by Jalen Hurts, also known as “Air Jalen,” Jalen “Hulu Has Lives Sports,” or “Fresh Prince,” has taken the league by storm. In such little time, he’s gone from the second round draft pick as Carson Wentz’s (yes, I said his name) backup to MVP candidate.
Hurts has grown on and off the field in his first three years in the NFL, and is now going into his fourth. A lot of reports and much speculation was made that he would be traded in the 2022 offseason for an upgrade, specifically Russell Wilson. Fortunately, the Eagles opted to let their young QB prove himself…
…and did he EVER.
Hurts threw for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdown passes while completing 66.5% of his passes AND rushed for 760 yards while crossing the goal line himself 13 times, which is a career high in all categories aside from rushing yards. He only threw 6 interceptions, in which half weren’t Hurts’ fault. With all of these achievements, Hurts finished in second place in MVP voting and became the team’s top leader to a Super Bowl berth.
Yet, there still remains disrespect and doubt in the fourth-year QB. Why? I certainly can’t understand it. Does he have help? Sure. Has he used that help to the fullest of his capabilities? Yes, and no. There’s still more this man can do, and now he’s out to prove it. His name is certainly discussed in the debates surrounding the league’s top players, including being ranked at number 3 on the NFL’s Top 100 list (voted by PLAYERS).
All while gaining new deals in commercials for Hulu and becoming a Jordan Brand athlete, many ranking lists have still left him out. Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown were recently left off of FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd’s Top-10 QB/WR duo list. A list that includes 3 pairings that haven’t even played a regular season snap together (Derek Carr/Chris Olave at 5th, Aaron Rodgers/Garrett Wilson at 4th, and Trevor Lawrence/Calvin RIdley at 2nd). Not to mention he has Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown on his list over the two Eagles. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Hurts as just the 7th best QB in the league back in May. SEVENTH?! There are definitely not 6 QBs better than Hurts right now in the league. The Philly duo logged for 78 completions, 1,296 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 games together in their FIRST season together. Meanwhile, with those stats, Hurts also had to spread the wealth to his other WR1, DeVonta Smith.
Through all of this, Hurts has been canceling out all the noise that has surrounded him and is focusing on getting back to the Lombardi Trophy. The QB has kept quiet throughout all of this when talking about last season, the disrespect and doubts of his own team, and is using it to fuel the fire for the upcoming season.
Jalen Hurts signed a new – then record breaking – deal while still helping his team save money to bring back key contributors around the rest of the team to return to the big game in February.
“Keep the main thing the main thing.” The Fresh Prince is primed for another great season ahead, just to prove all the doubters wrong yet again.