What sets Jalen Hurts apart from the rest is immeasurable
It's easy to let the Super Bowl loss leave you with a sour taste of the Philadelphia Eagles season. The Eagles left their mission on the table. They were one defensive stop away from having a shot at winning the biggest game of the year. They were one stop away from their goal — the […]
It's easy to let the Super Bowl loss leave you with a sour taste of the Philadelphia Eagles season.
The Eagles left their mission on the table. They were one defensive stop away from having a shot at winning the biggest game of the year. They were one stop away from their goal — the goal Jalen Hurts set for everyone in training camp last year. The operation was a success, but the patient died on the table.
Coming into the season, many doubted if Hurts was the Eagles' answer at quarterback. They saw the playoff flame out. And they also saw his limited arm strength. But more than anything else, they also saw his inconsistency. And the only way Hurts changed the narrative surrounding his play was by doing something immeasurable — he became the best leader in football.
And it was that leadership, time after time, that carried Philadelphia through the long season and to Super Bowl LVII.
The ways Jalen Hurts leads
When Philadelphia got out to one of its hottest starts in franchise history, it was Hurts who kept repeating the same message of "keeping the main thing the main thing."
Then, when Hurts was injured and Philadelphia lost two straight games, it was also Hurts who told everyone not to panic. And then he came back, played hurt, and made sure the Eagles had a first-round bye in the NFL Playoffs.
When the Eagles beat the Giants, Hurts wasn't satisfied. And then the Eagles took care of the 49ers and Hurts hammered home that the ultimate goal was a championship.
Hurts played his way into a contract extension. And in the Super Bowl, he made history. His play led the Eagles to a half-time Super Bowl lead. The defense just couldn't finish the job.
Despite all the success, still, what stands out about Hurts was his leadership. That never wavered. He kept the main thing the main thing, and even with the loss, Philadelphia is better for it.
In the word of Jordan Mailata, "not bad for a system quarterback, right?"
Related Philadelphia Eagles reading
"Eagles: Jalen Hurts gives a powerful speech after the Super Bowl."
"Eagles All-Pro proved his toughness during the postseason."
"Brandon Graham gives fans a reason to be happy."
Feature image via Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
