What do Jalen Hurts’ Eagles have in common with 2016 Falcons? Stunning stat links vastly different teams
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles looked like the better team throughout the majority of Super Bowl LVII on Sunday night. But in the end, the Kansas City Chiefs pulled out the win to hoist their second Lombardi Trophy in just four seasons.
And, unfortunately for the Philadelphia Eagles, they are now joining the Atlanta Falcons in a category no team wants to be put in. At halftime, the Eagles led the Chiefs 24-14, making Philadelphia just the second team in NFL history to lose a Super Bowl after leading by double digits at halftime. As many would guess, the 2016 Atlanta Falcons and their infamous 28-3 lead at halftime were the first to do so.
While their outcomes were the same, the Eagles in 2022 and the Falcons in 2016 were completely different teams and in different situations. Sunday night's Super Bowl LVII was a much closer matchup between Philadelphia and Kansas City. It was a hard fought battle between both teams that ended up being decided by a field goal with seconds remaining on the clock.
The Falcons may have been leading by 25 at halftime, but in the second half their will seemed to disappear and Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were able to steam roll their way to their fifth Super Bowl ring with a 34-28 win.
Jalen Hurts ties Terrell Davis Super Bowl record
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles may not have won Super Bowl LVII, but the young quarterback definitely made his mark in NFL history. At just 24 years old, he is the youngest quarterback to ever start a Super Bowl, but that wasn't the only record he broke.
His three rushing touchdowns were the most by a quarterback in Super Bowl history. Hurts also tied running back Terrell Davis for the record for most rushing touchdowns by a player in Super Bowl history. Davis did so in the 1997 season when his Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers. Davis was named Super Bowl MVP for his performance in the game.
Hurts' effort came not only with his legs, but also in the passing game as well. He also threw for 304 yards and one passing touchdown.
If the Philadelphia Eagles were able to hold off Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, there is no doubt that his efforts would have been rewarded with a Super Bowl MVP award.