3 things Jalen Hurts did to show he’s the Eagles’ quarterback of the future

The Philadelphia Eagles lost on Sunday, but they won for their future with Jalen Hurts /

When Jalen Hurts was selected in the second round last April, Philadelphia Eagles fans were shocked. Here is Carson Wentz, fresh off a playoff berth, yet we’re drafting another gunslinger this early?

Eight months later, they understand why.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson announced Monday that Hurts would remain the starter in Week 16 against Dallas. Despite losing to the Arizona Cardinals, it was a close battle between two mobile quarterbacks. Closer than anything the franchise had with Wentz all season.

Yes, Wentz’s season was hampered by an injured offensive line and inconsistent receiver play. Hurts though has done more with less in two-and-half starts than the former No. 2 pick did all year. In a system built for his skill set, there’s no doubt that Wentz could rebound and have a stellar career.

But on Sunday, Hurts proved he’s the future and Wentz is now the past.

Why Jalen Hurts is the future for the Eagles

3. History with Pederson against Wentz

During the third quarter, Hurts kept it himself and tacked on another touchdown with a 7-yard run. It marked the first time since Michael Vick that an Eagles’ quarterback had 300 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and a rushing score in a game.

That happened all the way back in 2013.

Since being drafted, Wentz has gone 35-32-1 with Pederson calling the shots. His best season came when Frank Reich and John DeFilippo were on the staff. Combined with Foles and Hurts, Pederson is now 11-3 as a head coach, winning 78 percent of his games.

If the franchise believes in Pederson, who did win them a Super Bowl, they need to give him the quarterback he wants. Philadelphia let Nick Foles leave in free agency, but the plan was Wentz would rebound back to 2017 form.

He hasn’t. Why? He’s not a Pederson player.