Jalen Hurts is a star. He’s carved out a spot as the NFL’s second-best quarterback in 2025. But let’s be clear: the gap between Hurts and Patrick Mahomes is massive. It’s not just a step—it’s a chasm. Hurts is closer to Bryce Young, the league’s 25th-best QB, than he is to Mahomes’ throne. Why? Mahomes’ 17 playoff wins tell the story. He’s already surpassed Joe Montana and trails only Tom Brady. This article breaks down why Hurts is elite, why Mahomes is untouchable, and what separates the two.
Jalen Hurts’ Rise to Stardom
Jalen Hurts wasn’t always a lock for QB2. Drafted in 2020 by the Eagles, he faced skepticism. Was he just a runner? Could he throw consistently?
Fast forward to 2025. Hurts has answered every question. His dual-threat ability—blending pinpoint passing with explosive runs—has made him a nightmare for defenses. He’s not just a quarterback; he’s a game-changer.
Hurts’ 2024 Season Highlights
In 2024, Hurts posted career-best numbers. He threw for 3,800 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions. On the ground? Another 600 yards and 10 scores.
His leadership in clutch moments stood out. Against the Cowboys in Week 10, he orchestrated a game-winning drive, capping it with a 20-yard touchdown pass. The Eagles finished 12-5, largely because of Hurts’ brilliance.
Why Hurts is No. 2
Hurts’ rise isn’t just about stats. His work ethic, poise, and ability to elevate teammates set him apart. He’s a leader who commands respect in Philadelphia’s locker room.
His dual-threat style forces defenses to pick their poison. Blitz him? He scrambles for 15 yards. Drop back? He hits A.J. Brown for a deep ball. Only one QB does it better.
The Mahomes Benchmark
Patrick Mahomes isn’t just the best quarterback in 2025—he’s a generational talent. At 30, he’s already a three-time Super Bowl MVP. His arm strength, vision, and creativity are unmatched.
Mahomes doesn’t play the game; he redefines it. Off-script throws, no-look passes, and clutch performances are his norm. He’s the gold standard every QB chases.
Mahomes’ Playoff Dominance
Seventeen playoff wins. Let that sink in. Mahomes has more postseason victories than most QBs have starts. His 17-3 playoff record includes three Super Bowl rings.
In 2024, he led the Chiefs to another title, throwing for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Super Bowl. No moment is too big for him. That’s why he’s No. 1.
Comparing Hurts and Mahomes
Hurts and Mahomes are different beasts. Hurts is a physical force, using his legs as a weapon. Mahomes? He’s a magician, turning broken plays into touchdowns.
Both are elite, but Mahomes’ precision and creativity give him the edge. Hurts is a tank; Mahomes is a fighter jet. One’s powerful, the other’s untouchable.
Statistical Breakdown
Let’s look at the numbers for 2024:
| QB | Pass Yards | Pass TDs | INTs | Rush Yards | Rush TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | 4,200 | 35 | 7 | 400 | 4 |
| Jalen Hurts | 3,800 | 26 | 8 | 600 | 10 |
Mahomes edges out Hurts in passing, but Hurts’ rushing prowess narrows the gap. Still, Mahomes’ efficiency—fewer turnovers, higher completion rate—sets him apart.
Leadership and Intangibles
Hurts is a quiet leader. He lets his play do the talking. Teammates rave about his work ethic and calm under pressure. He’s the heartbeat of the Eagles.
Mahomes, though, is a showman. His charisma lifts the Chiefs. He thrives in chaos, making impossible throws look routine. His confidence is infectious.
The Gap to No. 1
Here’s the harsh truth: Hurts is closer to Bryce Young, the 25th-ranked QB, than to Mahomes. Why? Consistency and postseason success. Hurts has one playoff win. Young has none. Mahomes? Seventeen.
The gap isn’t just skill—it’s legacy. Mahomes has built a resume that dwarfs most QBs. Hurts is elite, but he’s not in that stratosphere.
