Jalen Hurts has been criticized through much of the NFL season as being the weakness of the Eagles, but he turned that all around when it mattered the most. Hurts was the biggest difference-maker in Philadelphia’s stunning 40-22 win in Super Bowl LIX.
Jalen Hurts wins Super Bowl MVP by slaying the Chiefs
Jalen Hurts is a Super Bowl MVP!
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Hurts finished with 17-for-22, 221 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT — with another 11 carries for 72 yards and a TD.
The Eagles did a phenomenal job at keeping the Chiefs guessing by running an offense that fundamentally pivoted away from Saquon Barkley being the focal point and instead emphasized its quarterback. It was one of the most gutsy decisions by an offensive coordinator in some time, and Kellen Moore utterly bamboozled the Chiefs’ defense.
At the center of all this was Hurts, who had the incredible pressure of the game being on his shoulders against a Chiefs’ defense known for punishing passers. There was a significant risk opening up the passing game against Trent McDuffie and Co., especially considering that there was a concern that Chris Jones and the Kansas City defensive line would take away the infamous “tush push,” play which has been the heart and soul of the Eagles’ short-yardage offense.
Hurts’ win marks the 14th time in the last 20 years that a quarterback has won the MVP of the Super Bowl. In the past it’s been easy to say that a QB has gotten preferential treatment, but in this case he completely earned the away.
What a phenomenal win by Hurts and the Eagles.
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