Running back Saquon Barkley is clearly the Philadelphia Eagles’ MVP, but quarterback Jalen Hurts also deserves kudos for helping the team clinch its second Super Bowl berth in three years.
In a 55-23 blowout against the Washington Commanders in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, Hurts recorded 262 yards (246 passing and 16 rushing) and four touchdowns (one passing and three rushing).
In his postgame news conference, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni sent a message to the QB’s detractors.
“How about our quarterback? He’s a stud,” Sirianni said. “I knew he was going to play that way. I knew it. Don’t doubt him. All he does is win.”
Hurts has produced pedestrian passing numbers this season. In 15 regular-season starts, the two-time Pro Bowler finished with 2,903 passing yards, the second-lowest mark of his career. In three playoff games, Hurts has averaged 7.3 yards per pass attempt, 10th among 14 QBs.
However, the Eagles don’t need Hurts to throw for 400 yards every game when they have Barkley. Per Pro Football Reference, the RB has 442 rushing yards in three postseason games, the seventh most in league history.
More importantly, Hurts has proved he can still deliver in key situations.
On a 4th-and-5 late in the second quarter against Washington, he completed a 31-yard pass to wide receiver A.J. Brown. Subsequently, the QB rushed for a one-yard TD, giving Philadelphia a 20-12 lead.
