Jalen Hurts had much to prove in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
In many pundits’ opinions, Hurts was the only thing standing between the Philadelphia Eagles and a victory over the heralded Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback was the only position in the game where Kansas City was listed with a decisive advantage.
The Chiefs, seeking an unprecedented third-consecutive Super Bowl title, were guided by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Case closed, right?
If you thought quarterback play was going to be a mismatch, you were correct – except that Hurts outplayed Mahomes while leading the Eagles to a 40-22 beat down of the favored Chiefs.
Huts, who was named Super Bowl MVP, was headed to Disney World on Monday afternoon after completing 17-of-22 passes for 221 yards, and two touchdowns.
Hurts also rushed 11 times for 72 yards and touchdown, bettering his own Super Bowl QB rushing record from two seasons back when he had 70 yards. Hurts is also the lone quarterback to have more than 50 yards rushing in two Super Bowls.
Regardless of his doubters, Hurts said in a postgame interview, “It’s been a fun ride.”
“I’ve embraced every step. I took great pride in never backing down from a challenge. Always turning my negatives into positives. Turning my weaknesses and making them my strengths. It’s taken a great effort to evolve my game over time and just continue to grow and improve.”
Calling his career, “un unprecedented journey,” Hurts reminded fans of his choppy path to Super Bowl MVP.
“I’m that same kid that went to the national championship [with Alabama] and lost; Went back and got benched and had to transfer. That kid always kept the main thing the main thing and always was true to his vision.”
Hurts also praised his defense, which harassed Mahomes from the start of the game.
“Defense wins championships,” Hurts said. “We saw how they played today. We saw the difference they made in the game. They gave us opportunities, gave us short fields. And we’re able to do what we do.”
Mahomes hinted he and Hurts will march up again.
“I have a lot of respect for Jalen,” Mahomes said postgame.
“I said after the last Super Bowl we played that he’ll be back. He was and he got the better of me today. I’m sure we’ll face off again at some point in our careers in a big game like this.”
Hurts did what he did with style, grace, and power. He has gone from being a Philadelphia scapegoat to a Philly world champion. Enjoy that victory parade this week on Broad Street Jalen Hurts, you are very deserving.
The Reid Roundup
While there is speculation whether the Philadelphia Eagles will visit the White House later this year, offensive lineman and team captain Lane Johnson said following the Super Bowl, “It’s ultimately a team decision. I’ll do what’s best for the team.”…Let’s be honest. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was awful in the face of the Eagles’ ferocious front four on the defensive line. Mahomes was sacked six times and threw two second quarter interceptions, one which was returned for a touchdown and another that led directly to six points for the Eagles just before halftime…Tight end Travis Kelce, like Mahomes, played a miserable game, which included two dropped passes…Meanwhile in the NBA, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, STL native, used his no-trade clause to nix at least two respective deals with the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks. The Suns were then unable to complete a trade that would have brought Jimmy Butler from Miami to Phoenix… After posting 26 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks in 31 minutes in his Dallas Mavericks’ debut, Anthony Davis suffered an adductor strain that will keep him out for multiple weeks. The L.A. Lakers and Luka Doncic became big winners before Doncic made his Lakers debut on Monday.
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