Two Stars Set the Stage for Super Bowl LVII
For the first time in Super Bowl history, two black quarterbacks will be going head-to-head.
Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts are at the center of all focus leading up to this matchup, and deservingly so. They each put up impressive numbers this season which has also placed themselves in the MVP conversation.
Give either one the ball and there’s confidence that they will make a play, especially when it matters most.
In the victory over the Jaguars in the divisional round, Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain, but that did not derail his ability – he returned to play and toughed it out in the AFC Championship against the Bengals.
Since week 15, Hurts has been dealing with a shoulder sprain on his throwing arm. He missed a couple of weeks but returned in week 18 – the Eagles lost those two games they were Hurts-less.
Even now, he still deals with some pain, but since coming back into action Hurts has still been able to lead the Eagles flying high over their opponents.
Overall, the two quarterbacks have extremely similar statistics – there is only a .6% difference in their completion percentages.
They each can extend plays and make some magic out on the field. That might work against mediocre opponents, but each quarterback will be up against top-tier defenses.
Mahomes’ creativity is unmatched – he’s making new highlight reels every week that take the NFL by storm. His composure is commendable, and his limits are unbound.
Hurts, at times, chooses to rely on his legs to make the play, and scored a career-best 13 touchdowns this season in doing so.
However, in terms of Super Bowl experience, Mahomes has the edge.
Playing in the biggest game of the year with everything on the line is something that he understands. Winning in 2020 and then losing the following year builds character and hunger for another title that Hurts wouldn’t have.
Obviously, Hurts wants to win, but he doesn’t know the pain of losing on the biggest stage and that fire the Chiefs have to hoist that Lombardi Trophy yet again.
While Hurts doesn’t have a ring, there is no doubt he isn’t aware of the importance of flying Philly to victory and bringing another championship back to the city. The Eagles’ 2018 victory sent the city into a frenzy and all season, that fan base has been electric.
Both quarterbacks are capable of greatness – if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be in this position. This matchup truly features the best of the best and quite frankly, the game might be determined by whoever makes the first and most mistakes.
Neither Mahomes nor Hurts will give up easily. It will be a battle until the very end and that’s what makes Super Bowl LVII so special.
Amanda Vogt is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email her at aev5215@psu.edu
