Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen: The Race to Break Emmitt Smith's Rushing Touchdown Record

The NFL landscape is witnessing a remarkable shift as two quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, emerge as frontrunners to break Emmitt Smith's all-time rushing touchdown record of 164. Allen currently holds the record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history with 77, while Hurts ranks third with 63. Both players, drafted in 2018 and 2020 respectively, are on pace to potentially surpass Smith's mark early in the 2034 season.

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Allen's physical attributes, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 237 pounds, contribute significantly to his effectiveness as a dual-threat quarterback. His ability to evade defenders and extend plays has made him a crucial asset for the Bills. In his sixth season, he is tied with running back James Cook III for the team lead in rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility. Center Connor McGovern highlighted Allen's unique skill set, stating, "There's so many variables [of what Allen can do]... it's hard to plan against that."

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Conversely, Hurts combines strength and agility, having been a powerlifter in high school. His capability to execute the zone-read and run-pass option plays effectively allows him to capitalize on defensive overcommitment. Hurts has recorded 43 rushing touchdowns from the 1-yard line, the most by a quarterback in the Super Bowl era. Tight end Dallas Goedert emphasized Hurts' determination, noting, "He's a strong guy, he's powerful, and he wants to get in."

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The "tush push" play has become a significant factor in both quarterbacks' rushing success. Hurts has utilized this tactic extensively, achieving 36 tush push touchdowns since 2022, while Allen has recorded 18. The Eagles have executed the play 148 times in the same period, far surpassing the Bills' 79 attempts. Coach Nick Sirianni remarked on the intricacies involved in executing the play, emphasizing the detailed preparation required.

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Despite their impressive trajectories, both quarterbacks face challenges in maintaining their rushing production. Allen's coach, Sean McDermott, expressed a desire for Allen to prioritize his health as he ages, while Hurts has indicated that executing the tush push is becoming increasingly difficult due to evolving defensive strategies. Hurts noted, "It's becoming tougher and tougher" to execute the play, with some in the league advocating for its ban.

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While both quarterbacks have the potential to continue climbing the rushing touchdown leaderboard, sustaining their current levels of production over the next decade remains uncertain. Allen's rushing touchdowns have increased in recent seasons, averaging 13 per year, while Hurts appears to be dialing back his rushing attempts. The future of their records may hinge on their ability to adapt as they age and as the game evolves.

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• “If you're going to get down to the 1, you might as well get in,” — Dallas Goedert, Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles

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• “There's so many variables [of what Allen can do], and by the time you're thinking that through your head, he's already passed you because all of a sudden he's fast, too,” — Connor McGovern, Center, Buffalo Bills

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• “He's a strong guy, he's powerful, and he wants to get in,” — Dallas Goedert, Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles

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• “He recently noted that "it's becoming tougher and tougher" to execute the tush push play as defenses continue to come up with new ways to stop it.” to execute the tush push play. — Jalen Hurts, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

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As the NFL continues to evolve, the performances of Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen will be closely monitored, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if they can etch their names into the record books.

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