Eagles QB Jalen Hurts takes Dak Prescott's seat at the table by joining NFL's 'Superstar Club'

QB1 of the so-called 'America's Team' is out. The up-and-coming star of the Philadelphia Eagles is in. We're paraphrasing here, but that's the basis of an intriguing take by Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host Dan Hanzus. He recently penned a nice write-up for NFL.com as he released his 2023 NFL Superstar Club.

Jalen Hurts, last season, was the runner-up for the MVP trophy. Then, he went toe to toe with the winner, Patrick Mahomes, on pro football's grandest stage. Some say Jalen outplayed Patrick even though Philly didn't get the result they wanted. Just like that, any remaining doubts about the former 2020 second-rounder trickled away, and he's been receiving the adoration that he never seeks but so richly deserves ever since.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is surrounded by talent and will continue his winning ways during his third full season as Philly's starter.

Dan Hanzus places Jalen Hurts alongside Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Aaron Rodgers in the 'Superstar' category for quarterbacks. A division rival, Dallas Cowboys gunslinger Dak Prescott, and Denver Broncos star Russell Wilson are both out.

Here's the explanation for Jalen's inclusion.

"Hurts took a massive leap in his third season, becoming a consistent dominator for a loaded Eagles squad. We don't know if he'll match the dizzying heights he reached as a rusher of the football in 2022, when he became just the second QB all-time to log 165-plus carries in a season, logging 4.6 yards per attempt and 13 (!) touchdowns on the ground (second-most by a QB in any NFL season). But he could get even better as a passer playing behind an elite offensive line and with playmakers all around him. This was an easy decision."

Hanzus also places another Bird, A,J. Brown, in the superstar tier for wide receivers. He is joined there by Davante Adams, Ja'Marr Chase, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, Cooper Kupp, CeeDee Lamb, DK Metcalf, and Deebo Samuel.

Travis Kelce sits alone as Hanzus' only named superstar at the tight end position. Dallas Goedert earns an honorable mention as a 'close call'. Hanzus states Mark Andrews is "great in Baltimore, as is Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia", but he also says they aren't "knocking on the door as transcendent playmakers worthy of superstar consideration". We disagree.

By trading Eagles longtime TE1 and legend Zach Ertz, the Birds drew a line in the sand by placing their full confidence and faith in Goedert. Ertz spent much of his career being seen as the game's third best tight end behind Kelce and George Kittle. but Goedert is a better blocker than Zach and has shown more playmaking ability after the catch.

Goedert is elite in every way. The statistical production probably hasn't consistently evidenced that, but we expect that it will this season. Philly's leader on offense, QB1 Jalen Hurts, will have no shortage of weapons with A.J., Dallas, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus and a quartet of talented running backs at his disposal.

Expect more fireworks from the Eagles offense in 2023. Expect Jalen Hurts and the Birds to continue their winning ways in his third full season as the starter.

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