On December 8, 2020, the Philadelphia Eagles named rookie Jalen Hurts the starter over franchise quarterback Carson Wentz.
Time flies, doesn’t it?
Now, two years later, the Eagles are 11-1 as they approach Week 13 of the 2022-2023 season, and they haven’t looked back.
CARSON WENTZ OUT, JALEN HURTS IN
When the Eagles selected Jalen Hurts in the second-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, there wasn’t one person who could have predicted the job he would inherit. Originally named as a third-string quarterback, Hurts took over the back-up position to run plays as a decoy.
After a series of consecutive losses, Carson Wentz was benched for Jalen Hurts in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. Though the Eagles succumbed to another loss, Hurts’ gameplay woke everyone up, and two days later, the 22-year-old was named as the starter for Philadelphia’s Week 14 match-up.
In Hurts’ first NFL start, he completed 17 of 30 passing attempts for 167 yards and one touchdown, leading the Eagles to a win. He would go on to lose the next three games.
After Carson Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, Hurts was named the starter for the entirety of the 2021 season. The year proved to be more victorious than the previous season. The Eagles landed a playoff berth and Hurts earned his first Pro Bowl after leading all quarterback in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. But, it was apparent Hurts had a lot to work on if he wanted a permanent place on Philadelphia’s roster.
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
Following an offseason of anticipation, Hurts returned for his second full season as Philadelphia’s starting quarterback. Leading the Eagles to 11-1, there is no other quarterback who has turned it around faster.
With unwavering confidence, the quarterback, who is also a captain, is now an MVP candidate.
Throughout 12 games, Hurts has completed 2,940 passing yards, 20 passing touchdown, 609 rushing yards, and nine rushing touchdowns. Hurts was named Player of the Month in September and has now won back-to-back NFC Player of the Week awards. He has become the first player to do this since Michael Vick in 2010.
