When Jalen Hurts locks onto a receiver and delivers a perfectly timed strike, it serves as a reminder of why the Philadelphia Eagles believe he can rise above any moment — no matter how big the stage.
Hurts has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, including pinpoint throws that left defenses helpless and energized fans longing for more consistency. Eagles supporters still remember the defining play of last season’s Super Bowl, when Hurts faked a handoff and launched a deep pass to DeVonta Smith to seal the franchise’s second championship and earn Super Bowl MVP honors.
Despite possessing elite athleticism, mobility and arm strength, Hurts says his success in high-pressure situations comes from something less tangible.
“Some things are in you,” he said.
That inner resolve will be under scrutiny as the NFC East champion Eagles host San Francisco in a wild card playoff matchup, chasing a second straight Super Bowl title. While Hurts posted career highs with 25 touchdown passes this season and limited mistakes overall, his year was also marked by stretches of inconsistency, including games where the offense stalled and defenses neutralized his rushing threat.
Hurts finished with just 421 rushing yards — his lowest total since his rookie season — and opponents appeared better prepared for Philadelphia’s short-yardage “tush push.” Much of the offensive turbulence was attributed to first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo, but the responsibility ultimately rests with the quarterback.
The postseason, however, has historically brought out the best in Hurts. He is 6–3 in playoff games, has reached two Super Bowls in the past three seasons and owns postseason records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single game. At home, he is a perfect 5–0.
In last season’s Super Bowl win over Kansas City, Hurts delivered one of the most complete performances in NFL history, throwing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for more than 50 yards and a score — a feat matched only by Hall of Famer Joe Montana.
“Experience is the biggest teacher,” Hurts said. “There are a lot of moments you can lean on.”
San Francisco knows that danger well. The 49ers were overwhelmed by Hurts in a previous NFC title game, and head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the challenge he presents.
“He’s got a big-time arm,” Shanahan said. “You’ve got to honor the entire field with him.”
Among quarterbacks in this year’s playoffs, only Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen have more postseason wins than Hurts. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni credits Hurts’ composure and ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
“You see a steadiness at all times,” Sirianni said. “Every time he steps on the field, he raises his level.”
Drafted in the second round in 2020 as insurance behind Carson Wentz, Hurts quickly proved he was much more. Now 27, he understands how quarterbacks are ultimately judged.
It’s not about style points — it’s about wins.
And as the Eagles enter another postseason run, they are counting on the same unshakable presence that has already delivered championships to carry them one step closer to another.
