Jalen Hurts makes Eagles franchise history in dominant performance against Bengals

Reports of Jalen Hurts' demise were greatly exaggerated, as Hurts absolutely shredded Cincinnati's defense to the tune of 274 total yards and four total touchdowns during Philadelphia's 37-17 victory in Week 8. It was a dominant performance by both quarterback and team, and Hurts made some franchise history in the process, as he moved up to second on the team's all-time rushing touchdowns list.

Hurts is now second in Eagles history in rushing touchdowns

With three rushing touchdowns in the game, Hurts passed Wilbert Montgomery (45 rushing TDs) to move in the No. 2 spot. They were tied heading into the game. Hurts now has 48 career rushing touchdowns, and counting. Steve Van Buren is the franchise leader with 69.

Hurts haters will point to the fact that many of his rushing touchdowns have come on Philly's famed "tush push," which is true. But, the scores count the same whether they come at the end of a 20-yard run or a run of just a few feet.

Plus, Hurts' strength is the main reason that the play has been so successful for Philly over the years. That strength was on full display on one of his scores against Cincinnati, as he was able to raise the ball across the goal line despite being completely swarmed.

In addition to his brute strength, Hurts was also stellar as a passer against Cincinnati. He completed 16 of his 20 attempts and finished with a passer rating of 132.5 -- noticeably higher than the 84.7 posted by Joe Burrow. Hurts' highlights included a beautiful touchdown bomb to DeVonta Smith late in the third quarter.

Perhaps most importantly, Hurts took care of the football against Cincinnati as he recorded his fourth consecutive game without an interception. After being a little loose with the ball to start the season, Hurts has really turned it around in that regard.

Overall, the game against the Bengals was Hurts' most complete performance of the season, but afterwards he was eager to share the credit.

“I think today was a great team win, a great showing as a team,” Hurts said. “When you play like that on defense and you’re able to stop an offense capable of playing at a high level and with the star players they have on that team, that’s a great job.”

Hurts and the Eagles will look to extend their winning streak to four when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9.