A rematch looms in Super Bowl 59 as Jalen Hurts and the Eagles gear up to take on the Kansas City Chiefs once again. Philadelphia seeks redemption after falling short in their previous Super Bowl clash two years ago, where they suffered a 38-35 defeat in Glendale, Arizona. This time around, Hurts has been on fire, showcasing a stellar performance in the playoffs and teaming up with new running back Saquon Barkley to electrify the offense.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans, fans are eager to see how Hurts will fare against the Chiefs. USA TODAY Sports analyzed Hurts’ performance against defenses comparable to Kansas City’s to provide insights.
Which defenses did Hurts face that were similar to the Chiefs? While the Chiefs did not boast a top-ranked defense in various efficiency metrics, they hovered around the middle of the pack in EPA/play, success rate, and defensive DVOA. To assess Hurts’ performance, we compared his stats against teams with similar defensive prowess, including the Packers, Falcons, Buccaneers, Cowboys, and Ravens.
Here’s a breakdown of Hurts’ performance against these opponents:
– Completion rate: 64.7%
– Passing yards: 939
– Yards per attempt: 7.1
– Touchdowns: 7 (5 rushing)
– Interceptions: 4
– Fumbles: 6 (3 lost)
– Passer rating: 92.5
– Yards per carry: 4.46
– Eagles points per game: 25.8
– Record: 3-2
It’s important to note that Hurts’ early-season matchups with these teams preceded a significant turning point for the Eagles, who went on a remarkable 10-game winning streak post-bye week. Hurts’ performance improved drastically during this winning streak, showcasing his growth as a quarterback.
As we look ahead to the Super Bowl showdown, it remains uncertain how Hurts will fare against the Chiefs’ defense. His recent performances have been impressive, with a notable improvement in his passer rating. While predicting the exact outcome is challenging, one thing is certain – Hurts is primed to deliver a thrilling performance on the grand stage.
There hasn’t been a single fumble in this year’s postseason for Jalen Hurts, underscoring the importance of his ball security in the Eagles’ quest for success against a Chiefs team known for converting extra opportunities. Hurts’ athleticism, particularly as a rusher, will also play a pivotal role in the Eagles’ game plan. Teamed up with running back Saquon Barkley behind an elite offensive line, they form one of the most formidable backfield duos in the NFL. Philadelphia aims to capitalize on their running game strengths in this year’s Super Bowl, with Hurts at the forefront of their strategy.
When Sunday rolls around, the expectation is for Hurts to maintain his ball security, leverage his running abilities, and deliver crucial throws when needed, akin to his performance in the NFC championship game. Should Hurts and Barkley continue to complement each other effectively on offense, the Eagles stand a strong chance of securing their franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy. This analysis was first featured on USA TODAY, shedding light on Jalen Hurts’ impressive stats leading up to the Super Bowl.
