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There are times when a performance is so superb that it cannot be overshadowed by the outcome of a contest. All-time greats are defined by hardware, but stars can be made in defeat. Jalen Hurts is now an undeniable star.
Despite being swept by the dynastic Boston Celtics, Michael Jordan announced himself as a juggernaut with 63 points in Game 2 of the 1986 NBA Playoffs. Tennis icon John McEnroe earned worldwide respect after a valiant, yet unsuccessful effort against Bjorn Borg in the 1980 Wimbledon Final. Stone Cold Steve Austin became a household name after losing to Brett Hart at WrestleMania 13, blood and all.
And now, Hurts has solidified himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today following a historic Super Bowl 57 performance in the Eagles' losing effort versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The end-of-game controversy risks marring not only a legendary showing by Patrick Mahomes, but also a coronation for Hurts.
The questions surrounding Jalen Hurts as a passer, franchise quarterback and clutch performer should no longer be asked. He provided the answers even in a loss. The disrespect must now stop.
Jalen Hurts' record-breaking night ends any doubt
Super Bowl 57 was arguably a classic that will forever be remembered by the utter excellence of both offenses. Hurts contributed more than his fair share. His three rushing touchdowns and 70 rushing yards are the most by a quarterback in Super Bowl history. Those feats alone, however, are not what is most impressive. It is the way in which Hurts achieved them that really stands out.
There was a clear consensus on how the game script had to go in order for the Eagles to win the championship. It primarily revolved around a high-pressure attack by the vaunted Philly pass rush. Mahomes was not sacked once, and yet, the Chiefs just squeaked by, 38-35. With that type of defensive showing by the Eagles, many would have expected a KC blowout. No, Hurts essentially accomplished what had been the biggest criticism of him going into Sunday. He carried his team, almost all the way to a parade.
The aforementioned passing limitations that he experienced in both Alabama and in his first two seasons with the Eagles feel like a myth now that the Super Bowl and season have officially concluded. The guts and ability needed to complete highlight-reel throws to A.J. Brown (45-yard TD) and Dallas Goedert were off the charts. He took what the defense gave him and often made it pay.
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Sure, he went to his trusty and nearly unstoppable QB sneak when faced with critical short-yardage situations, but that does not detract from the substantial success he had in the pocket (304 yards passing). It only adds to the impact that Hurts and other mobile QBs have had and will continue to have on football going forward. On the biggest day in American sports, fans witnessed a remarkable athlete excel by using everything in his arsenal.
The perception of Hurts must change
Because of Hurts, the definition of a prototypical Super Bowl signal-caller has once again been altered. All future quarterbacks whose durability is questioned due to their playing style and size will now point to Hurts as Exhibit A in their contract negotiations.
Of course, he was not immaculate and did have a costly fumble in the second quarter that was returned for a Chiefs touchdown. The play was technically the difference between a riot in Philly, and well, a much more upbeat riot in Philly. But Hurts responded and more than made up for the blunder. His rock-solid composure was on full display when he led the Eagles to a score on the very next drive, giving them a 21-14 advantage.
Ostensibly, not much has changed on the Monday after Super Bowl 57. Patrick Mahomes remains the golden boy, the Chiefs are a model organization and Eagles fans remain among the most… passionate supporters in sports.
But Jalen Hurts woke up as an elite player. The same one he actually was all season, despite his passing prowess going unacknowledged by many. This time, though, there are no “buts” following his name.
Once again, Hurts shattered expectations by being arguably the best player on the biggest stage the game has to offer. And he will now be paid for it.
