The story of Monday night’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles can be told by looking at the performance of the quarterbacks. Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins had a dismal performance. But as bad as Cousins was, his Philadelphia counterpart, Jalen Hurts, was that good.
Hurts accounted for three touchdowns on the night. His one passing touchdown came on a 53-yard bomb to Quez Watkins.
Jalen Hurts and Quez Watkins connect for the Eagles bomb TD! 🏈💣 #MNF pic.twitter.com/rdTTlAxe5w
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 20, 2022
That pass was sandwiched between a pair of touchdown runs from Hurts. The first one was a three-yard score in the first quarter. The second was a highlight-reel 26-yard run late in the second.
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts with a rushing TD as the ESPN Titans-Bills broadcast goes split-screen. 🏈 #MNF pic.twitter.com/9SKwWjb16y
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 20, 2022
JALEN HURTS! WHAT A TD RUN FOR THE EAGLES! 🏈💪 #MNF pic.twitter.com/78oWqymZBw
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 20, 2022
All told, Hurts was 26-for-31 with 333 yards passing with the touchdown and an interception (which was dropped by a receiver into the hands of Minnesota’s Jordan Hicks). On the ground, he had 11 carries for 57 yards with two touchdowns.
If that sounds like a special, unique statline from a quarterback, it is. In fact, it’s unprecedented.
Jalen Hurts of the @Eagles is the first player in NFL history to throw for 300+ yards, complete 80.0+ percent of his passes and rush for multiple touchdowns in a single game.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) September 20, 2022
Football fans and viewers were effusive in their praise of Philadelphia’s signal caller — and rightfully so.
Insane. What a game. https://t.co/zbiWL5Rj2c
— John Stolnis (@JohnStolnis) September 20, 2022
Seems… good? https://t.co/EiReHnLlwu
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 20, 2022
Jalen Hurts: leader, baller, play-maker. You're lucky to have him, Philly.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 20, 2022
Very impressive game by Jalen Hurts tonight. Stock way up. Looking like a franchise QB. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) September 20, 2022
That was Jalen Hurts best game in the NFL
Very few teams are capable of beating this Eagles team if he can continue to perform like that
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) September 20, 2022
Through the first two games of the season, Hurts has completed 70% of his passes for 576 yards with one touchdown, one interception and a 97.1 passer rating. He’s had 28 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns.
Perhaps the most important stat, Hurts has helped the Eagles to a 2-0 record.
