When the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 28-3 in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season, star quarterback Jalen Hurts created some history.
Hurts started the game against New York tied with the legendary Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers for sixth place on the NFL’s all-time list of quarterbacks with the most career rushing touchdowns (43). Hurts passed Young and Otto Graham (44) and took sole control of third place on the record with two touchdowns on the run against New York.
Hurts’ rushing touchdown total is now surpassed only by current Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (56 and counting) and former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (75). So long as they can stay healthy, Allen and Hurts will probably be the top two players on the list after everything is said and done.
It’s true that several of Hurts’ rushing touchdowns have been the result of Philadelphia’s renowned “tush push,” as many critics will point out. However, whether the score is at the end of a 30-yard run or a short sprint of a few feet, it counts the same. Additionally, the primary factor behind the play’s success for Philadelphia throughout the years has been Hurts’ strength.
In the game against the Giants, Hurts also set a new record for the most games in which a quarterback has scored two running touchdowns. He has now participated in 13 such games.
Hurts’ two rushing touchdowns against the Giants were perhaps not as significant as the fact that he had no turnovers for the second straight game. Hurts has recently struggled with turnovers, so it’s probably no accident that the Eagles have won these last two games without Hurts committing any turnovers. They will now simply keep attempting to proceed in the correct direction.
“Everybody knows what kind of ball we’re capable of playing,” Hurts stated following the victory over the Giants. “Everyone holds us to that standard because of this. The truth is that you simply have to keep climbing.
The Bengals, who are also on a two-game winning run, will be Philadelphia’s next opponent in Week 8 in Cincinnati. The Eagles should have a solid chance to win three straight games if Hurts can play the way he has in the last two weeks.