By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
“I’m going to Disney World”, echoed in the aftermath and exhilaration of a resounding, dominating victory by the Philadelphia Eagles over the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs by Jalen Hurts, arguably the most underrated and criticized quarterback in Super Bowl history. His 3 touchdown performance – 2 pass and 1 rush including 72 total yards rushing – earned him the well-deserved MVP award for SB LIX. Drafted in the second round by the Eagles after a stellar career at both Alabama and Oklahoma, Jalen supplanted Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback and in 4 years has played in 2 Super Bowls, losing in ‘23 to the Chiefs 38-35 and winning SB LIX over the Patrick Mahomes led Chiefs 40-22. Perhaps a cursory glance into Jalen’s time in college and the Eagles’ offensive system will explain or make some sense of the unmerited criticism. In the 2018 national championship game, Nick Saban benched a struggling Hurts, replacing him with Tua Tagovailoa in the second half. Tua claimed his right to be the starter by immediately throwing the BCF Championship clinching touchdown pass to Heisman winner Devanta Smith, basically sealing Jalen’s fate as the BAMA starter. The following season Jalen returned to Alabama as Tua’s backup and ironically replaced an injured Tua in the SEC Championship game , leading Alabama to a dramatic 35-28 conference championship over the Georgia Bulldogs. The following year Jalen transferred to Oklahoma, further developed his passing skills and led the Sooners to the CFP playoffs. The assumption was that Tua was a better passer, thus a better pro prospect.
The other consideration involves the Eagles’ offensive scheme, a predominantly run first system based on the acquisition and success of running back Saquon Barkley, who amassed 2,000 yards behind a behemoth, talented offensive line. Jalen isn’t asked to throw the ball 40 times a game. Therefore, his numbers aren’t as gaudy as those of Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow. If, however, a measure of his greatness is based on SB appearances and victories, he is the head of the class.
The assumption that the Chiefs’ defensive game involved stopping Barkley, while simultaneously believing that Jalen couldn’t beat them with his arm, proved a false premise. Boy, were they mistaken. Against Kansas City, Hurts showcased his growth and resilience as a QB by completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Jalen is the consummate team player, motivated solely by winning. Take your bow, congratulations on being the fourth African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl and enjoy Disney World.
