Super Bowl LVII showed us many things, but nothing as apparent as the greatness of Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts.
Yes, Travis Kelce solidified his claim as being one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. After Sunday night, he ranks second only behind Jerry Rice (22) for all-time postseason TD receptions with 16.
Yes, Andy Reid is definitely one of the greatest coaches the game has seen. He and Eric Beiniemy put on a second-half clinic on Sunday night, scoring on every possession in the last two quarters.
And yes, Patrick Mahomes is well on his way to becoming one of the greats on the Mount Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks. After the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory, Mahomes now has two Super Bowl wins, two Super Bowl MVPs and two league MVPs. The only other quarterbacks to accomplish that are Tom Brady and Joe Montana.
Mahomes is also a 5x Pro Bowler (3x All-Pro) and is the first Black quarterback to start and win two Super Bowls (shout out to Russell Wilson who would have accomplished this feat first if not for the worst play call in sports history in Super Bowl XLIX).
There is no doubting Mahomes’ greatness, especially since he emerged victorious after reaggravating the ankle injury he suffered against the Jaguars in the playoffs last month. Mahomes ignored the pain to go 21-27 for 182 yards and 3 TDs. He also added 44 yards rushing.
His opponent, however, has been doubted forever.
Jalen Hurts was doubted after he was benched in favor of Tua Tagoviola in the CFP Championship Game.
He was doubted after transferring to Oklahoma for his senior year.
He was doubted when the Eagles drafted him and was doubted again this past season despite going 16-1 in games he started. He was also leading the MVP race before missing two games due to injury, and even then many doubted he was MVP-worthy, attributing his success to the system.
Well tonight, Jalen Hurts officially silenced all of those foolish enough to doubt him.
Hurts had proved them wrong before though, but haters refused to acknowledge it.
He came off the bench to win the SEC Championship Game after Tua was hurt.
He led Oklahoma to the CFP Playoffs and finished second behind Joe Burrow in the 2019 Heisman vote.
His potential convinced the Eagles to trade Carson Wentz and acquire star receiver A.J. Brown to give him the firepower he needed and deserved.
Why? Because he proved the doubters wrong. That includes first-year head coach Nick Sirianni in 2021, who refused to name him the starting quarterback until right before the season started.
On Sunday night, Hurts erased any lingering doubt.
In the first half alone, he threw for 145 yards and amassed 3 total TDs (1 passing, 2 rushing). He also rushed for 61 yards and led the Eagles to a 24-14 halftime lead.
Overall, Hurts threw for 304 yards on 27-38 passing. He also accounted for 4 total TDs (1 passing, 3 rushing). His passes were crisp and on point, even in tight windows, and he ran for big yards when it counted most.
He used his arm and legs to put the Eagles in front early on and then again to tie the game late in the fourth quarter before Mahomes led the Chiefs on the game-winning drive.
Hurts thoroughly outplayed Mahomes regardless of the ankle injury. Even with a costly fumble, Hurts had a much better game.
Super Bowl LVII held extreme significance because it featured two Black starting quarterbacks. But unfortunately, one had to lose.
Jalen deserved to win, but in team sports, it’s not about an individual.
Yet as an individual, Hurts proved his worth and showed everyone just how good he is and how good he’s always been.
And if you still doubt him, you’re either just foolish or a 49er.
