What more does Jalen Hurts have to do to prove that he is an elite QB?

It is difficult to avoid reading or hearing someone talk negatively about Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts lately. He’s accomplished so much in the little time that he’s been the Eagles starting QB. But for some reason, that continuously gets swept under the rug in favor of some new eye candy for the media. Instead of allowing him to flourish, it seems like the outside media has put a target on Hurts now.

One of the more recent people to throw themselves into the drama is former Eagles player Emmanuel Acho: “Jalen Hurts is a good quarterback, he is not an elite quarterback. Jalen Hurts is good enough to get you there, he’s not good enough to win it.”

This again? Really?

Two Years Ago

After losing in the playoffs to Tampa Bay (sound familiar) to end the Eagles 2021 season, many people questioned whether Hurts was a franchise quarterback. 

Even though Hurts had just led a team with 3 offensive rookies (DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Kenny Gainwell; and Hurts himself was a first-year starter) to a 9–8 record that exceeded all expectations, including a playoff appearance with a very flawed roster. Many fans were not excited and energized about the future. 

“People had doubts on me. People still have doubts on me,” Hurts said. 

And those doubters came out in full force on the airwaves and social media — “He can’t read a defense. He doesn’t have a strong arm. He is only a running back.” 

As if, he alone shoulders the blame for a roster of 53 losing.

But, Hurts would accept it. He always does. 

And even though Jalen Hurts accepts their criticism, he does not share their opinions. He also doesn’t forget. 

“I carry my scars with me everywhere I go. I don’t forget. Do I waste my energy worrying about the opinion of someone else? No. Everyone and their opinion doesn’t deposit at the bank,” Hurts said. 

Hurts spent that entire off-season hearing fans, media, and former players criticize his play, ability, and even his spot on the roster. Yet he never responded. He stayed focused and continued improving his craft by utilizing the one attribute very few have ever doubted — his relentless work ethic.

While others in similar circumstances could have been bitter or demanded to be traded, Hurts used it as fuel and changed the mind of each doubter one game at a time.

“That turns me up. It lights a fire in me. It does something to me, because I know I’ll prove you wrong,” he said. 

And a season later, he did.

2022 season

The narrative began to change in a big way after Hurts led the Eagles to an impressive 8–0 record to start the year. 

Hurts was in the midst of one of the best seasons for an offensive player in Eagles history. Until a late-season injury caused him to miss 2 games, he was the leading MVP candidate in the NFL. 

Despite his injury, the Eagles marched through the playoffs without much resistance. 

Their season would be over after Hurts played one of the greatest games by a QB in Super Bowl history. Despite his efforts, the Eagles lost by 3. But his star was on the rise, and he would be rewarded with a long-term commitment to be the Eagles starting QB. He even did that with the long-term needs of the team in mind.

Jalen got paid, to be sure, but he accepted a team-friendly contract, and as he said: “Money is nice. Championships are better.”

Epic collapse of 2023

Once again, the Eagle’s season started very promising and they got off to a blistering 10–1 start. Hurts was being mentioned as an NFL MVP contender in the league. Then the wheels came off. 

The team went 1–6 down the stretch and Hurts suddenly went from being the top MVP candidate to many people believing he should not be a starting QB.  

The Eagles limped into the playoffs and were again eliminated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round. 

Here we go again. 

Where does Hurts stand now?

Some people in the media, fans, and armchair quarterbacks everywhere started to question Hurts and his ability to be an NFL QB.

Some believe Kellen Moore was brought in to fix Hurts, not an entire offense that struggled with playcalling and consistency.

Others believe that Hurts will suffer without Jason Kelce on the line assisting in the Brotherly Shove tush push play. 

More recently, it was stated that Hurts was not effusive enough with praise for the Eagles head coach when he was asked about Nick Sirianni being open-minded to changes in the offense and what he has seen from him doing that.

Jalen replied: “I think he’s been great in the messages he’s delivering to the team. Trying to be very intentional in what he’s saying.”

Some thought this answer ducked the question. Seems like a classic Hurts response to me. 

Mostly, the criticism handed to Hurts has been perception versus reality. He is a leader, speaks on coaching and players when needed, and the offensive woes from a year ago are on more shoulders than just his. The praises for Jalen Hurts will be effusive once the Eagles start winning and accomplishing their goals on the field.