Jalen Hurts Joins Elite NFL Company with Historic Streak Against Patrick Mahomes

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts etched his name into NFL history, joining Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as only the second quarterback to defeat Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes in three consecutive games. This milestone, achieved during a 20-17 victory in a Super Bowl rematch at Arrowhead Stadium, underscores Hurts’ rise as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. The win, fueled by the Eagles’ relentless “Tush Push” strategy and Hurts’ poise under pressure, handed the Chiefs their first 0-2 start since 2014 and solidified Philadelphia’s status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. This article explores Hurts’ remarkable achievement, the context of his rivalry with Mahomes, the significance of the streak, and what it means for the Eagles’ 2025 season.

The Game: A Gritty Victory Over Kansas City

The Eagles’ Week 2 clash against the Chiefs was a high-stakes affair, pitting two of the NFL’s top quarterbacks against each other in a nationally televised Super Bowl rematch. Kansas City, led by Mahomes, entered the game as favorites, boasting a potent offense despite a Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. However, Philadelphia’s defense, bolstered by new additions like Quinyon Mitchell, and their physical offensive line set the tone early.

Hurts was efficient, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while adding 72 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. His performance was punctuated by seven successful uses of the Tush Push, including a critical fourth-quarter touchdown that gave the Eagles a 20-10 lead. Despite a late Chiefs rally, sparked by Mahomes’ 257 passing yards and three touchdowns, Philadelphia held on, with Hurts’ leadership sealing the victory. The game, as reported by Yahoo Sports, showcased Hurts’ ability to go “toe-to-toe with the game’s most decorated quarterback,” placing him in rare company alongside Burrow.

The Streak: A Historic Feat

Hurts’ three-game winning streak against Mahomes is a testament to his growth as a quarterback and the Eagles’ ability to exploit Kansas City’s vulnerabilities. The streak began on November 20, 2023, with a 21-17 regular-season win at Arrowhead, where Hurts threw for 150 yards and ran for two touchdowns. Despite modest passing numbers, his clutch performance outshone Mahomes, who managed 177 yards and two touchdowns but threw a costly interception.

The second victory came in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, a dominant 40-22 Eagles win in New Orleans. Hurts earned Super Bowl MVP honors, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while adding 72 rushing yards and a score. Mahomes struggled, throwing two interceptions and taking six sacks, as Philadelphia’s defense overwhelmed Kansas City’s offense.

The third win, the aforementioned 20-17 triumph on September 14, 2025, cemented Hurts’ place in NFL history. Beating Mahomes, a two-time MVP with 88 regular-season wins since 2018—10 more than any other quarterback—is no small feat. Only Burrow, who defeated Mahomes three straight times from 2021 to 2022, had previously accomplished this, establishing the Bengals as AFC contenders. Hurts’ streak, as noted by Athlon Sports, places him in an “exclusive list of opposing quarterbacks who have found the formula to beating Patrick Mahomes.”

The Context of the Rivalry

The Hurts-Mahomes matchup has evolved into one of the NFL’s premier quarterback rivalries, drawing comparisons to historic battles like Staubach vs. Bradshaw and Manning vs. Brady. Their head-to-head record stands at 2-2, with Kansas City winning in 2021 (42-30) and Super Bowl LVII in 2023 (38-35), and Philadelphia taking the 2023 regular-season game and Super Bowl LIX. Each encounter has been high-stakes, with playoff implications or championships on the line, amplifying the significance of Hurts’ streak.

Mahomes, widely regarded as a generational talent, has dominated the NFL since becoming the Chiefs’ starter in 2018. His 88 regular-season wins, three Super Bowl titles, and ability to orchestrate comebacks make him a formidable opponent. Yet, Hurts has consistently risen to the challenge, leveraging his dual-threat capabilities and the Eagles’ physical style to counter Mahomes’ cerebral improvisation. As Mahomes himself predicted in 2023, “I expect to play him in a lot of big games as my career goes on,” a prophecy fulfilled by their frequent high-profile clashes.

Hurts’ statistical output against Mahomes, while not always gaudy, reflects his ability to deliver in critical moments. Across their four matchups, Hurts has thrown for 1,062 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions, with 218 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Mahomes, by contrast, has 894 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions, with his performance in Super Bowl LIX marred by defensive pressure. The Eagles’ ability to disrupt Mahomes, combined with Hurts’ clutch play, has been the key to their recent dominance.

