Former Sooner Jalen Hurts: A Rising Star Closing the Gap on Patrick Mahomes…..

 

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, few quarterbacks have captured as much attention and admiration as Patrick Mahomes. A transcendent talent, Mahomes has redefined what it means to be a quarterback, blending arm strength, mobility, and an almost otherworldly improvisation ability. His accolades, including an MVP award, Super Bowl MVP, and a Super Bowl championship, have made him the gold standard in the league. However, there is another quarterback whose ascent has been equally impressive and, in some respects, is catching up quickly to Mahomes’ level of dominance: Jalen Hurts, the former Oklahoma Sooner and current Philadelphia Eagles star.

 

Hurts, much like Mahomes, has been a revelation since entering the NFL, showing early flashes of greatness that few anticipated. His rise from a second-round pick to one of the league’s elite quarterbacks in just a few short years has been nothing short of spectacular. With five seasons under his belt, Hurts is positioning himself as the next true face of the NFL and, notably, as a worthy challenger to Mahomes’ throne.

 

Hurts’ Journey: From Underdog to Star

Jalen Hurts’ career has been a tale of resilience, growth, and redemption. After a college career that included stints at both Alabama and Oklahoma, Hurts was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His journey from a backup quarterback in Alabama’s championship-winning program to a Heisman finalist at Oklahoma highlighted his growth as both a player and a leader. However, despite his college success, many doubted whether Hurts would ever become an NFL starting quarterback, given his perceived limitations as a passer.

 

Yet, those doubts were quickly dispelled when Hurts took over the starting job for the Eagles midway through his rookie season. His athleticism and poise were evident, and by his second year, Hurts was leading the Eagles to the playoffs. But it was during the 2022 and 2023 seasons that Hurts truly emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. In 2022, Hurts led the Eagles to an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance, further solidifying his position as a top-tier quarterback. In 2023, Hurts built on that success, earning his first MVP-caliber season while also helping the Eagles secure another NFC Championship.

 

Comparing Hurts and Mahomes

While Mahomes’ success has been well-documented, Hurts’ early years offer an intriguing comparison. Both quarterbacks exhibit remarkable mobility, elite arm strength, and the ability to perform under pressure. Hurts’ unique dual-threat ability, which combines pinpoint accuracy as a passer with the ability to take over games with his legs, mirrors Mahomes’ playmaking style, though Mahomes is perhaps more unorthodox in his approach.

 

Mahomes’ first five seasons in the NFL were groundbreaking. He became the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in his second season, taking the team to an AFC Championship game and leading them to a Super Bowl victory in his third year. Over the next two seasons, Mahomes continued to dominate, making two more Super Bowl appearances and winning an MVP in 2018. His first five years were a perfect storm of talent, innovation, and success.

For Hurts, his first five seasons have been equally impressive, albeit with a slightly different trajectory. Hurts took over the starting job during his rookie season, and by his second season, he was already leading the Eagles to the playoffs. In 2022, Hurts led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance, falling just short in a thrilling game against Mahomes’ Chiefs. However, Hurts’ individual performance in that Super Bowl—setting a Super Bowl record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and playing one of the best games of his career—earned him widespread praise and cemented his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

 

In the 2023 season, Hurts built on his previous success, with an MVP-caliber season that saw him lead the Eagles to the top of the NFC once again. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his leadership has solidified him as one of the faces of the league.

 

Hurts vs. Mahomes: The Statistical Breakdown

When comparing Hurts’ first five seasons to Mahomes’, the statistics paint an interesting picture. While Mahomes’ early career is more decorated with accolades, Hurts’ numbers show he is not far behind.

 

Passing Yards & Touchdowns: Mahomes has consistently posted impressive passing numbers. Over his first five seasons, Mahomes threw for over 20,000 yards and 150 touchdowns. Hurts, while still trailing Mahomes in raw passing yards, has been incredibly efficient and has shown rapid improvement as a passer. Hurts’ dual-threat ability has allowed him to keep defenses guessing, with his rushing yards adding a significant element to his overall production.

 

Rushing Ability: One of the most noticeable aspects of Hurts’ game is his ability to move the ball with his legs. Over his first five seasons, Hurts has established himself as one of the league’s top rushing quarterbacks, even breaking the record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season by a quarterback. His 2023 season alone saw him rush for over 700 yards and multiple touchdowns, making him a consistent dual-threat weapon.

 

Leadership & Intangibles: Both Mahomes and Hurts possess the “it” factor when it comes to leadership and composure in the clutch. Mahomes has consistently shown he can elevate his play in big moments, including his Super Bowl MVP performance in 2023. Hurts, too, has displayed remarkable poise under pressure, leading the Eagles to multiple playoff victories and maintaining his cool in the most high-stakes situations.

 

The Future: Can Hurts Surpass Mahomes?

As Hurts continues to evolve as a passer and leader, the question becomes: can he eventually surpass Mahomes as the NFL’s top quarterback? The answer to that question lies in Hurts’ ability to continue developing his passing game, while maintaining the dynamic rushing ability that has made him a force. He will also need to add more playoff success and possibly another Super Bowl victory to truly enter the conversation with Mahomes.

 

Mahomes has already established a legacy that will be hard to match, but Hurts is on the fast track to potentially closing that gap. His combination of youth, talent, and determination makes him a formidable opponent to Mahomes’ crown. The rivalry between these two quarterbacks could define the next decade of NFL football, with both quarterbacks already showing they are capable of leading their teams to sustained success.

 

As Hurts continues to improve and accumulate more accolades, the argument that he is on the same level as Mahomes becomes harder to ignore. Hurts may not yet have the same number of championships or MVPs, but his trajectory points to a future where he could rival Mahomes not just in statistics, but in legacy.

 

Conclusion

Jalen Hurts is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL. His early career is a testament to his work ethic, growth, and potential. While Patrick Mahomes has set the bar high with his incredible achievements in his first five seasons, Hurts is quickly closing the gap. As both players continue their careers, fans can look forward to what promises to be an epic quarterback rivalry. Hurts has already proven he belongs among the league’s elite, and with continued development, he could one day challenge Mahomes for the title of the NFL’s best quarterback.