns in Philadelphia’s 24-22 victory over Washington. He also rushed for 46 yards, extending drives and punishing defenders whenever Washington lost
containment. Tennessee’s edge defenders must avoid rushing too far upfield and creating escape lanes. Simmons and the interior defensive line must generate pressure without losing gap integrity, particularly when Philadelphia uses zone-read concepts or play-action.
#Titans Jeffery Simmons on Jalen Hurts: We just need to make Jalen Hurts be a QB. Stop his runs, make sure Hurts doesn't get out of the pocket and make plays.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 16, 2026
Keeping Hurts inside the pocket is only the first part of the challenge. The Titans must then hold up against DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, Dallas Goedert, and Philadelphia’s other receiving options while also accounting for Saquon Barkley out of the backfield. Hurts showed in Week 1 that he can distribute the football efficiently when given time. Goedert caught four passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns as Philadelphia repeatedly exploited favorable matchups.
Still, letting Hurts escape creates an even harder problem. He can scramble for a first down, extend the play until a receiver breaks open, or force defenders to abandon their coverage responsibilities. Tennessee’s margin for error is already small. Losing rush-lane discipline would give Hurts and the Eagles another way to control Sunday’s matchup.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jeffery Simmons wants Titans to force Jalen Hurts to be a QB
