Evidence that Jalen Hurts injury hasn't had any bearing on a sudden step forward

Jalen Hurts' toughness is a key part of what makes his teammates and opponents respect him as a leader.

Jalen Hurts is the football equivalent of Michael Myers. No matter how hard you try or what circumstances arise, you cannot keep him down. It is a unique mental toughness paired with a special amount of physical strength and resolve. Opponents have gotten out to multiple score leads on numerous occasions this year and yet they are unable to rest easy knowing the Brotherly Shove Captain is on their tail.

Fans have been able to watch Hurts prosper in the face of adversity a number of times. The most popular story seems to be about being benched for Tua Tagovailoa in the National Championship game but the awkward situation he walked into after being drafted as the back up to Carson Wentz also required a maturity not often seen in young players.

The criticism he received after a chaotic playoff performance against the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers was loud and harsh after the 2021 season. He received little praise for making the playoffs with nine wins after being projected as a four-win team in the preseason.

The pressure of being a starting quarterback on a professional football team is immense and we have seen many crushed by it. Hurts has only put his head down and persevered to be respected as one of the best in the game. It all seems to stem from an unshakeable belief in himself, hard work, and the results those two things together bring.