Rare Jalen Hurts fumble costs Eagles in Super Bowl 57, Chiefs capitalize with defensive scoop-and-score

Edward Sutelan

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Rare Jalen Hurts fumble costs Eagles in Super Bowl 57, Chiefs capitalize with defensive scoop-and-score image

Jalen Hurts is usually one of the most sure-handed quarterbacks in the NFL. But the Super Bowl is a different beast where anything can happen.

A little mistake as a ball-carrier proved costly to the Eagles during the Super Bowl.

In the second quarter, Hurts took the snap on a quarterback draw and tried to switch the ball from his left hand to his right as Nick Bolton blew the third-and-6 play up, but dropped the ball on the attempted switch. Bolton blew past the quarterback and scooped up the ball and raced into the end zone for a game-tying, 36-yard fumble recovery.

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Hurts has historically been a steady ball-carrier in his football career, rarely having issues with possession. Last season, he lost only two fumbles. Among NFL quarterbacks with at least 360 carries in their career, only Tyrod Taylor (25) has fewer than Hurts' 27 career fumbles, according to Stathead.

Adding to the sting of the play was the reason the Eagles faced a third-and-6 to begin with. Philadelphia had originally faced a third-and-1 and had lined up for its unstoppable quarterback sneak, which had already been successful in the game for a touchdown. But right guard Isaac Seumalo was called for a false start, backing the Eagles up five yards and forcing them to try again on third down from five yards further back.

Bolton's touchdown return provided a major spark for the Chiefs, as it tied the game up after the offense went three-and-out on the previous drive. The Eagles had a chance to score on a second straight drive and potentially go up by multiple scores.

MORE: Follow Chiefs vs. Eagles live updates, highlights

The score also provided a huge jump in win probability for the Chiefs, doubling their odds to win from 27 percent to 54 percent, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Needless to say, a much-needed boost for the Chiefs, and a big turnaround for the Eagles.

Edward Sutelan

Edward Sutelan Photo

Edward Sutelan joined The Sporting News in 2021 after covering high school sports for PennLive. Edward graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019, where he gained experience covering the baseball, football and basketball teams. Edward also spent time working for The Columbus Dispatch and Cape Cod Times.