How did the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts make NFL history against the Kansas City Chiefs?
As if it wasn’t already clear that the Eagles QB is one of the best in the business, he’s now adding NFL records to his already impressive CV as well.
Though it’s almost certain that the Eagles will be celebrating their come-from-behind win against the team that defeated them in the Super Bowl earlier this year, we imagine it doesn’t hurt that their signal caller made history in the win as well.
Jalen Hurts makes NFL history with rushing touchdowns
On Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles were able to get some degree of revenge against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team that beat them in the 2023 Super Bowl. In a game that ended 21-17 in the Eagles’ favor, it’s got to be said that it was Philly’s defense that was the difference. Yet, it would be remiss not to mention the feat achieved by quarterback Jalen Hurts. Indeed, the 25-year-old etched his name into the record books as he passed Cam Newton for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in his first four seasons, after he scored on a 10-yard run to register his 34th career rushing touchdown.
Newton, who previously played for the Patriots and Panthers had 33 rushing touchdowns in his first four seasons (2011-14), while Josh Allen had 31 (2018-21) entering this season, but as you can see Hurts is now the king of the hill across the first four seasons. Of course, it got even better after that as Hurts added another rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, one that sees him tied for 11th all-time in NFL history relative to his position. Along with Aaron Rodgers, Steve Grogan, and Randall Cunningham, he now sits on 35 which is one behind Michael Vick at No. 10. It will understandably take him some time to catch Newton who sits at No. 1 on the all-time list with a staggering 75 rushing touchdowns, but given his age and stage - he’s in his mid-twenties and has 35 rushing TDs in 55 games - something tells us it’s not an impossibility.
OK, but how did the Eagles vs Chiefs game play out?
Despite Hurts’ impressive contribution, the truth is the Eagles did not fire on all cylinders during their game against the defending Super Bowl champions. What they did do, however, is show true grit. “That was a complete team win, a complete team effort. We found a way,” said Hurts. “It was two teams going at it in a hostile environment and we showed up when it mattered the most.” With the win the Eagles are now 9-1 on the season which is the best record in the NFL at the moment. The Chiefs on the other hand drop to 7-3.
For his part, Hurts finished with 150 passing yards in what was actually just the ninth time that we’ve had a regular season rematch between the two teams that played in the previous season’s Super Bowl. It wasn’t the most prolific of performances but he did convert when it truly mattered, rushing from 10 yards to close the Chiefs lead to three points. That play was of course followed by his game-winning push over from one yard out. “We didn’t play well offensively,” Hurts said. “Our defense definitely had us strong in that game. They did a great job. We’re winning games but we’re yet to play our best ball. There’s a lot to be encouraged by. But we’re far from the finished product.” Though they will not be pleased with the defeat, the Chiefs are in fact still in control of the AFC West. Where the Eagles are concerned, they maintain a two-game lead over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East.