Jalen Hurts has been a top-five quarterback all season long, but the numbers in the playoffs haven’t been anything to be overly excited about. It just centers around the main focus when it comes to playoff football.
Numbers don’t matter.
Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and plenty of other quarterbacks have altered their franchise’s future based on their terrific play. Going off numbers, it’s hard to make an argument against any of the top five quarterbacks and their performance this playoff season.
Jalen Hurts has thrown for just 275 yards in two games with two touchdowns and no interceptions. His 63% completion percentage is three percentage points lower than his regular season average. Those numbers pale in comparison to players like Mahomes or Burrow.
And yet, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are in the Super Bowl regardless of the passing numbers. They have dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides, and have punished opponents on the ground.
While Hurts’ numbers aren’t staggering, he has been perfect for the Eagles in these playoffs for a couple of reasons.
Decision-Making
Jalen Hurts hasn’t turned the ball over in the 2023 playoffs. Facing two teams who can force turnovers at key moments, the Eagles quarterback did not give them that opportunity. It frustrated their opponents and ultimately led to two straight Eagle blowout wins.
The Eagles don’t have to be perfect passing the football in the playoffs with their overwhelming talent. They just can’t have Jalen Hurts cost them a game.
He’s done exactly that through two games.
The Ground Game
Jalen Hurts’ dominance doesn’t just come through the air. The Eagles quarterback has been one of the best dual-threat quarterback in the game and it’s a reason why the team is where they are.
Philadelphia’s ability to run the football comes in large part to Hurts’ skillset. The Eagles run the ball better when their top quarterback is in the game. It puts pressure on the defense and makes them think for too long before a gash run play is called.
Hurts hasn’t needed to be perfect for this playoff run. The Eagles haven’t needed for him to be great. But his impact as a leader, runner and decision-making has put the team in a position where they are one game away from winning a Super Bowl.
They may not even win it, but the team has clearly found their franchise quarterback.
AP Photo/Seth Wenig
