Jalen Hurts is a guy who I thought would eventually grow to be a solid Quaterback in the league has turned himself into a MVP candidate and the most beloved current athlete in Philadelphia. Jalen was pushed back in and out of the lineup in both college and the pros. He dedicated himself too improving as a passer and showed how great of a leader he is. Here is how Jalen Hurts became the Fresh Prince of Philly.
Dreams and Nightmares
Coming out of College Jalen was looked at as a project. Hurts was drafted with the 53rd pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. In college Jalen started at Alabama and had to transfer to Oklahoma mainly because of the play of Tua Tagovailoa who basically took his job after Tide won the National Championship in 2017. He showed the world he was an elite college Quaterback at Oklahoma as he threw for 3800 yards and 32 passing touchdowns as well almost 1300 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. Despite his video game number scouts still worried if he could make it in the league as an elite passer or even a good passer he was going too have to prove himself again in a tough town. Hurts got his first game action against the Packers due too the inconsistent play of former MVP canidate Carson Wentz. He played well and earned himself the starting gig and rewarded the team by beating the Saints the following week going 17 for 30 with 167 passing yards and a touchdown. Not incredible numbers but he played with energy and pace. He also had 106 rushing yards Hurts adds another dynamic too the Eagles offense with his legs. Hurts continued to play well until the last game of the season. He was benched becausr the Eagles were trying too lose the game too secure a better draft pick. Coach Doug Pederson was eventually fired.
The Truth
Jalen Hurts came back his second season an improved player. He threw for 16 Touchdowns and 9 interceptions, 3,144 passing yards and 784 rushing yards leading all quaterbacks that year in rushing. His completion percentage jumped 9 percent. He had some great performances that season as the Eagles beat the Falcons 32-6 and he threw for 3 touchdowns. The Eagles had faith in Hurts because even after he got injured for a couple games his job was never in jeopardy. Hurts rewarded there faith with playing well enough too help the Eagles earn a playoff spot. This where Hurts found out he wasn't where he needed to be at if he wanted to call himself elite. He played terrible against the Bucs he fumbled once and threw two interceptions. Hurt proved that season he was the Truth but the truth was he still needed to improve.
Championships?
Coming into this season the Eagles had high expectations a lot of people said the Eagles could win the division or even contend for a Superbowl. Those who said that were absolutely right. The Eagles started the season 8-0. With the addition of AJ Brown and the improvement of Devantae Smith the Eagles offense is on another level. Both receivers are on track to have 1,000 yard seasons and the best seasons of their young careers. Not only can the Eagles pass the ball but they can run the ball and that is mainly due to Jalen Hurts. He has 609 yards rushing and 9 rushing TD's. He can possibly have an 1000 yard rushing season to go along with his passing numbers. So far he has thrown for 2,940 yards 20 Touchdown passes and an impressive 68 completion percentage. Hurts just continue to get better every year. But it is his leadership that gets his teammates attention and why the city of Philadelphia loves him so much. He doesn't complain he just gets better. He's had to fight each and every step of the way to get here. He's been benched, doubted and boo'd but none of that stopped him. Philly fans can relate to that because nothing comes easy in the city of brotherly love. They only respect toughness and commitment to excellence and Jalen has a tone of that in him. Jalen has a high football character nobody would have thought that he would be an MVP candidate this year and he could possibly win it. As the playoffs approach I'm sure we will see more excellent play from the Fresh Prince.
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