Thanks to Jalen Hurts, Eagles have a long and promising future

It can’t be denied. The questions should all be answered by now. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was unquestionably the best performer on the field this past Sunday in the Super Bowl. He’d ultimately lose the game’s MVP award to Patrick Mahomes, but he proved his mettle, dispelling the doubters once and for all as he set new Super Bowl records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

Hurts won’t dwell on that. He’ll more than likely dwell on what he could have done better, but as we turn the page from this past season, it’s safe to say that the Birds have found their leader.

Jalen Hurts is only 24, but he is part of a bright future for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Three years ago, during the 2020 NFL Draft, there were concerns about why Philadelphia would use a second-round draft choice on Jalen when they already had Carson Wentz. He had been criticized as a passer during his time at Alabama. He was ultimately replaced by Tua Tagovailoa and went on to become a Heisman Trophy runner-up with the Oklahoma Sooners.

The third-year quarterback and now-NFL MVP runner-up is part of a promising future for the Eagles. Despite a heartbreaking defeat that will linger with Eagles fans forever, there’s reason to be excited.

“Everyone experiences different agonies of life, but you decide if you want to learn from it.” That’s what he told reporters following the game.  It’s tough to qualify for a Super Bowl, but with the way that this young man is wired, it’s hard to believe that he doesn’t have the stuff to make a few more appearances in the future.

At 24 years, six months, and five days old, he was the seventh-youngest quarterback to ever start in a Super Bowl. A long-term contract is right around the corner. He will turn 25 before the start of next season, and it’s safe to say he’ll more than likely eclipse Carson Wentz’s four-year run as Eagles QB (which would be the longest by an Eagles quarterback since Donovan McNabb manned the controls).

Hurts hasn’t just broken Super Bowl and regular-season records. During his second full season as the starter, he has improved on almost all of the important passing measurables. He has taken better care of the football. His passer rating is better. Last season, he wasn’t ranked among the top 20 passers. This time around, he finished ranked among the top five passers for the most recent season.

Hurts has captured the hearts of supporters. He has converted skeptics into believers, even as the greatest Eagles season became one of the most disappointing. Barring an injury, it is safe to conclude that the Eagles have found their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.