The Philadelphia Eagles have defied the old saying that having two quarterbacks means you don't have any. In fact, Bucky Brooks of NFL Media believes that the Eagles have the top quarterback duo in the NFL, with Jalen Hurts and Marcus Mariota taking the number one spot.
Brooks praises Hurts for his dynamic playmaking abilities as a dual-threat quarterback, describing him as a top-five quarterback in the league. Hurts' potential to deliver both 100-yard rushing games and 300-yard passing outings makes him a formidable matchup for any defense. Recognizing the importance of having a backup with similar traits, the Eagles made a smart move by adding Mariota during the offseason.
As a former NFL starter, Mariota brings experience, expertise, and explosiveness to the Philadelphia offense, which is known for its run-pass options (RPOs) and option tactics. At 29 years old, Mariota is seen as the perfect insurance policy to protect the team's Super Bowl aspirations.
While describing Mariota as "perfect" might be an exaggeration, it is clear that both quarterbacks possess valuable qualities. Hurts has shown remarkable growth in his first three NFL seasons, establishing himself as one of the league's top rushing quarterbacks. He has also made significant strides as a passer since being drafted in the second round in 2020, always doing a good job of limiting turnovers.
On the other hand, Mariota, despite not living up to the hype that surrounded him as the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, is a seamless fit to step in if Hurts were to get injured. Comparing him to Gardner Minshew, Mariota's experience and versatility make him a reliable backup option.
It's worth noting that Mariota's legs were effectively utilized during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders in short-yardage situations. Incorporating Mariota into the Eagles' offense could potentially help protect Hurts from excessive hits, given his exceptional running ability.
In today's NFL, with the extended regular season and the possibility of multiple playoff games, having a backup quarterback you can trust is no longer a luxury. The Eagles understand this better than anyone, and their duo of Hurts and Mariota gives them a competitive advantage.
