Comparing Carson Wentz's 2017 season to Jalen Hurts' 2022 season

The Philadelphia Eagles are 13-1, the best record in the NFC. This is thanks to stellar play from quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was an MVP candidate prior to spraining his right (throwing) shoulder against the Chicago Bears in Week 15. 

Hurts currently has the second-best odds to win the MVP award behind Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, per Oddschecker. 

The last Eagles player to gain this level of consideration for the NFL MVP award was Carson Wentz in 2017. Wentz finished third in MVP voting behind the winner Tom Brady and Rams running back Todd Gurley that season, per Pro Football Reference. 

This makes us beg the question: who had the better season, Hurts or Wentz? Let's crunch the numbers and find out. 

As of Week 15 of the 2022 season, Hurts has started in 14 games and has posted a 13-1 record. He passed for 3,472 yards and 22 touchdowns to just five interceptions to go along with a 67.3% completion percentage and a 104.6 passer rating. Always a threat in the run game, Hurts has 156 carries for 747 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. 

In the 2017 season, Wentz started in 13 games and posted an 11-2 record. He threw for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns to just seven interceptions to go along with a 60.2% completion percentage and a 101.9 passer rating. On the ground, Wentz logged 64 carries for 299 yards, no touchdowns, and 4.7 yards per carry. 

From a sheer numbers standpoint, Hurts has Wentz beat in every category except for passing touchdowns and interceptions while playing in just one more game than Wentz.

When comparing their rushing stats, it's necessary to know that Hurts has run plays designed for him in the Eagles' playbook, such as quarterback draws. Wentz was more of a scrambler who only ran the ball to avoid being sacked. 

While both played admirably in their respective seasons, Hurts had the best season by far. 

Hurts season is eerily similar to Wentz's in the sense that both got injured toward the end of the season. Wentz tore his ACL in a December matchup against the Rams and was out for the rest of the season. Then, Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles took over and led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory. 

Meanwhile, Hurts is expected to return. Hurts' sprained shoulder is not considered to be a long-term injury, per ESPN. Gardner Minshew will be given the keys to the offense until Hurts is good to go again. Hurts is expected to miss two games, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. When Hurts does come back, he'll continue his breakout year and lead the Eagles in the playoffs.