ESPN analyst: Jalen Hurts 'more like Tom Brady than any other player'

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN analyst Sal Paolantonio: Eagles' Jalen Hurts is 'much more like Tom Brady than any other player'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/14/22

Quarterback Jalen Hurts has turned quite a few heads this season, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to the NFL's best record while playing at an MVP level. While this might be only the start of Hurts' rise, ESPN analyst Sal Paolantonio compares one part of the quarterback's game to the GOAT.

Appearing on the "Take Off" podcast with NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark, Paolantonio said Hurts' focus makes him "much more like Tom Brady than any other player."

"I covered every one of Brady's Super Bowls. [I] was there at the inception of his career in New England. I've seen what it takes," Paoloantonio said. "And I think he's got those qualities."

"He's much more like Tom Brady than any other player. I think he's a lot like Tom Brady. In terms of, has a goal in mind. Mind, body, soul, totally focused on that goal"

Podcast with ESPN's Sal Paolantonio on Jalen Hurts MVP? Eagles getting top seed⬇️https://t.co/2DH3zYwmfw pic.twitter.com/sqm64561gT
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 14, 2022

Along with his focus, one of Hurts' best and most prominent qualities is his work ethic, which head coach Nick Sirianni applauded this week, adding that Hurts "works his butt off" and leads by example by putting in the extra time, even on off days.

"He's always here," Sirianni told reporters. "Always working on his craft, always working on getting his body physically ready. Always working on his mind making sure that's mentally ready. Tribute to Jalen. He's a stud."

Brady isn't the first elite quarterback that Hurts has been compared to recently. Last week, ahead of the Eagles' matchup against the New York Giants, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said Hurts' improvement in throwing mechanics and footwork are "very similar" to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes.

Through 14 weeks, Hurts leads the NFL in passer rating (108.4) and ranks fourth in completion percentage (68.0), fifth in touchdown passes (22), and tenth in passing yards (3,157) and yards per game (242.8). Hurts has also rushed 139 times, averaging 10.7 yards per carry for 686 yards and 10 touchdowns.

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