Why the Streak Matters

Hurts’ streak against Mahomes is more than a statistical anomaly; it signals his emergence as an elite quarterback capable of carrying the Eagles in the biggest moments. As Yahoo Sports noted, “Each Hurts win over Mahomes came with major stakes,” from regular-season showdowns with playoff implications to primetime matchups and Super Bowls. This achievement elevates Hurts from a franchise cornerstone to one of the NFL’s true superstars, silencing critics who questioned his passing ability early in his career.

The streak also underscores the Eagles’ status as a counterweight to the Chiefs’ dynasty. Kansas City, under Mahomes and coach Andy Reid, has been the NFL’s gold standard, reaching four Super Bowls since 2019. Philadelphia’s ability to defeat them consistently, particularly in Super Bowl LIX, proves they can stand toe-to-toe with the league’s best. The 2025-26 season schedule leak, announcing a Week 2 rematch, further fuels anticipation for this budding rivalry, with fans on X buzzing about the matchup’s primetime slot.

Moreover, Hurts’ streak aligns with another historic milestone. On January 13, 2025, during a 22-10 playoff win over the Green Bay Packers, Hurts became the second quarterback since 1970 to go five consecutive playoff starts without an interception, trailing only Mahomes. This efficiency, combined with his wins over Mahomes, highlights his growth as a passer and decision-maker, complementing his dynamic rushing ability.

The Role of the Tush Push

The Eagles’ Tush Push, or Brotherly Shove, played a pivotal role in their latest victory over the Chiefs, with Hurts converting seven short-yardage situations, including a game-changing touchdown. The play’s effectiveness, driven by Philadelphia’s elite offensive line and Hurts’ physicality, has made it a focal point of debate. However, officiating challenges, such as missed false starts and ambiguous ball-spotting calls during the Chiefs game, have fueled arguments for banning the play, as discussed by NBC New York and former official Dean Blandino.

Despite the controversy, the Tush Push has been a game-changer for Philadelphia, allowing Hurts to exploit short-yardage opportunities and maintain offensive momentum. Coach Nick Sirianni defended the play, suggesting that Chiefs defenders were offsides, highlighting the strategic cat-and-mouse game it creates. The play’s success has been a key factor in Hurts’ ability to outmaneuver Mahomes, as it neutralizes Kansas City’s defensive front and keeps the Eagles’ offense on the field.

Implications for the 2025 Season

The Eagles’ 2-0 start, powered by Hurts’ leadership, positions them as early Super Bowl favorites. Their 14-3 record in 2024, bolstered by Saquon Barkley’s arrival, carried them to the Super Bowl, and their 2025 campaign builds on that momentum. With a favorable schedule, including upcoming games against the Rams and Buccaneers, Philadelphia is well-placed to secure a high playoff seed.

Hurts’ performance against Mahomes elevates his standing in the MVP conversation, where he trails only Lamar Jackson and Jared Goff early in the season. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by his 103.7 passer rating in 2024 and clutch performances against Kansas City, makes him a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.

For the Chiefs, the loss marks a rare stumble, with Mahomes expressing frustration but acknowledging the challenge of facing Hurts. Kansas City’s 0-2 start, their first since 2014, raises questions about their ability to rebound, especially with a tough schedule ahead. The rivalry, as noted by Last Word on Sports, is poised to define the NFL for years to come, with Hurts and Mahomes set to meet again in Week 2 of the 2025-26 season.

Looking Ahead

Hurts’ streak against Mahomes is a defining moment in his career and the Eagles’ trajectory. As the NFL’s latest premier rivalry, their matchups promise more thrilling battles, with fans already anticipating the next chapter. The Eagles’ physical style, anchored by the Tush Push and a stout defense, positions them to challenge Kansas City’s dynasty, while Hurts’ elite status continues to grow.

In conclusion, Jalen Hurts’ historic three-game winning streak against Patrick Mahomes places him in rare NFL company, alongside Joe Burrow, and cements his legacy as a clutch performer. The Eagles’ victory on September 14, 2025, driven by Hurts’ dual-threat brilliance and strategic use of the Tush Push, underscores Philadelphia’s dominance and sets the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. As the NFL watches this rivalry unfold, Hurts’ ascent signals a new era of quarterback excellence, with the Eagles poised to soar.