The Philadelphia Eagles started out the season with a surprisingly hard-fought 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Jalen Hurts set the tone from the start with his legs and fittingly would earn the game-winning first down in the same fashion. It was yet another reminder of the calm leadership of a quarterback that remains underrated when it comes to rankings. If all that matters is winning, no one has been better in the last year than Hurts.
Watching the Eagles, it becomes clear that the QB truly embodies what it means to do whatever it takes to win. Hurts is willing to take a backseat to Barkley or put the game on his shoulders and drop back and make plays if the ground game isn't working. Knocking Hurts for a lack of elite numbers ignores what is most important, and that is the fact that the star quarterback finds a way to deliver in the biggest moments.
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Gets off to Strong Start in Potential MVP Season
This started with history being made with Hurts becoming the first defending Super Bowl MVP to score two touchdowns in the first half of the kick-off game. Both runs were due to the great Cowboys' coverage that forced the rush attempts and scores. Hurts ended his night 19/23 for 152 yards, adding in 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In what was a quiet night, simply looking at the box score, Hurts made an undeniable statement.
Dating back to college, the Alabama product has a long history of winning. This has extended into his pro career, and even after a Super Bowl run isn't being given the attention it deserves. In the game's final drive, it was the quarterback's legs that yet again would save the day, getting the first down and allowing Philly to run out the rest of the clock to survive the division matchup.
With this in mind, starting the MVP conversation in Week 1 is admittedly a bit early for the Eagles star. However, it is worth noting that last season's winner, Josh Allen, was honored with the award despite Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow putting up more overwhelming numbers. The reasoning being that Allen was the driving force behind his team's consistent wins.
This is going to be the exact theme of Hurts' 2025 season and was already on full display in the league's opener. If the quarterback is ever going to be given due credit for what he brings to the roster, this is the season. Coming off a Super Bowl win and outplaying Patrick Mahomes, it is time pundits outside of Philly begin to credit Hurts for what he is able to do each and every week.
Finding ways to change his game and evolve throughout a game to beat whatever is thrown his way and give the Eagles offense its best chance. Something the league can no longer ignore with Hurts belonging in the same discussion among the league's elite. Perhaps this is the year due recognition is finally given in what could be a defining MVP run.