Bryce Young and the Lower Tier
Bryce Young struggled in 2024. His 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns pale next to Hurts. He’s still developing, stuck in a tough Carolina system.
Hurts’ stats and impact are light-years ahead of Young’s. But the gap from Hurts to Mahomes is even bigger. It’s a humbling reality.
Playoff Success as the Ultimate Measure
In the NFL, playoff wins are the currency of greatness. Mahomes’ 17 postseason victories put him in rare air. Only Tom Brady, with 35, has more.
Hurts has one playoff win—a wild-card victory in 2022. To catch Mahomes, he needs to stack postseason success. It’s that simple.
Mahomes vs. Montana and Brady
Mahomes has already passed Joe Montana’s 16 playoff wins. At 30, he’s chasing Brady’s record. Montana was a legend, but Mahomes’ resume—three rings, three MVPs—puts him ahead.
Brady’s seven rings and 35 playoff wins are the ultimate benchmark. Mahomes is closer to Brady than Hurts is to Mahomes. That’s the hierarchy.
Hurts’ Path to Closing the Gap
Can Hurts catch Mahomes? It’s possible, but it’s a steep climb. He needs more than stats. He needs rings, playoff heroics, and consistency under pressure.
At 27, Hurts has time. His work ethic suggests he won’t stop grinding. But Mahomes isn’t slowing down, and that’s the challenge.
Building a Playoff Legacy
Hurts’ next step is clear: win in January. A deep playoff run in 2025 could change the narrative. One Super Bowl appearance would elevate his status.
He doesn’t need 17 wins yet. Two or three playoff victories this season would shrink the gap. It’s about momentum.
Improving Consistency
Hurts is great, but he’s not perfect. His deep-ball accuracy can waver. He occasionally holds the ball too long, leading to sacks.
Refining these areas could push him closer to Mahomes. If he cuts down on mistakes and boosts his completion rate, watch out.
Team Support and System Fit
The Eagles’ roster is stacked. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and a stout offensive line give Hurts an edge. The system fits his dual-threat style.
Mahomes has Andy Reid and Travis Kelce. It’s a perfect marriage. Hurts’ supporting cast is comparable, but he needs to maximize it.
The NFL QB Landscape in 2025
The QB hierarchy in 2025 is clear. Mahomes is No. 1. Hurts is No. 2. Names like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson follow closely.
Below them? Young QBs like C.J. Stroud and veterans like Aaron Rodgers. But none touch Mahomes, and Hurts is the only one close.
Conclusion
Jalen Hurts is a superstar, the NFL’s second-best QB. His dual-threat brilliance and leadership make him elite. But Patrick Mahomes is on another planet. His 17 playoff wins, three rings, and unmatched creativity set him apart. Hurts is closer to Bryce Young than Mahomes, but he’s young and hungry. With a few playoff runs, he could narrow the gap. For now, Mahomes rules, and Hurts is chasing greatness.
FAQs
1. Why is Jalen Hurts ranked as the second-best QB in 2025?
Hurts’ dual-threat ability, strong 2024 stats (3,800 passing yards, 26 TDs, 600 rushing yards), and leadership make him a clear No. 2 behind Mahomes.
2. How does Patrick Mahomes’ playoff success compare to other QBs?
Mahomes’ 17 playoff wins surpass Joe Montana’s 16 and trail only Tom Brady’s 35, making him one of the greatest postseason QBs ever.
3. Can Jalen Hurts catch Patrick Mahomes?
It’s possible if Hurts stacks playoff wins and refines his passing consistency, but Mahomes’ legacy and skill set a high bar.
4. Why is Hurts closer to Bryce Young than Mahomes?
Hurts has one playoff win, while Young has none. Mahomes’ 17 playoff victories create a massive gap that overshadows regular-season stats.
5. What does Hurts need to do to close the gap with Mahomes?
Hurts must lead the Eagles to deep playoff runs, improve his deep-ball accuracy, and maintain consistency to approach Mahomes’ level.
