The Philadelphia Eagles seem to be happy with the performance of Jalen Hurts.
In his second year as the Eagles’ full-time starter, Hurts has led the Eagles to a 12-1 record, and is also being recognized as the front-runner for league MVP.
The stats are proving that he belongs to be in that conversation.
Jalen Hurts has rushed for 59 first downs, 2nd-most in the NFL.
Jalen Hurts leads the NFL in passer rating (108.4).
The same human shouldn’t be able to do both of those things.
— Paul Hembekides (@PaulHembo) December 14, 2022
This season, Hurts has not only been getting it done as a passer but is making strides as a rusher as well.
What used to be seen as a detriment is now turning into a strength for Hurts.
The NFL is rapidly changing, especially in consideration of its quarterback play.
As the league’s former elite quarterbacks are getting older (Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, for example), we’ve seen a new style of quarterback emerge.
Running And Gunning Is All The Rage
Gone away is the pocket passer who is largely immobile.
When looking at the league’s top young quarterbacks, rushing is a key piece of their game.
By having a quarterback who can take off at a moment’s notice, breaking off a long run, defenses are forced to be multi-dimensional and need to be able to adapt to this new style of play.
In 2022, quarterbacks are averaging 234.1 rushing yards.
Looking back 20 years, in 2002, the average rushing yards of quarterbacks dropped drastically to 171.03 in a singular season.
Rushing yards at the quarterback position are at an all-time high.
Will this number increase in the next 20 years?
We’ll have to wait and see.
Regardless, players like Hurts certainly make the NFL even more exciting.
NEXT: Jalen Hurts Is On Pace To Set A New NFL Record