Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has developed into one of the best dual-threat players in the NFL today. While he is certainly a polarizing player, there is no denying Hurts’ success on the ground, despite how unconventional his usage in Philadelphia might be.
Since becoming the Eagles’ full-time starting quarterback in 2021, Hurts has continued to grow in nearly all facets of the game, including his controversial role as a reliable option on the ground in short-yardage situations.
Jalen Hurts Joins Elite Dual-Threat QB Company
While many are annoyed by Philadelphia’s utilization of the “Tush Push” or “Brotherly Shove,” there’s no denying that Hurts is the driving force behind the play’s success. Other teams have tried to emulate the play, yet they haven’t attained the same consistent success that the Eagles have enjoyed with Hurts under center.
Thanks to Philadelphia’s controversial play, Hurts has quickly piled up rushing touchdowns since becoming the full-time starter. After Week 10, he joined former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as the only quarterbacks with 50 or more rushing touchdowns in NFL history.
Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts are 2nd and 3rd all-time in rushing TDs by a QB, trailing only Cam Newton (75).
Who will finish their career with more? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/2tJJL318oN
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 10, 2024
Given his current pace, Hurts is on track to surpass Newton’s first-place mark of 75 career rushing touchdowns for a quarterback. While Allen currently leads Hurts by six rushing touchdowns in his career, he’s also been a full-time starter for three more seasons.
Allen averages 0.55 rushing touchdowns per NFL start, while Hurts averages 0.85. If both players maintain their current pace, Hurts will likely surpass Allen for second place in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks next season.
Hurts Makes History of His Own in 2024
After an embarrassing, turnover-plagued end to last season, Hurts’ struggles continued at the start of the 2024 season. Yet, following a much-needed bye week in Week 5, he and Philadelphia’s offense have played at an elite level.
This season, Hurts has joined elite company and even made history of his own. Prior to him in 2024, the last player to have nine or more total touchdowns and no turnovers in the month of October was former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in 2016, according to TruMedia.
Other players that have reached that mark during any month of the NFL’s regular season in recent history are Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, and Drew Brees.
Hurts’ success has continued into November, as he recently created his own mark in NFL history during Philadelphia’s hot streak. Following his performance against the Cowboys in Week 10, Hurts became the first quarterback in NFL history with a touchdown pass, a rushing touchdown, and a passer rating of 100 or higher in four consecutive games.
#Eagles Jalen Hurts is the first quarterback in NFL history with a touchdown pass, a rushing touchdown and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in four consecutive games (Weeks 7-10).
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) November 13, 2024
While many began to doubt Hurts following his struggles stemming from last season into the start of this year, he’s quickly silenced the naysayers once again.
Still, despite outdueling Mahomes in Super Bowl 57, many still refuse to give Hurts the credit that he deserves. Yet, if he and the Eagles continue to play at an elite level and once again make a significant push to the postseason, it’ll be hard to deny his greatness for much longer.