As the most deliberate superstar in sports, Jalen Hurts does not weigh in on Eagles personnel decisions. Many franchise quarterbacks aspire to shape their team's rosters, but Hurts trusts his general manager, Howie Roseman, implicitly. However, there was one exception to Hurts's rule that changed the trajectory of his career and the Eagles' success.
In the spring of 2022, Hurts provided input that helped the Eagles acquire his close friend and kindred spirit, A.J. Brown. Brown, a large-framed, fleet-footed receiver, had excelled in college at Ole Miss and in the pros with the Titans. Hurts knew that Brown wanted to escape Tennessee, and they joked about reuniting in the city of Brotherly Love.
Brown and Hurts share a bond stronger than brothers. Their connection has been one of the primary factors in the Eagles' dominance since last season.
Proof of their dominance can be seen in Brown's impressive six-game stretch from Week 3 to Week 8, where he recorded elite receiving yardage totals each week. To call this stretch anything less than exceptional would be an understatement. Brown's performance in Week 9 against the Cowboys further solidified his impact.
An example of their synergy was seen on October 29, where Hurts threw for 319 yards and posted a 135.7 quarterback rating, while Brown snagged eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Hurts became only the sixth player in NFL history to achieve at least 300 yards (passing and rushing) and score at least two touchdowns in six consecutive games. Hurts also surpassed 10,000 career passing yards, joining an elite group of quarterbacks in league history.
Brown, with Hurts's assistance, achieved a feat that no NFL wideout had accomplished before – six straight performances with at least 125 receiving yards. Through nine games, he has already recorded 67 catches for 1,005 yards.
With Hurts and Brown leading the way, the Eagles have won 26 of their past 28 regular-season starts. Their unwavering friendship and undeniable talent continue to propel the team forward, and has lead them to a win on Monday night against the Chiefs.
