A Look At Jalen Hurts Facing Top Quarterbacks in 2024
This annual exercise of predicting how Jalen Hurts will fare against his fellow quarterbacks has become more of a futile practice in recent years. Two years ago, we underestimated Hurts and his performance in the quarterback challenge. Last year, only Patrick Mahomes was considered better than Hurts, and that did not pan out well either.
Coming off a successful season where Hurts led the Eagles to a 14-1 record as a starter, expectations were high for the young quarterback. However, the Eagles stumbled to a 1-6 finish, with Hurts struggling to adjust to the new offensive coordinator’s system and facing challenges in reading defenses and picking up blitzes.
In 2024, Hurts and the Eagles have a tough schedule ahead, facing a solid group of opposing quarterbacks. While last season only Mahomes was considered superior to Hurts, this year, Hurts will be up against 14 quarterbacks, some of whom are established stars, rising talents, and dangerous competitors.
The Eagles’ offense saw a slight dip in scoring last season, but Hurts will be working with a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore, who has revamped the team’s offensive system. The team also added star running back Saquon Barkley to support Hurts, but they will be missing the presence of veteran center Jason Kelce on the offensive line.
Hurts will face a mix of opponents in 2024, ranging from established stars like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson to rising talents like Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love. Hurts is expected to improve this season, but replicating his 2022 success may be a challenge.
Let’s take a closer look at Hurts’ matchups against some of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming season:
Week 1 – vs. Green Bay Packers – Jordan Love
Jordan Love emerged as a dangerous quarterback late last season, showing significant improvement and comfort in the Packers’ offense. With a strong finish to the season, Love will pose a challenge for Hurts and the Eagles. The Eagles will face a formidable opponent in the young and confident Packers team.
Prediction: Love has the edge in this matchup.
Week 2 – vs. Atlanta Falcons – Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins is a seasoned quarterback, but his performance under the Monday night lights has been inconsistent. Hurts, with a game under his belt and a growing understanding of Moore’s system, is poised to lead the Eagles to victory against the rebuilding Falcons.
Prediction: Hurts will come out on top in this matchup.
Week 3 – at New Orleans Saints – Derek Carr
Derek Carr had a strong season last year, leading the Saints to several key victories late in the season. Carr’s experience and performance give him a slight edge over Hurts in this matchup.
Prediction: Carr is the favorite to win this showdown.
Week 4 – at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has shown his talent and resilience in bouncing back from setbacks. However, Hurts will be motivated to avenge the Eagles’ playoff loss to the Buccaneers and should be able to outduel Mayfield in this game.
Prediction: Hurts will prevail in this matchup.
Week 6 – Cleveland Browns – Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson, when healthy, can be a dangerous quarterback. However, his injury history raises concerns about his availability. Hurts, facing Watson and the stout Browns defense, will need to elevate his game to secure a victory in this matchup.
Prediction: Hurts faces a tough challenge but has the potential to come out on top.
In conclusion, Jalen Hurts will be tested against a diverse group of quarterbacks in the 2024 season. With new additions to the team and a revamped offensive system, Hurts will need to rise to the occasion and deliver strong performances to lead the Eagles to success against their opponents.