Jalen Hurts is on the cusp of making history by attempting to become only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl after losing his first attempt. The Philadelphia Eagles' star, who tasted defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs in a nail-biting 38-35 match two years ago, now seeks to rewrite his story with a victory next week.
A win would position Hurts alongside football legends like John Elway, who last achieved this remarkable feat nearly three decades ago. Out of 36 quarterbacks who faced initial Super Bowl setbacks, only a few have made triumphant returns to the coveted championship stage. Len Dawson and Bob Griese are other illustrious names that overcame such initial hurdles in Super Bowl history.
Hurts’ journey back to the Super Bowl defies convention, marking the end of a disheartening trend where 19 consecutive quarterbacks could not return to the venue after an initial loss. He follows in the footsteps of Jim Kelly who, despite numerous attempts, couldn't clinch the title during the early 1990s for the Buffalo Bills.
This upcoming showdown once again pits Hurts against Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes, tying Elway with his fifth Super Bowl start, is vying to join Tom Brady, Terry Bradshaw, and Joe Montana by securing a quartet of championship rings. As Mahomes continues his dominance, it sheds light on the varying landscape of the NFC and AFC quarterback leadership.
Over the past 22 years, AFC quarterbacks have largely been featured in Super Bowls, with Brady, Manning, and Roethlisberger often stealing the spotlight. In contrast, the NFC has presented a broader spectrum of talent to the championship games, with 19 different quarterbacks making appearances, including the likes of Russell Wilson and Eli Manning.
The Philadelphia Eagles' remarkable run to the Super Bowl has captivated fans. The team equaled a historic playoff record with seven rushing touchdowns in their NFC title win. This achievement harks back to 1940, highlighting an era-defying play style by the Eagles, led by Hurts and Saquon Barkley, who delivered outstanding performances throughout the season.
Philadelphia also set a new benchmark for rushing yards, eclipsing previous records with a staggering 3,731 yards over the course of the season. This eclipses records set by teams such as Miami’s iconic 1972 unbeaten squad and Baltimore's recent accomplishments.
As the Eagles prepare for their impending Super Bowl face-off, records continue to be challenged. With 39 touchdown runs so far, they aim to conquer their own previous record of 42 set last year. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, despite impressive performances, finds himself consistently bested by Mahomes and his Kansas City powerhouse.
Allen, notable for being the first quarterback to lose four postseason games to the same opponent, boasts impressive stats with a 100.2 passer rating against the Chiefs, demonstrating resilience despite repeated setbacks. In the playoffs, Allen's prowess is evident with a record 101.5 career passer rating, ranking among elite Super Bowl winners like Mahomes, Warner, and Stafford.
As the NFL coaching carousel spins, only the New Orleans Saints remain in the hunt for a new head coach. Notable hirings include former Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll taking command in New England and Las Vegas respectively. Carroll, with an already storied career, joins a competitive roster alongside seasoned coaches Sean Payton and Andy Reid.
The upcoming season marks a milestone in the AFC West with every head coach having previous Super Bowl experience—a first in the league's history. This change underscores the rise of veteran leadership across divisions, such as the NFC West and AFC North, which have maintained head coaching stability for several seasons.
In a constantly evolving league, the dynamics and players' quests for titles herald a thrilling future. Jalen Hurts’ path to the Super Bowl offers not just a chance for personal redemption but also an opportunity to become a pivotal chapter in the ongoing saga of NFL history.
