Jalen Hurts and the Eagles: Why the Hype Isn’t Matching the Reality
There’s been a growing drumbeat of criticism around Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, whispers about a stagnant offense, internal tension, and a quarterback who “doesn’t wow you with passing.” But peel back the noise, and a different picture emerges: one of a team built to win, not to shoot the lights out, and a quarterback who thrives under pressure, no matter what the stat sheet says.
Winning, Not Flash, It’s How the Eagles Roll
Sky Sports analyst Cameron Hogwood put it plainly: “Since when was winning in the NFL a problem?” For the Eagles, the answer to that question looks simple. They’re not chasing stats, they’re chasing wins. And right now, they’re doing that better than almost anyone. Despite what some may say about their style, they remain one of the strongest teams in the league.
Head coach Nick Sirianni echoed this when he said his team “knows how to figure out ways to win.” That ability to stay unshaken, to grind out wins, is exactly why they’re still near the top of the standings. For a champion team like this, that kind of mental resilience matters just as much as big plays.
The Criticism Lobbed at Hurts
Some of the louder critiques focus on Hurts’ passing: low yardage games, limited aerial aggression, and a lack of “wow” throws. Through six games this season, there have been multiple days when he’s passed for fewer than 200 yards. His completion percentage has dipped, and some say the offense feels too predictable.
But it’s not just about how many yards he throws for. According to Sky Sports, his risk management protecting the football, avoiding negative plays, is a deliberate, calculated tradeoff. He’s not just managing the game. He’s controlling it.
Defying the Narrative in Big Moments
Despite the criticism, Hurts has shown time and again that when it matters most, he delivers. In crucial games, he’s walked the walk even when his passing numbers were underwhelming. He’s thrown just one interception so far this season, proving his poise and decision-making are no accident.
And let’s not forget: his deep-ball talent remains elite. He ranks near the top of the league in completion rate for passes over 20 yards. He just doesn’t throw those as often as some might like. But when he does, the impact is undeniable.
The Team Behind Him: Not Just a One-Man Show
Hurts isn’t carrying this alone. The Eagles’ strength lies in their depth. Yes, they’ve been criticized for being too run-heavy or too conservative, but they’ve also faced tough matchups, and they’ve responded. Their defense, stocked with playmakers and pressure guys, is doing the dirty work, giving Hurts opportunities.
Receiver A.J. Brown has publicly aired his frustrations at times, but those tense moments are part of a larger dynamic: a talented roster battling for touches, playing under an offensive coordinator whose system leans on balance rather than flash. It’s not dysfunction, it’s high-stakes competition.
Sirianni and the Eagles Are Still All-In on Hurts
Coach Sirianni’s been consistent: He’s not sweating the outside noise. In fact, he called some of the Hurts debate “hilarious.” He sees a player who stays unshaken in big moments, who doesn’t play for personal stats but plays to win. That mindset, the “winning at all costs” mentality, runs deep in their locker room.
Whether it’s through the air or on the ground, Hurts has built a reputation as someone who doesn’t flinch. Even when the offense is quiet, he trusts his teammates, trusts his coach, and trusts his preparation.
Why the Criticism Feels Overblown
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Winning trumps stats: In Philadelphia, winning is the currency, not how flashy the passer rating looks.
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Hurts delivers under pressure: Even when the offense is “off,” he knows how to make the plays that matter most.
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The team is built to complement him: With a strong defense and a balanced offense, he doesn’t need to do it all.
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The noise comes with the territory: As Super Bowl champions, they’re targeted, and that scrutiny will only get louder.
Final Thought
The story around Jalen Hurts and the Eagles isn’t broken; it’s just misunderstood. Yes, there are criticisms. There always will be, especially when you’re on top. But if you look past the surface-level noise, what you find is a champion team built on grit, balance, and the kind of discipline that wins championships. Hurts isn’t just executing plays; he’s doing what winners do. And that’s worth listening to.
