Kicking off the 2024 season, Jalen Hurts lit up the field in 15 games—posting 2,903 pass yds, 18 TDs, 5 INTs, a 103.7 passer rating with a 68.7% comp rate, and taking 38 sacks (for a loss of 271 yds). His dual-threat style and clutch moments—like his SB LVII display that “lit a fire” in him—have turned heads even in the NFL’s most competitive matchups, including a storied 11-game history versus the Chiefs (Chiefs lead 6–5).

Drew Brees, ever the straight shooter, thinks Hurts is underrated. As he put it, “Look. I love I love his journey. Like, I think he’s an incredible representation of, like, grit, determination, perseverance. Like, let’s just like, go back to his college days.” He didn’t stop there, reminding us, “People forget that at one point, Tua Tagovailoa, you know, kinda beat him out and took the job, and he backed him up for a year and then came in and played great, then transferred to OU, had an incredible senior season, then gets drafted in the second round.”

Brees dived deeper, saying, “And it’s like, you know, what type of, you know, quarterback is Jalen Hurts gonna be in the NFL? Because he’s kind of this hybrid. I think what he’s shown is, man, he can beat you with his legs. He can beat you in the pocket.” It’s as if he’s quoting a script straight out of “The West Wing” where every word hits with presidential precision.

Wrapping up his thoughts, Brees adds, “Obviously, they’ve got some incredible weapons around him. But I love his demeanor. I love his poise. There’s a confidence. Like, you just feel it, when you just kinda watch the guy speak and certainly the way he plays.” Then he coolly notes, “But, yeah, he I think he brings an element to this offense with all those playmakers around him where he just he just man, you can you can tell that he’s the calm hand that steers the ship.”

Finally, he sums it up with, “Well, I think that (grief) comes with the territory. Yeah. Honestly. You know? And and look, I think I get the feeling that he kinda likes flying under the radar a little bit. You know?” And finishing off, “Like, man, there’s all this talk about the Chiefs and Mahomes and the three peat. And I’m sure in his mind, I know if I were him, I’m sitting here going, man, we went toe to toe with these guys two years ago. Like, I know we can beat this team. And we just have to trust the process. We have to trust the plan.”

But despite Jalen Hurts’ prowess, the Iggles aren’t at 100.

Eagles’ health hurdles as SB looms

As SB LIX looms in New Orleans, reports say right tackle Lane Johnson spilled to the Inquirer that four or five guys are battling an illness that’s been creeping around since they left for NOLA. Defensive DT Jalen Carter was limited in practice and Quinyon Mitchell (45 Comb, 9 AST) reportedly got laryngitis, even Nolan Smith (21 Tack, 6.5 Sack & 1 FF) is battling flu-like symptoms. This ain’t your typical preseason sniffles, folks.

Speaking of Carter, the young defensive tackle has been a force since entering the league. In 2024, he continued his dominance, starting 15 of 16 games and racking up 42 tackles (25 solo, 17 assisted), 12 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. With a total of 75 career tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in two seasons, Carter is a key playmaker in Philly’s defensive front.

But the Eagles are rolling with the punches. No one’s officially ruled out, but the squad’s deep in the trenches, fighting off whatever bug’s trying to bench them. The birds are determined to soar despite the setbacks. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Chiefs, fresh off a series of epic clashes (remember that 38–35 SB thriller?) are looking to snag a three-peat. Meanwhile, the Eagles are out to rewrite history—even if they’re coughing up more than just plays. Even with the flu season’s unwelcome cameo, the squad’s mantra is clear: no excuses, just hustle.

With the pressure cranked up and every snap potentially making history, the Eagles are keeping their eyes on the prize.