Eagles' Mailata: 'Couldn't give a f--k' about discussing QB hype
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata doesn't care that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is getting more hype than Jalen Hurts heading into their NFC Championship tilt.
"I couldn't give a f--k ... A rat's ass about whatever anyone says outside this building," Mailata told reporters Thursday when asked if it bothers him that some people don't consider Hurts the same caliber of quarterback as Daniels.
He added: "It ain't gonna help us win championships, and that's our goal."
Daniels is coming off a tremendous performance last weekend in the divisional round against the Detroit Lions, completing 22 of 31 passes with 350 total yards and two touchdowns.
The 24-year-old is having one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history, leading the Commanders to a 12-5 regular-season record and their first conference championship since the 1991 campaign. Out of 32 qualifying signal-callers this year, Daniels ranked sixth in EPA/play and eighth in completion percentage, according to Ben Baldwin's database.
Meanwhile, Hurts has been criticized for his lackluster postseason passing numbers, throwing for 259 yards across the Eagles' two playoff victories. However, he's been efficient with his legs and has kept the ball out of harm's way.
The 26-year-old is 12-0 in the last 12 contests he's started and finished, racking up 29 total touchdowns to just three turnovers during that stretch. Hurts has thrown one interception since the beginning of October, and the two-time Pro Bowler exited with a concussion versus Washington in Philly's only loss over that time.
The Eagles have Hurts on the injury report due to a knee issue he suffered in the divisional round. However, Hurts was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice, and Mailata said he's confident in the quarterback's ability heading into Sunday.
"He's tough and gritty man. That's him. He wants to be out there with us at all times. ... He likes to embrace adversity," Mailata said. "He's a lot more energetic this week, he's fired up. It's good to see that."
The Eagles face the Commanders at 3 p.m. ET Sunday in the NFC Championship.