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Will Jalen Hurts catapult to a higher level of play in 2023?

Originally posted on Philly Sports Network
By Bryan Cameron | Last updated 9/8/23

The Eagles will take the field on Sunday afternoon in hopes of moving one step closer to their end goal: a Super Bowl. But none of that will be possible without the one player who can take them there. Jalen Hurts.

After going 14-1 as a starter last season, Hurts will look to build on what was considered to be a breakout season. Can he be consistent enough in year four?

The Eagles have kept their offense intact in hopes of creating a consistent environment around their franchise quarterback. With new pieces such as WR Olamide Zaccheaus and RB D’Andre Swift, the new question around Hurts is what’s next?

What is the next level in Jalen’s game? Is there another level that he can climb to help catapult him into the tier that only holds Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes? Try to remember that he wasn’t supposed to be here according to NFL analysts.

Hurts was just a “running Quarterback” before he became the top pocket passer in the NFL during the 2022 season. He was just a backup quarterback before he electrified the city of Philadelphia when he was asked to replace Carson Wentz in the middle of a game. Jalen Hurts was a temporary option before he signed a record-setting deal that made him the face of the franchise.

Jalen Hurts is more…

In his own words, Jalen Hurts “had a purpose before anyone had an opinion” and he is exactly right. See the thing about purpose is that nothing and no one can stop it. Can it be slowed down? Sure. But not by anyone except for the one with the purpose. As long as Jalen Hurts is himself then he will always be HIM.

Does that mean that this season won’t be filled with any momentary setbacks? No. There will be growing pains along the way but Jalen Hurts is on a way one-way flight to the top of the NFL. There’s a chance that Hurts becomes the face of the NFL because of his play and character but to do so, he has to win the ultimate prize.

We know that Jalen Hurts is a magician when he’s on the run but has he reached his ceiling as a passer? Not even close. I believe that Hurts was very casual last season in the passing game as he was playing within the system and focused on winning week in and week out.

This season, I expect Jalen to reach that next level. I know he can pass for well over 4,000 yards and he would’ve done so last season had he never gotten hurt. As for passing touchdowns, I believe that he’ll set a new standard for himself and surpass the 30 market this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if passes the franchise record of 33 passing touchdowns in a season that was last set by Carson Wentz in 2017.

While this is all speculation, the Eagles have positioned Jalen Hurts to succeed at a level that is unheard of in Eagle’s history. From surrounding him with the best weapons the franchise has ever had to protecting him with the best offensive line in the NFL. The time for Jalen Hurts is now, and regardless of my opinion, there’s nothing that can block his purpose.

This article first appeared on Philly Sports Network and was syndicated with permission.

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