How previous Super Bowl loss to Chiefs is motivating Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is using their previous Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs as fuel.

Two seasons ago, the Eagles lost to the Chiefs 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023. Hurts indicated he still thinks about that defeat before their rematch in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox. 

"It's had a great driving force," Hurts told the media on Monday. "It lit a flame. It lit a fire in me, and to have this opportunity again is what you work for." 

In Super Bowl LVII, Hurts had one of the best games of his career, accounting for 374 yards (304 passing and 70 rushing) and four touchdowns (three rushing and one passing).

Per Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, Hurts joined Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Steve Young as the only players with at least 370 yards and four touchdowns (rushing and passing) in a Super Bowl. 

The game's ending likely overshadowed Hurts' excellent performance. Late in the fourth quarter, Eagles cornerback James Bradberry was flagged for defensive holding on wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, which set up the Chiefs' winning 27-yard field goal.

After losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round last season, the Eagles signed running back Saquon Barkley in free agency. The move worked. Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards in 16 regular-season games, and Philadelphia went 14-3. 

Along with the addition of Barkley, Hurts hopes the lessons from last time help Philadelphia get some payback.

"You've got to be able to finish," Hurts said. "And that's going to take great focus, a great week of prep this week, putting it all together."

In a 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Hurts had four touchdowns (three rushing and one passing). Philadelphia will need the QB to deliver again to capture its second Lombardi Trophy.