Jalen Hurts by the numbers: Eagles QB off to historic start in Philadelphia, enters MVP conversation

Jalen Hurts has been off to an incredible start to the 2022 season, a huge reason why the Philadelphia Eagles are the last unbeaten team in the NFC and emerging as a Super Bowl contender. Hurts has been terrorizing opposing defenses with his arm and legs, becoming as dangerous as a passer as a runner. He’s showcased each week why he’s the next franchise quarterback of the Eagles and is stating his case for a contract extension after the season. 

Hurts is the first player in NFL history to average 300 passing yards per game and 50 rushing yards per game in the first three games of a season, showing how impressive he’s been in the early going. He’s among the league leaders in numerous categories, and his start to the season is arguably the best for any quarterback in the 90-year history of the Eagles franchise. 

In this week’s “By The Numbers,” let’s take a dive into Hurts’ start to the season and where it ranks among the best in Eagles history. We’ll also take a look at Hurts’ early-season candidacy for league MVP. 

Most yards of combined offense — Eagles history (through first three games)

1. Jalen Hurts — 1,083 (2022)
2. Michael Vick — 1,019 (2013)
3. Nick Foles — 1,012 (2014)
4. Donovan McNabb — 999 (2006)
5. Michael Vick — 986 (2012)

Most yards of total offense — Eagles history (through first three games)

1. Jalen Hurts — 1,057 (2022) 
2. Nick Foles — 965 (2014)
3. Donovan McNabb — 960 (2006)
4. Donovan McNabb — 950 (2005)
5. Michael Vick — 945 (2013)

*Total offense = pass yards + rush yards – yards lost to sacks

Highest passer rating — Eagles history (through first three games)

1. Randall Cunningham — 141.2 (1992)
2. Donovan McNabb — 122.0 (2004)
3. Ron Jaworski — 118.3 (1980)
4. Michael Vick — 110.2 (2010)
5. Bobby Thomason — 107.3 (1955)
6. Jalen Hurts — 106.5 (2022)

*Minimum 50 attempts

Most combined TD —  Eagles history (through first three games)

1. Donovan McNabb — 10 (2004)
2. Donovan McNabb — 10 (2002)
3. Donovan McNabb — 8 (2001)
4. Tommy Thompson — 8 (1948)
5. Jalen Hurts — 7 (2022)*

*Hurts, Michael Vick (2010, 2013), Norm Snead (1967), Carson Wentz (2019), and Norm Van Brocklin (1959) each had seven combined touchdowns through three games

Hurts is certainly in consideration for the best start by a quarterback in Eagles history, due to his ability to pass and run the football through three games. This is what separates Hurts from the pack, as he’s the only quarterback in team history to have 1,000 yards of total…