Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was able to tie a single-season NFL record on Monday evening, but the occasion was muted due to the team’s late-game loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Hurts scored two rushing touchdowns in the game, bringing his total to 14 for the season. This surpassed his previous career-high of 13 and tied the single-season record set by Cam Newton in 2011 during his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers.

It’s worth noting that when Newton set the record, there were only 16 regular season games. However, the NFL’s format changed to 17 games in 2021. Hurts was able to tie the former MVP’s single-season record in just 14 games and has the opportunity to break it in the 15th game of the season. The Eagles will face the New York Giants on Christmas Day at Lincoln Financial Field, and the team is likely to rely on Hurts’ rushing ability to secure a win.

Under first-year offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, the Eagles have become increasingly reliant on screen passes and uncreative play-calling, leading them to struggle in recent games. Hurts, despite his record-breaking rushing performance, has faced criticism for his role in the team’s three-game losing streak. He threw two interceptions in the game against the Seahawks, bringing his season total to 12. Additionally, he has eight fumbles on the season. While this is not a significant increase from his previous seasons, it magnifies his interception spike and raises concerns about his decision-making as a quarterback.

Earlier in Hurts’ career, one of his strengths was his ability to protect the ball. As he has improved as a passer, there is a growing concern that he may be taking unnecessary risks. While Hurts’ rushing ability has been a highlight, his regression as a passer has raised questions about his overall performance this season.

While it is an impressive achievement for Jalen Hurts to tie an NFL record, the Eagles are facing challenges as they approach the end of the season, and there are legitimate questions about the team’s performance and Hurts’ development as a quarterback.