Jalen Hurts Sep 27, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quartern at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles were one of the NFL’s surprise teams in 2021, making the playoffs with a 9-8 record after a disappointing 2020 season.

A big reason for this rapid improvement of the team has been the jump that quarterback Jalen Hurts has made in his second season in the league. Hurts had his first full season as the starter for the Eagles following Carson Wentz’s departure to Indianapolis, throwing for 3,144 yards on the season with 16 touchdowns.

A big part of the story for Hurts (seen above last September) has been his ability to create plays with his legs, adding in 784 yards on the ground with ten rushing touchdowns. The 2021 season was Hurts’ first season with head coach Nick Sirianni, and Sirianni certainly has taken notice of his quarterback’s impressive play.

“As you watch more and more and as you think about it more and more, you’re just pleased with the progression Jalen has made [in 2021],” said Sirianni of his starting quarterback.

“He just continues to get better. Whether that’s from Alabama to Oklahoma, Oklahoma to his first year in the NFL, or from his first year in the NFL to his second year. We know that progression is going to continue.”

“He led us to the playoffs and obviously we want to go further than that, and we’re really confident that Jalen can help us do that.”

If Philadelphia wants to make the next step to become a true championship-contending team, they will need Hurts to progress even more as a passer going forward.  His ability with his legs is a great asset, but he was seemingly figured out in the Eagles’ playoff loss this season to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, it certainly looks like Hurts has the belief of his head coach going forward.

[NBC Sports Philadelphia; photo from Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports]

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.