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Even Doug Pederson’s players were furious at the Eagles head coach for waving the white flag in Sunday night’s regular season finale.
Two Philadelphia defenders had to be barred from facing Pederson after placing third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Washington football team, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, a move that was immediately berated by former players, analysts and fans who claimed the Eagles were deliberately rejecting the game in order to secure the sixth pick instead of the ninth in the NFL Draft.
Sudfeld relieved rookie rookie Jalen Hurts with the Eagles down three points, threw an interception on his second pass, lost a fumble on the next possession and came close to leading his team to a comeback in 20 loss. -14.
Pederson defended his decision, saying he wanted to get Sudfeld, a career replacement, playing time for the first time in two years.
“We had a little trouble moving the ball,” Pederson told reporters Monday. “Defensively they kept us in the game with a few late takeouts. And my plan was to get Nate in the game.
Pederson hinted last week that Sudfeld could see the playing time, but many were stunned he would make a change with his squad well within reach.
While Hurts was 7 of 20 with an interception, he rushed for two touchdowns and clearly gave Philadelphia, who also sat multiple starters throughout the game, the best chance to put rival Washington out of the playoffs.
After being taken out of the game, NBC cameras turned to Hurts, who appeared to say, “It’s not fair.” Hurts then said: “As a competitor I play to win. You have to trust [Pederson’s plan]. “
Perhaps no team was more angry with Pederson than the Giants, who, due to their 6-10 record, relied on the Eagles to win because it would have sent them to the playoffs against Washington.
“It’s disgusting,” wide receiver Darius Slayton tweeted shortly after Sudfeld entered the game.
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