Hurts has completed the feat in back-to-back seasons, which is unbelievable in and of itself. However, placing that into perspective, per Stathead, solely 5 quarterbacks in NFL historical past have recorded a season with 20-plus passing touchdowns and 10 or extra speeding scores, whereas the two-time Professional Bowler is just the second to have finished it greater than as soon as, becoming a member of former MVP Cam Newton (2011, 2015).
That is fairly an achievement for a quarterback solely 4 years into their profession, particularly contemplating he obtained the brunt of the blame for his group’s monumental late-season collapse in 2023.
That is to not say Hurts ought to get off scot free for what transpired. In spite of everything, the offense that ranked third the earlier 12 months did not look the identical, nor did he, ending with the fourth-most turnovers within the NFL (20) after committing solely eight in 2022.
Nonetheless, as is often the case, context can typically get misplaced within the shuffle.
Philadelphia’s offense was extremely stale underneath first-year coordinator Brian Johnson, whose scheme was criticized late within the 12 months for producing the bottom movement (9.6) and snap movement (24.8) percentages within the NFL. Likewise, the Eagles protection did not assist, as they ranked thirtieth in factors towards and twenty sixth general.
Moreover, Hurts could have been a sufferer of dangerous luck, as in line with Professional Soccer Focus, he had solely 15 turnover-worthy performs, fewer than Tua Tagovailoa (22), Josh Allen (21), Patrick Mahomes (21), Brock Purdy (18) and Jared Goff (17). But, he turned over the ball solely 20 occasions (15 interceptions, 5 misplaced fumbles), solely 5 fewer than he’d collected over the primary three seasons of his profession mixed (19 interceptions, six fumbles misplaced).
Heading into 2024, Hurts has a golden alternative to vary the narrative surrounding him and the Eagles. Together with returning stars DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, Philly added a number of extra weapons to their offensive arsenal in operating again Saquon Barkley and wideout Jahan Dotson, offering the fifth-year QB with loads of choices.
