6. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (Week 2)
Don’t sleep on Jalen Hurts. A lot of fans are down on Hurts as a quarterback because he only averaged 209.6 passing yards per game last season with a 22 to 13 touchdown to interception ratio, but he can do more damage than many think.
A quarterback who can tuck the ball and run is scary in today’s NFL. Even if a defense plays the coverage well and can get pressure, all it takes is one big scramble to change field position and give them the advantage.
Hurts rushed for 52.3 yards per game in 2021, earning him 784 yards on the ground where he converted 56 first downs and got in for 10 scores. The threat of his mobility should be enough to keep Minnesota’s defense honest.
Philadephia was a nine-win team last season and needs to be treated seriously. Facing a dual-threat quarterback on the road in primetime will be a huge challenge for the Minnesota Vikings defense this season.
Biggest challenges:
- Mobility
- Athleticism
- Home field advantage