Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles are seeing their team off to an amazing start in 2022.
After four weeks of play, the Eagles remain as the only undefeated team in the NFL.
This puts them one game ahead of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East, a lead they want to maintain.
However, some are singing the praises of Jalen Hurts for the season the Eagles are having in 2022.
But is he proving he’s the franchise QB for Philly, or is his success an illusion that’s tricking fans?
Hurts Is Clearly Making Improvements
Hurts is having an excellent season in 2022.
He’s already making improvements in the passing game over his previous season as starting QB.
Improvements with his completion percentage and yards per attempt are great news for the young QB.
However, it’s his 82% completion rate over the middle of the field that’s impressive this season.
Russell Wilson is throwing over the middle a lot more this year. He is currently 16th in attempts at or inside the numbers (70).
The problem is that his completion percentage (67%) on those throws ranks 34th in the league. Jalen Hurts has similar attempts (67), but is at 82%(!)
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) October 4, 2022
While defenses can easily stop him from completing passes inside the numbers, they aren’t stopping him.
With his success down the middle, he’ll continue to challenge that portion of the field until someone can stop him.
He’s getting help from A. J. Brown, a workhorse that’s showing he will make big plays down the middle.
Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown: The best friend connection pic.twitter.com/0QrHSHeqKP
— Brodes Media (@BrodesMedia) October 2, 2022
However, can Hurts continue with the success he’s currently having this season, or will the pressure get to him?
Hurts Is Benefiting From His Defense This Season
The young QB in Philadelphia needs to thank his defense for helping him have a great season in 2022.
They are terrorizing opposing offenses as they lead the league in sacks, takeaways, and turnover differential.
Eagles defense🤝turnover t-shirts
Through 4 games, the Eagles rank first in sacks, takeaways (tied), and turnover differential.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ruhmWJcwXG
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 6, 2022
Scoring against the Eagles’ defense is also tough for teams, giving Hurts more time with the ball.
So while the young QB is making improvements, his winning games thanks to his defense giving him great field position.
It’s allowed him a short field to manage, as he already has four rushing TDs this season.
The combination of a stellar defense and his game play improvements are making him look like a franchise quarterback.
However, critics want to see if he can win a playoff game before they are sold on Hurts.
Getting His First Ever Playoff Win Will Establish Hurts As The Franchise QB
Before the 2022 season kicked off, rumors were going around about the Eagles ditching their young QB.
When they made a deal with the New Orleans Saints, which gave them two first-round picks in 2023, it was all about their QB options.
The Eagles keep two first-rounders while pushing resources back to the 2023 draft, which is expected to have a much better QB class. Keeping options open.
Eagles get: No. 18, 101, 237, a 2023 1st-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick.
Saints get: picks No. 16, 19, and 194
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) April 4, 2022
However, Hurts is currently putting to rest the idea that the Eagles will use their 2023 picks on a QB.
But to put the idea completely to rest, he needs to win a playoff game.
While the 4-0 start to the season is great, the team wants to return to the Super Bowl.
The only way that can happen is with him winning playoff games for the Eagles.
Until this happens, there will continue to be people who will doubt his ability to be the Eagles’ franchise QB.
However, if he continues improving, he won’t have any issues getting that first playoff win.
