Larry Henry Jr
The Philadelphia Eagles have relied heavily on Jalen Hurts’ throwing and running abilities in 2022, and Hurts was rewarded Wednesday by being named as a finalist for two monumental achievements.
Hurts was named as a finalist for both the NFL Most Valuable Player and the league’s Offensive Player of the Year awards, the NFL announced. The winners will be announced at the 12th annual NFL Honors ceremony on Feb. 9, 2023.
Hurts has enjoyed a historic rise in his third professional season, leading the Eagles to a current spot in the NFC Championship Game this weekend vs. the San Francisco 49ers. The former Alabama and Oklahoma standout has totaled 3,701 passing yards, 760 rushing yards, and 35 total touchdowns to only six interceptions in 2022, leading the Eagles to a 14-3 regular season record and a first NFC East title since 2019.
His completion percentage has improved from 61.3% in 2021 to 66.5% in 2022, while Hurts’ QB rating has also improved to 66.3 this year. The Eagles’ 59 total offensive touchdowns rank second in the NFL, sitting only behind the Kansas City Chiefs for the league lead.
Hurts is joined by Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow for the MVP award. Mahomes, Hurts, and Jefferson are all finalists for the Offensive Player of the Year award, being joined by Miami star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Nick Sirianni was part of the five original nominees for the NFL Coach of the Year award, but the second-year head coach did not make the finalist list on Wednesday. New York’s Brian Daboll, Jacksonville’s Doug Pederson, and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan were named as the three finalists for the annual award, and all three have a case to lift the trophy in February.
The Eagles face the 49ers on Sunday for a shot at reaching a second Super Bowl over the past five years.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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