After a disappointing 2023 for the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Jalen Hurts shouldn't need more motivation to perform better this season. But, if he does, perhaps a date with history will do the trick.
As CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr pointed out, if Hurts records at least 20 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores in 2024, he would become the first quarterback in NFL history to do so in three separate seasons.
Hurts has accomplished the feat in back-to-back seasons, which is incredible in and of itself. But, putting that into perspective, per Stathead, only five quarterbacks in NFL history have recorded a season with 20-plus passing touchdowns and 10 or more rushing scores, while the two-time Pro Bowler is only the second to have done it more than once, joining former MVP Cam Newton (2011, 2015).
That's quite an achievement for a quarterback only four years into their career, especially considering he received the brunt of the blame for his team's monumental late-season collapse in 2023.
That's not to say Hurts should get off scot free for what transpired. After all, the offense that ranked third the previous year didn't look the same, nor did he, finishing with the fourth-most turnovers in the NFL (20) after committing only eight in 2022.
However, as is usually the case, context can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.
Philadelphia's offense was incredibly stale under first-year coordinator Brian Johnson, whose scheme was criticized late in the year for producing the lowest motion (9.6) and snap motion (24.8) percentages in the NFL. Likewise, the Eagles defense didn't help, as they ranked 30th in points against and 26th overall.
Additionally, Hurts may have been a victim of bad luck, as according to Pro Football Focus, he had only 15 turnover-worthy plays, fewer than Tua Tagovailoa (22), Josh Allen (21), Patrick Mahomes (21), Brock Purdy (18) and Jared Goff (17). Yet, he turned over the ball only 20 times (15 interceptions, five lost fumbles), only five fewer than he'd accumulated over the first three seasons of his career combined (19 interceptions, six fumbles lost).
Heading into 2024, Hurts has a golden opportunity to change the narrative surrounding him and the Eagles. Along with returning stars DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, Philly added several more weapons to their offensive arsenal in running back Saquon Barkley and wideout Jahan Dotson, providing the fifth-year QB with plenty of options.
