Hurts and Eagles Clinch Top Seed
Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 22-16 victory over the New York Giants, clinching the NFC East Division title and the top seed in the NFC Playoffs. Hurts ended with 229 yards passing and an interception. This was his first game after missing two due to a shoulder injury suffered against the Chicago Bears in week 15.
Hurts had a phenomenal regular season. Throughout the NFL season, he led the Philadelphia Eagles to the best record in the league and was a top MVP candidate. Hurts concluded the regular season with 3,472 yards passing, 747 yards rushing, 35 total touchdowns, only five interceptions, a passer rating of 101.6, and a QBR of 66.6, which ranks fourth in the league.
Hurts and the Eagles enter the playoffs as the NFC East champions and the No. 1 seed, ensuring a first-round bye. After the Wild Card round, the Eagles will face the team with the lowest remaining seed.
Hurts' outstanding season is yet another hurdle he has conquered since his days at Alabama. Remember, Hurts was the Tide's starting quarterback and twice took Alabama to the national championship game.
Tua Tagovailoa later replaced him in the 2017 national championship game and Hurts served as the backup the following season. Hurts stepped into the 2018 SEC Championship Game after Tagovailoa was injured and saved the day for the Crimson Tide.
Hurts transferred to Oklahoma and Lincoln Riley the following season, where he finished as a Heisman Candidate and led the Sooners to the College Football Playoffs.
Hurts was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2020. After all the questions about whether he was "The Guy," his passing skills, and all the doubters, Hurts put in the work and led the Philadelphia Eagles to a division championship and top seed in his first season as the official starting quarterback.
Hurts will be hoping to build on his already incredible story as the Eagles enter the playoffs by guiding them to Arizona for the Super Bowl.