Jalen Hurts has been one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL in recent years, but the question still lingers: how good is Jalen Hurts actually? After leading the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance in just his third season, Hurts has solidified himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. But beyond the hype and highlight reels, what are the true metrics that define Hurts’ skill and success?

The Rise of Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts’ journey to NFL stardom hasn’t been traditional. From his college days at Alabama and Oklahoma to his draft by the Eagles in 2020, Hurts has always had to prove himself. Initially seen as a raw prospect with a lot of potential, Hurts has exceeded expectations at nearly every turn. His ability to adapt, work hard, and develop his game quickly has been one of the biggest reasons for his success.

In 2021, Hurts became the Eagles’ starting quarterback, and while the team showed promise, it was clear that his game was still developing. Fast forward to the 2022 season, and Hurts was no longer just an emerging talent—he was an MVP candidate, and the Eagles were one of the most complete teams in the league.

Key Strengths: Dual-Threat Ability

What makes Jalen Hurts truly special is his dual-threat ability. As a quarterback, Hurts is not just a passer; he’s also a serious running threat. His ability to scramble and make plays with his legs adds an entirely different dimension to the Eagles’ offense. Whether it’s scrambling for key first downs or taking off on designed runs, Hurts has the mobility to escape pressure and create opportunities on the ground.

Hurts ran for over 700 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022, showcasing his effectiveness in the running game. This ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground forces defenses to play honest and creates mismatches in coverage. The Eagles’ offense, under Hurts’ leadership, has thrived due to this unpredictability, making him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL.

Passing Accuracy and Development

While Hurts’ rushing ability often steals the spotlight, his passing game has grown by leaps and bounds. One of the biggest criticisms early in his career was his passing accuracy, especially on deep throws. However, Hurts has shown significant improvement in this area, working with coaches and teammates to refine his mechanics and decision-making.

In 2022, Hurts had a career-high 66.5% completion rate and threw for over 3,700 yards, proving that he can be a dynamic passer. He has developed chemistry with top-tier receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and his ability to read defenses and make the right throws at the right time has been key to his success. Whether it’s throwing on the run, making touch passes in tight windows, or driving the ball deep downfield, Hurts has evolved into a complete quarterback.

Leadership and Mental Toughness

Another area where Hurts excels is in leadership. From his time at Alabama, where he lost the starting job but continued to support his teammates, to his current role as the leader of the Eagles, Hurts has always shown an incredible amount of resilience and maturity. His work ethic, his calm demeanor under pressure, and his ability to inspire his teammates are all qualities that set him apart from other young quarterbacks.

Hurts’ performance in big moments has been one of the defining features of his career. In the 2022 NFC Championship, despite dealing with an injured shoulder, he led the Eagles to a dominant victory. In the Super Bowl, Hurts put up an incredible performance, showing his ability to lead under pressure, even though the Eagles ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

His ability to stay composed, take ownership of his mistakes, and learn from them has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, solidifying him as not only a great player but a natural leader.

The Big Question: How Good Is He Really?

So, how good is Jalen Hurts, actually? The answer is clear: Hurts is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and his trajectory only points upward. His combination of physical talent, mental toughness, and leadership makes him a rare breed at the quarterback position. While it’s hard to compare him directly to the likes of Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers, Hurts’ dual-threat ability, growth as a passer, and impact in big moments place him in the conversation as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

His future looks incredibly bright, and as he continues to refine his game, there’s no telling just how high his ceiling is. Jalen Hurts is not only a star; he’s a quarterback capable of leading his team to championships, and the NFL will need to watch out for him for years to come.