Running back Saquon Barkley is clearly the Philadelphia Eagles' MVP, but quarterback Jalen Hurts also deserves kudos for helping the team clinch its second Super Bowl berth in three years.
In a 55-23 blowout against the Washington Commanders in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, Hurts recorded 262 yards (246 passing and 16 rushing) and four touchdowns (one passing and three rushing).
In his postgame news conference, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni sent a message to the QB's detractors.
"How about our quarterback? He's a stud," Sirianni said. "I knew he was going to play that way. I knew it. Don't doubt him. All he does is win."
Hurts has produced pedestrian passing numbers this season. In 15 regular-season starts, the two-time Pro Bowler finished with 2,903 passing yards, the second-lowest mark of his career. In three playoff games, Hurts has averaged 7.3 yards per pass attempt, 10th among 14 QBs.
However, the Eagles don't need Hurts to throw for 400 yards every game when they have Barkley. Per Pro Football Reference, the RB has 442 rushing yards in three postseason games, the seventh most in league history.
More importantly, Hurts has proved he can still deliver in key situations.
On a 4th-and-5 late in the second quarter against Washington, he completed a 31-yard pass to wide receiver A.J. Brown. Subsequently, the QB rushed for a one-yard TD, giving Philadelphia a 20-12 lead.
Hurts to Brown to convert on 4th & 5!
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According to CBS Sports writer Jeff Kerr, Hurts has completed 12-of-17 passes for 163 yards and one TD and has posted a stellar 120.5 passer rating on third and fourth downs in the playoffs.
"I don't want anyone else leading this team at QB other than him," Sirianni said of Hurts. "He's a winner."
The Eagles face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox. As of Monday, ESPN Bet lists the Chiefs as a 1.5-point favorite.
Perhaps the matchup will give Hurts another opportunity to quiet his critics. Per Stathead, the fifth-year QB has 841 passing yards and three TD passes in three games (including playoffs) against the Chiefs.
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