Jalen Hurts: From Being Benched By Nick Saban To Starting In A Super Bowl

By Alex Benjamin

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Jalen Hurts, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has made news for his outstanding play on the field as well as his achievement as a run-pass option (RPO) quarterback. Hurts' NFC Championship Game win over the San Francisco 49ers was a huge moment in his career going to his first Super Bowl. He not only demonstrated the calmness, discipline, and skill required to be a top player, but he will also be the first RPO-style quarterback to reach the Super Bowl since Cam Newton in 2015. Although Newton did not win a Super Bowl, his style of play signaled the beginning of a new era in quarterbacking. Where super athletic quarterbacks are no longer moved to other positions but are instead drafted to play quarterback.

Hurts' journey to the Super Bowl began in college and was marked by obstacles, slights, and perseverance. Hurts led Alabama to the national championship as a highly acclaimed freshman. Hurts led Alabama to the national title game against Georgia as a sophomore. With Alabama down 13-0 at halftime, coach Nick Saban made a decision that would change the course of Hurts' career. Saban benched Hurts and replaced him with Tua Tagovailoa rather than allowing his star quarterback to dig his way out of a hole. Alabama rallied and won. He transferred to Oklahoma where he developed as a QB under the GOAT, Lincoln Riley.

Since being benched in the National Championship, he has always been driven by a desire to prove himself. Hurts' performance in the NFC championship game is a testament to the hard work, determination, and resilience that have propelled him to this point in his career. Jalen Hurts’ journey to the Super Bowl is not just a momentous event for the Philadelphia Eagles or the NFL, but also young quarterbacks everywhere. It serves as a reminder of the strength, perseverance, and power of overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.

It's been a year since Jalen Hurts made his playoff debut with the Philadelphia Eagles, and what a difference a year makes. From a struggling sophomore, Hurts has transformed into an MVP candidate, growing into one of the league's top quarterbacks.

Hurts faced multiple hurdles in his second season with the Eagles, including adjusting to a new system. Despite these challenges, he showed moments of brilliance, particularly in his ability to lengthen plays and make things happen with his legs. His inexperience, though, was clear throughout the playoffs, when he lost in the wild card to Tampa.

The hard work paid off as Hurts emerged as one of the league's top offensive players in his second full season as a starter. He improved as a passer, making more throws into tighter windows, throwing with more anticipation, and displaying outstanding decision-making. Hurts' 10th-ranked 3,701 passing yards, 8.0-yard average per attempt, and 101.6 passer rating were all personal bests. Hurts not only excelled as a passer, but he also rushed for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns for a total of 35 combined touchdowns. His Total QBR of 66.4 ranks fourth in the league, emphasizing his total value to the Eagles. The team lost 0-2 in Hurts' absence due to a shoulder injury, indicating how much they relied on him.

One of the key factors in Hurts' growth as a quarterback has been his improved decision-making. He has shown a willingness to take what defenses give him, and his ability to check down to his running back or hit the open receiver has resulted in fewer interceptions and more successful drives. His ability to keep plays alive with his legs has also been a major asset, leading to big gains and keeping defenses off balance. Hurts' work ethic and chemistry with Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown have enabled him to thrive in all aspects of quarterbacking. He is a finalist for the MVP Award, despite being only 24 years old. Hurts has grown into a well-rounded quarterback under the direction of Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, capable of making all throws and reading defenses with ease. Hurts' improved play has translated to wins for the Eagles, as they sit atop the NFC.

Hurts' emergence as an MVP candidate with the Philadelphia Eagles is a testament to his hard work and growth as a player. With his improved play, the Eagles have become a force to be reckoned with, and Hurts is at the forefront of that resurgence. His play this season is definitely worth talking about, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop as a quarterback in the coming years. Jalen Hurts' success story emphasizes the necessity of putting the past behind you and focusing exclusively on the future. His work ethic, talent, and leadership have propelled him to the top of the NFL, and his future appears bright. The Super Bowl matchup with Patrick Mahomes is only the beginning.

"You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7. (Jalen Hurts favorite verse)