The Unveiling of Jalen Hurts’ True Personality
One of the most memorable aspects of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory has been the transformation in Jalen Hurts’ demeanor. For years, Hurts has been known for his stoic and focused approach, rarely letting his guard down in public. From the day he was drafted in the spring of 2020 to the moments leading up to the Super Bowl, he maintained a flat-line emotional state that allowed him to compete and prepare at the highest level. However, the 40-22 win over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl unleashed a side of Hurts that was long hidden. Videos of him laughing, smiling, and celebrating with his teammates on the sideline, in the locker room, and at the parade have been a refreshing treat for fans. This newfound expression of joy and camaraderie has not only endeared him to Eagles supporters but also highlighted the depth of his character. Hurts’ ability to compartmentalize his emotions during the season and then let them flow freely in moments of triumph is a testament to his mental strength and maturity. It’s been a long wait, but seeing this side of him has been well worth it.
Milton Williams and Jalen Carter: A Defensive Duo to Remember
The Eagles’ defensive line had a standout year, with Milton Williams and Jalen Carter making significant contributions. Williams finished with 7.0 sacks and Carter with 6.5, marking the first time since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 that two Eagles interior linemen recorded at least 6.5 sacks in a single season. No other team in 2023 achieved this feat, and the only other interior linemen under 25 to do so this year was Bryan Bresee of the Saints, with 7.5 sacks. The last team to have multiple interior linemen with 6.5 sacks or more in the same season was the 2002 Jaguars with John Henderson and Marcus Stroud. This remarkable performance by Williams and Carter underscores the depth and quality of the Eagles’ defensive line, a critical factor in their championship journey.
The Impact of Wide Receivers Coach Aaron Moorehead
The transformation of the Eagles’ wide receiver corps can be largely attributed to the steady hand of wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead. Prior to Moorehead’s arrival in 2020, the Eagles struggled to find consistency at the position. From 2012 to 2019, they cycled through six different wide receivers coaches, and from 2014 to 2021, they did not have a single wide receiver with a 1,000-yard season. However, since Moorehead took over, the Eagles have developed DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown into one of the best 1-2 receiver combinations in the NFL. Both Smith and Brown have shown exceptional performance, with the Eagles boasting a 51-10 record when both are on the field. Moorehead’s experience as an NFL player and his skills as a teacher, communicator, and motivator have been instrumental in stabilizing and elevating the wide receiver position, which was a train wreck for much of the previous decade.
Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl Performance: A Historical Milestone
Jalen Hurts made history in the Super Bowl, becoming the first quarterback since Joe Montana in 1989 to complete 75 percent of his passes while averaging 13 yards per completion. Hurts achieved a remarkable 77.3 percent completion rate and an average of 13.0 yards per completion against the Chiefs, mirroring Montana’s performance of 75.9 percent and 13.5 yards per completion against the Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV. This achievement is a testament to Hurts’ precision and playmaking ability under pressure. It’s a fitting cap to his incredible season, which saw him narrowly miss out on the MVP award, and further solidifies his place as one of the league’s elite young quarterbacks.
A.J. Brown’s Rapid Ascension
A.J. Brown, at just 27 years old, has already accumulated five career 1,000-yard receiving seasons. This is a feat that few players can claim, with only Randy Moss and Mike Evans having more 1,000-yard seasons before their 28th birthday. Brown has amassed 7,026 receiving yards and maintains a career average of 15.8 yards per reception. The only other players to achieve 7,000 yards and a 15.8 average after six seasons are Jerry Rice, Calvin Johnson, Moss, and Torry Holt. Brown’s consistency and production have been crucial to the Eagles’ offensive success, and his partnership with DeVonta Smith has been a significant factor in their championship run.
The Resilience of Rookie Defensive Backs
The Eagles’ success in the 2024 season can also be attributed to the professional and resilient attitude of their young defensive backs, Sydney Brown, Kelee Ringo, and Eli Ricks. In 2023, all three had significant roles on defense, with Brown playing 335 defensive snaps, Ricks 301, and Ringo 199. However, with the drafting of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, their playing time was drastically reduced. Brown’s snaps dropped from 335 to 79, Ricks from 301 to 14, and Ringo from 199 to 112—a net decrease of 630 snaps. Despite this, all three players handled the situation with grace and professionalism, increasing their special teams contributions. Brown and Ringo, in particular, excelled on special teams, contributing to the team’s overall success and earning a Super Bowl ring. Their ability to embrace and fulfill their roles, regardless of how big or small, is a hallmark of the Eagles’ team culture under Nick Sirianni, and it bodes well for their future contributions to the defense.
The Unfair Ranking of Jalen Hurts
Pro Football Focus (PFF) listing Jalen Hurts as the 91st-best player in the NFL on their top 101 players list is one of the most baffling and misguided rankings in recent memory. This evaluation, which includes the postseason, seems particularly egregious given Hurts’ stellar performance throughout the year. Among those ranked ahead of him are players who had mediocre seasons, such as an edge rusher with 8.0 sacks for a 4-13 team, a wide receiver who ranked 31st in yards for a non-playoff team, and a tight end with the 14th-most catches who had a disastrous postseason. Hurts’ ability to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship, complete 75 percent of his passes in the Super Bowl, and average 13 yards per completion speaks volumes about his talent and leadership. This ranking is not just a minor oversight but a significant oversight that fails to recognize Hurts’ impact on the game and his team.
Continuity and Jalen Hurts’ Future Potential
Jalen Hurts’ journey since being drafted by the Eagles in 2020 has been marked by a series of coaching changes, each bringing new systems and approaches. Under head coaches Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni, and with a lineup of offensive coordinators and assistants, Hurts has shown remarkable adaptability. However, the potential for sustained success is even greater with continuity. The promotion of Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator is a step in the right direction, as continuity in the system will allow Hurts to build on his skills and deepen his understanding of the offense. This stability could lead to even more impressive performances and further solidify Hurts’ status as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. The Eagles’ commitment to providing Hurts with a stable environment is a wise move that could yield significant dividends in the years to come.
