Jalen Hurts had a remarkable 2022 season, so it's hard to picture an even stronger showing from him this season, but given how he's looking this offseason, he may be ready to break some personal, and league records. He not only secured the title of MVP runner-up but also steered the Philadelphia Eagles towards the Super Bowl, establishing himself as a top-tier quarterback in the NFL. Additionally, his outstanding display on the field resulted in a groundbreaking contract extension valued at a staggering $255 million.
As the Eagles kicked off their training camp, the question on everyone's mind is whether Hurts can improve upon his remarkable stats from last season. With 3,701 passing yards, 760 rushing yards, 35 total touchdowns (tying a franchise record), a 66.5% completion rate, and a 101.5 passer rating, it seems challenging to top those numbers.
However, doubting Hurts would be a grave mistake. He has a saying that perfectly encapsulates his mindset: "There is no arrival; there's only the journey."
Hurts, although determined to concentrate on the present and the team's development, maintains lofty standards for himself. Always seeking out ways to grow and become a better player, Hurts is eager to enhance his run game, expand his field IQ and sharpen up his passing skills this season.
So, the real question isn't whether Hurts will improve this season, but rather, how much he will elevate his performance.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed his awe of Hurts, stating, "I don't know what his ceiling is because he just keeps getting better." Let's also not forget Hurts is only 24 years old and is showing strong signs of commitment to the game and to his personal development.
Is it possible for Hurts to achieve a historic stat in the NFL by exceeding 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards within a single season? Last year he missed out on reaching the passing milestone by only 299 yards. He also had a shoulder injury during the season causing him to sit out two games. If he had played those games, he might have come close to reaching 1,000 rushing yards too.
While Hurts has potential for significant personal achievement this season, the entire Eagles' offense is also primed for prosperity. With standout receivers like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, who racked up impressive yardage numbers in 2022, success is within reach. Despite the departure of running back Miles Sanders due to free agency, the additions of D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny offer the potential to equal or surpass Sanders' contributions.
A few quarterbacks have managed to exceed 4,000 passing yards in NFL history, but when it comes to rushing for 1,000 yards, only three have accomplished this feat: Michael Vick, the former quarterback for the Eagles, Lamar Jackson from the Ravens, and Justin Fields of the Bears. It is worth noting that none of them came anywhere near the mark of 4,000 passing yards during those seasons.
Personal stats may not be Hurts' main focus, but he understands that as he improves, his numbers will follow suit along with those of his teammates. He emphasizes turning weaknesses into strengths and constantly pushing himself to be better. Hurts acknowledges where he fell short in the past and uses it as motivation to fuel his growth.
The Eagles coaching staff is also dedicated to helping Hurts reach his full potential. While they lost offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, they promoted quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson, who has known Hurts since childhood. Additionally, they promoted assistant quarterbacks coach Alex Tanney, ensuring continuity in the coaching staff despite the changes.
Hurts has consistently showcased improvement throughout his career. He increased his completion percentage from 51.2% as a rookie in 2020 to 61.3% in 2021, and then to an impressive 66.5% last season when the Eagles clinched a playoff spot. During spring practices, new Eagles safety Terrell Edmunds witnessed Hurts' brilliance firsthand when he dismantled the Steelers with 285 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a career-high passer rating of 140.6. Edmunds praised Hurts for his exceptional football IQ and his ability to read plays and manipulate safeties.
For Hurts, reaching the Super Bowl last season wasn't enough and we can expect him to be tirelessly putting in the work to get even more out of himself in the coming season.
