NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
It’s been a talking key point for the past 2 seasons. Will Jalen Hurts be the QB of the future for the Philadelphia Eagles? Analysts and fans have gone as far as to say that this 2022 season is his audition of sorts to keep the job. But how? What more must he prove that he’s the leader of this team now and beyond?
This will be Hurts 2nd full season as a starter. Yes, just his 2nd. He played as a rookie, started 4 games, passed for 1061 yards, 6 TDs, and 4 INTs. In his second year, he was given the keys to the team. Hurts would finish the season with 3144 yards passing, 22 TDs, and 14 INTs. But for Hurts, those numbers were just the tip of the iceberg.
During Hurts rookie season, the Eagles went 4-11-1. In his second season and first as a full-time starter, the Eagles went 9-8, finished 2nd in the NFC East, and make an appearance in the playoffs. And yet, folks are saying that this is an audition season for Hurts. Again, why?
What more does this kid have to prove to show everyone that he deserves the permanent keys to this team?
According to Statmuse, since 2020, Hurts is 4th in rushing Yards by a QB (1138), and 5th in rushing TD (14). While his stats are not up there in regards to Passing Yards and Passing TDs, Hurts has amassed those totals with just one full season under his belt. Let’s see what he can do with time.
Also, in his defense, the Eagles’ offense was going through a ton of changes in his second year. We’re talking about being led by a rookie head coach, losing Zach Ertz, not having Miles Sanders the full season, and no reliable receivers except a rookie named DeVonta Smith. Was he supposed to become Tom Brady in 16 games?
Jalen Hurts Is Worth Trusting
This offseason, Howie Roseman went and provided Hurts a big-name receiver in AJ Brown to pair with Smith and Dallas Goedert. Roseman shored up a defense that should help Hurts and the offense with better field position which was one of their biggest hurdles last year.
While Hurts has done everything fans have asked. Nothing is ever enough for the Philly faithful. Jalen Hurts is not Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning. He’s more in the mold of Lamar Jackson, Michael Vick, and Donavon McNabb. What Eagles’ fans must come to terms with is if they want a 5000 yards passer or a winner. Stats are good but winners produce playoff appearances and championships.
Jalen Hurts finally has a full team behind him. Even if he struggles, is that enough to throw away what looks like a bright future that may possibly set the team back a few years? Not every QB is meant to put up Hall of Fame numbers every season. Some are just meant to win. Look at what Troy Aikman did with the Dallas Cowboys. His numbers were average at best and yet, all they did was win.
Hurts has to come into the season with the belief that the team is his. He should not have to look over his shoulder every time a mistake is made. He’s still learning the pace of the NFL game and so far, he’s done nothing but produce. Teams are out here changing QBs every season and wondering why they can’t make the playoffs or catch any solid footing. And here the Eagles are with up-and-coming talent and all fans can do is hate.
