Think of the Yankees vs. Red Sox, or the Lakers vs. Celtics. The NFL has its own enduring feud... Is Jalen Hurts truly elite?
Like arguing over the greatest baseball dynasty, opinions run hot and convictions run deep here as well. Every summer, the debate reignites, dissecting the Eagles' signal-caller with playoff intensity.
Philadelphia fans know the drill. They've seen the confetti fall, felt the Lombardi's weight. But the question persists, echoing through sports bars and pregame shows. What defines greatness under center? The answer, it seems, is never simple.
The Verdict Lands
On July 15th, former NFL offensive guard Mark Schlereth tackled the Hurts conundrum head-on. Schlereth delivered his verdict: Hurts is a "system quarterback," benefiting greatly from Philly's powerhouse roster and scheme.
"Jalen Hurts is very much like Brock Purdy, kind of a system quarterback, right? He's got all kinds of great players around him, different system, but it's really more the system and the guys that he has around," Schlereth stated plainly.
Schlereth drew parallels to Brock Purdy, suggesting scheme and surrounding talent elevate Hurts significantly. He acknowledged Jalen Hurts' intelligence and the complex RPO demands he handles. Yet, the perception lingers.
Schlereth confirmed his stance, placing Hurts firmly in the top 10. However, Schlereth hesitated to put Jalen Hurts in the elite top 5.
"I know that Jalen Hurts is a top-10 quarterback," Schlereth stated. "Would I put him in my top five? Probably not. But maybe I could make an argument at five. I can argue—I could probably argue eight guys at number five, right?"
This instantly fuels the familiar fire.
Philadelphia’s league-leading 621 rushing attempts in 2024 and their unstoppable "Tush Push" often overshadow Hurts' arm. Consequently, his passing volume (league-low 448 attempts) feeds the narrative. Is Hurts a passenger or the driver?
Sirianni's Fiery Defense
Well, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni’s July 14th response was unequivocal: "I think that’s bulls---."
Sirianni erupted, defending his Super Bowl MVP quarterback passionately.
"He plays the most important position in all of sports," Sirianni declared.
He emphasized Hurts' selflessness, adapting from throwing 50 times to handing off 50 times for wins. Sirianni challenged critics directly.
"You name me a team that wins consistently that doesn’t have good players around you," Sirianni added.
He cited Tom Brady's defenses and Patrick Mahomes' Travis Kelce as proof all great quarterbacks need support. This fierce protection highlights the perceived disrespect facing Hurts.
Jalen Hurts: By The Numbers (Since 2022)
Statistic Value NFL Rank/Context
Record as Starter 43-12 (.782) 2nd(Trailing only Mahomes)
Total TDs 139 (84 pass, 55 rush) 7th most in 1st 66 starts ever
Super Bowl Wins 1 (MVP) Defeated team he lost to previously
Postseason Comp % 67% 8th highest in NFL history
The Unshakeable Question
Despite two Super Bowl trips and an MVP trophy by age 26, doubt persists. ESPN's quarterback poll placed Hurts ninth, behind Jared Goff and rookie Jayden Daniels.
An AFC exec countered, praising Hurts' improved passing and reduced turnovers,"He had a better year running the ball, and the way he played down the stretch when healthy was impressive."
Still, the "system QB" label sticks for some. Where does Hurts truly belong in the pantheon?
For Philadelphia, this debate is mostly noise. They possess a proven winner in Hurts. His adaptability fueled their 12-1 finish last season. The Eagles' identity—dominant run game, elite line, timely passing—works spectacularly. Schlereth himself admitted,"You can do a lot worse than Hurts."
Ultimately, Philly knows Hurts delivers under the brightest lights, as his record-breaking Super Bowl LIX performance proved. The system thrives because Hurts executes it flawlessly.
Read more:Superman star slams Kryptonian ability for Jalen Hurts in startling Eagles verdict
The Jalen Hurts debate rages on, a mix of stats, style, and undeniable winning. Schlereth sees a top-10 quarterback elevated by his environment. Sirianni sees a selfless champion unfairly scrutinized. Hurts, ever stoic, likely sees only the next win.