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          Eagles remove Jalen Hurts, and Giants players, fans are beside themselves

          • Tim McManus, ESPN Staff WriterJan 4, 2021, 04:44 AM
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              Tim McManus covers the Philadelphia Eagles for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2016 after covering the Eagles for Philadelphia Magazine's Birds 24/7, a site he helped create, since 2010. You can follow him on Twitter @Tim_McManus.
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          Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld replaced Jalen Hurts early in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's Week 17 game, causing a storm of reaction on social media -- especially among New York Giants faithful.

          Pulling Hurts was the Eagles' plan going in to this game. Not only did it limit the punishment Hurts took behind a skeleton-crew offensive line while giving Sudfeld some reps, but it also conveniently lowered the host Eagles' chances of winning the game.

          The Eagles' 20-14 loss to Washington secured the No. 6 overall pick in April's NFL draft. A victory would have dropped the Eagles to No. 9 overall, so there was plenty of incentive for Philadelphia to end up with a loss. Also, a win by Philadelphia would have given the Giants the NFC East title and a ticket to the NFL playoffs. Washington earned the division title and advanced.

          Despite the Eagles' incentives or motives, people from inside the NFL, including current and former Giants players, took to social media to post their confusion and disappointment.