Quarterback Jalen Hurts is having an impeccable season despite the Philadelphia Eagles clear offensive struggles, and no one is giving him the credit he deserves. Statistically, he’s playing amazing, and when watching the game he has been unbelievably impressive. So, I firmly believe that, even if he doesn’t win the award, he deserves to be on the ballot for MVP. Here’s why:
Statistical Comparison
Hurts’ stats really haven’t jumped off the page because of a down year in passing last year, but he has severely improved from then. In eight games, he has 15 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns, tied for third in the league. And, at the same time, he has only one turnover all year. The players above him are Matthew Stafford with two turnovers, Patrick Mahomes with 5, and Josh Allen with 4. The biggest argument against his passing ability is his yards, which he only has 1,677. He is 700 yards behind first place in the league, but he also is 25th in attempts with 100 less attempts than first place. And, despite his passing yards, he is 7th in completion percentage and 5th in passer rating. And, he is the only quarterback to pose a perfect passer rating in well over a year against the 12th ranked defense at the time, the Minnesota Vikings. Hurts also possesses an 82.6 PFF grade, 7th among quarterbacks. Hurts is also 30th in pressure-to-sack-rate, meaning that when he is pressured he is rarely ever sacked.
Film Evaluation
I have watched every Eagles game so far this season, and I can say with confidence that I am thoroughly impressed with how Hurts has been controlling himself and his team despite the poor chemistry this season. I can’t prove this in an article, but Hurts has been playing with poise and confidence throughout the year. With questionable playcalling, upset teammates, and having to play from behind all too often, Hurts has been able to do everything he needs to win the game. He has filled every role: leader, star, glue guy, rusher, passer, anything that he needs to do; and he has been able to put his head down and do it. That is a true quarterback’s, and leader’s, job.
Current Ballot Comparison
Hurts Vs Maye:
Hurts has 8 games to Maye’s 9. Hurts has 20 touchdowns to Maye’s 17. Hurts has 1,677 yards on 215 attempts to Maye’s 2,285 on 255 attempts. Hurts has a 70.2% completion percentage to Maye’s 74.1%. The Eagles have the 4th hardest schedule (.561 opp. Win %) compared to the Patriots third easiest schedule (.429 opp. Win %). A continual critique on Maye is that he continues to miss wide open passes and struggles reading defenses, which through film is obvious to see. A critique on Hurts is his team around him and the system he is in, however, his system has changed every year and his team continues to struggle with chemistry and performance.
Hurts vs Stafford:
Matthew Stafford is my personal MVP frontrunner, so this isn’t to say Hurts should be over Stafford. However, Hurts matches up with Stafford so much so that he should be in the conversation as well. They both have played 8 games, Hurts having 20 touchdowns to Stafford’s 21. Stafford has 2,147 yards on 274 attempts to Hurts’s 1,677 on 215 attempts. Hurts has a 70.2% completion percentage to Stafford’s 67.2%. Stafford only has 2 turnovers and Hurts only has 1. Stafford also doesn’t have any overlying weaknesses, clearly reading defenses better than any other quarterback this year and essentially reviving Davante Adams’ career. Hurts does have a better completion percentage and would poise more yards if they had the same amount of attempts, I just can’t argue against Stafford’s intelligence this season.
Hurts vs Mahomes:
Statistically, the only thing Mahomes has over Hurts is yards. Hurts has more touchdowns, a better completion %, fewer attempts, fewer interceptions, and a better passer rating. Hurts, front to back, has been better than Mahomes in almost every way. And, Hurts is 8-2 to Mahomes only being 5-4. We can talk about the teams, sure, but both teams have had plenty of struggles and injuries offensively and defensively. Hurts’ offensive line has been injured plenty, receivers have been on and off the field, and Madden cover, best-player-in-the-league Saquon Barkley has been fighting nagging injuries, missing considerable time from three games. Mahomes has had receivers miss games, Rice and Worthy, and starting running back Pacheco has missed games. However, none of these players are game-changing like AJ Brown, Saquon Barkley, Devonta Smith, or Quinyon Mitchell. And to top it off, Hurts won in the head to head.
Hurts vs Allen
Allen currently tops the MVP charts, which I simply cannot agree with. Hurts has outplayed Allen statistically in almost every regard. Hurts has a better passer rating, more touchdowns, less interceptions, less attempts, a better completion percentage, similar yards, and even a better QBR. This shouldn’t even be a discussion. Hurts has carried his team to a better record atop the NFC, and Allen isn’t even first in his division. And again, the Eagles have a much harder schedule than the bills.
Again, I’m not necessarily saying Hurts should lead the MVP charts, but he needs his credit. Hurts has been amazing all season, and he isn’t even top 8 in voting currently. Hurts deserves to be on the MVP ballot.
