NEW ORLEANS -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII "lit a fire" in him and that he is focused on finishing the job this time around as the two teams get set for their title bout rematch on Sunday.
"I've learned so much," Hurts said Monday. "It's the same as any other game and, you know, I think the moments are the moments. But ultimately, you know, every game has its lessons -- good, bad or indifferent. So, just being able to become wiser, grow and mature and take all these lessons in for the next season and the next games.
"It's had a great driving force. It lit a flame, lit a fire in me, and to have this opportunity again is exactly what you work for."
Hurts had arguably his best performance as a pro in his Super Bowl debut two years ago, accounting for 374 yards and four total touchdowns. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs outscored Philadelphia 17-8 in the fourth quarter, however, for a 38-35 come-from-behind win.
The Eagles then had a disappointing 2023 campaign, dropping five of their final six regular-season games after a promising 10-1 start before falling in the first round of the playoffs.
They rebounded this season with a 14-3 record followed by three home wins in the playoffs, including a 55-23 drubbing of the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game.
Hurts had another big game in a big moment, going 20-of-28 for 246 yards against Washington and accounting for four scores to set up a Kansas City-Philadelphia Super Bowl for the second time in three years.
"It's a blessing. To see all the hard work pay off and have this opportunity again, it means everything," he said.
The Eagles' most notable addition since the first Super Bowl matchup is running back Saquon Barkley, who put together an MVP-caliber season and who needs just 30 yards to eclipse Terrell Davis' mark for most rushing yards in a season, including playoffs. They also boast the No. 1 defense in football.
Their hope is that the new additions along with lessons learned from the first time around will put them on top.
"You've got to be able to finish," Hurts said, "and that's going to take great focus, a great week of prep this week, putting it all together."