Even Doug Pederson’s own players were furious at the Eagles coach for waving the white flag in Sunday night’s regular season final.
Two Philadelphia defenders had to be prevented from facing Pederson after he placed third-striker defender Nate Sudfeld in the fourth period of the defeat for the Washington football team, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, a move that was immediately rebuked by ex -players. analysts and fans who claimed that the Eagles were purposely throwing the game away in order to secure sixth instead of ninth in the NFL draft.
Sudfeld relieved beginner Jalen Hurts with the Eagles by losing three points, intercepted his second pass, missed a fumble in possession of the next ball and didn’t come close to leading his team to a recovery in the 20-14 defeat.
Pederson defended his decision, saying he wanted to have Sudfeld, a career reserve, playing time for the first time in two years.
“We were struggling a bit to move the ball,” Pederson told reporters on Monday. “Defensively, they kept us in the game with some late comments. And my plan was to get Nate into the game. “
Pederson hinted last week that Sudfeld could see the playing time, but many were surprised that he could make a change with his team very close to the attack.
While Hurts was 7 out of 20 with an interception, he ran for two touchdowns and clearly gave Philadelphia, which also had several matches throughout the game, the best chance of getting its rival Washington out of the playoffs.
After being removed from the game, NBC cameras directed them to Hurts, who seemed to be saying, “It’s not right.” Hurts later said: “As a competitor, I play to win. You have to trust [Pederson’s plan]. “
Perhaps no team was more upset with Pederson than the Giants, who due to their 6-10 record, were counting on the Eagles to win because that would have sent them into the playoffs against Washington.
“This is sick,” said receiver Darius Slayton on Twitter shortly after Sudfeld joined the game.