Jalen Hurts started the 2024 NFL season facing criticism about his performance and the effectiveness of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense. He silenced all doubts by leading the Eagles to their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history and securing the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Jalen Hurts’ Dominant Super Bowl Performance
Hurts delivered an outstanding performance in the Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown pass propelled the Eagles to a commanding 24-0 lead before halftime, and his second extended the advantage to 34-0, an insurmountable deficit for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs managed to put up 22 points in the final 16 minutes, but the Eagles’ lead was too great to overcome. Hurts also broke his own record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a Super Bowl, running for 72 yards. His previous record of 70 yards was set in Super Bowl LVII when the Eagles fell short against the Chiefs. This time, the Eagles’ comfortable lead allowed backup quarterback Kenny Pickett to take the final snaps.
Super Bowl MVP: A Career-Defining Moment for Hurts
Quarterbacks have won the Super Bowl MVP award in seven of the last nine seasons, and Hurts added his name to that elite list. His counterpart, Patrick Mahomes, had previously won three Super Bowl MVPs, but on Sunday, Hurts was the best quarterback at the Caesars Superdome.
“He just keeps getting better,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said of Hurts. “He knows how to win and ignores the outside noise. People say, ‘He’s only good because of the team around him,’ but that’s football. You need great teammates to be great. Jalen is special, and the criticism he faces just blows my mind. He’s a winner, and he works his butt off.”
The Chiefs defense focused on stopping Saquon Barkley, limiting him to 97 scrimmage yards on 31 touches. However, Hurts and the Eagles’ relentless defense proved too much for Kansas City to handle.
Overcoming Adversity: Hurts’ Road to Super Bowl Glory
Hurts’ journey to this moment has been filled with challenges. Two years ago, in the Eagles’ Super Bowl loss, he played well but had a costly fumble returned for a touchdown. Last season, after a 10-1 start, the Eagles struggled down the stretch, putting pressure on Hurts and Sirianni. A shaky 2-2 start this season only fueled concerns, especially after Hurts turned the ball over seven times in the first four games.
However, he took accountability, stating, “I think it starts with me.” From that point on, Hurts only committed four turnovers leading up to the Super Bowl victory. Though he threw an interception in the first half, he rebounded with a poised performance that showcased his growth and resilience.
Eagles Defense Seals the Win
While Hurts shined, the Eagles’ defense delivered a dominant performance. They recorded six sacks, two interceptions—including a pick-six—and a forced fumble, making life difficult for Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.
As the final whistle blew, Hurts stood under falling confetti, reflecting on the biggest win of his career.
“God is good—even in the highs and the lows,” Hurts said as he accepted the Pete Rozelle Trophy. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. This has never been about one person; it’s about how we come together and respond to challenges. Hell of a game today.”
Jalen Hurts’ Legacy Continues to Grow
With this Super Bowl victory, Hurts has cemented his status as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. His leadership, perseverance, and ability to rise to the occasion have silenced his critics and solidified his place in Eagles history.
Philadelphia fans can now celebrate their team’s second Super Bowl championship, knowing they have a quarterback built for the biggest moments. With Hurts at the helm, the Eagles’ future remains bright.