Jalen Hurts and the NFL Quarterback Ranking Debate: Eagles’ Tactical Shift and His Response
Recent discussions in the NFL community have sparked heated debates about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ standing among the league’s elite signal-callers. Despite his pivotal role in leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory and earning MVP honors in February 2025, some analysts and posts on X have suggested that Hurts does not rank among the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. Critics argue that he lacks the ability to “dominate” games single-handedly, pointing to the Eagles’ stacked roster—featuring stars like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley—as the primary driver of their success. Furthermore, there are indications that the Eagles’ offense has undergone a tactical shift to rely less on passing, potentially to compensate for perceived limitations in Hurts’ game. This article explores these claims, the Eagles’ offensive adjustments, and Hurts’ response to the controversy.
In a recent ESPN poll of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, Hurts was ranked as the No. 9 quarterback for the 2025 season, behind names like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and even Justin Herbert. Critics, including former NFL MVP Cam Newton, have argued that Hurts’ success is heavily reliant on his supporting cast, with Newton stating, “It’s hard for me to grade Jalen with the talent around him.” This sentiment has fueled discussions on X, where some users suggest the Eagles’ offense has been tweaked to emphasize their running game, led by Barkley’s historic 2,005-yard, 13-touchdown season in 2024, to reduce pressure on Hurts’ passing. After a 2-2 start in 2024, the Eagles shifted to a run-heavy approach, going 12-1 down the stretch, with Hurts’ dropbacks decreasing from 36.6 per game in 2023 to 29.5 in 2024. This tactical change, initially introduced under former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, has been maintained by new coordinator Kevin Patullo, who has retained much of Moore’s scheme while reincorporating elements of the run-pass option game that suits Hurts’ strengths.
Despite the criticism, Hurts’ performance metrics tell a compelling story. In the 2024 regular season, he posted a career-high 68.7% completion percentage, a 103.7 passer rating, and only five interceptions—down from 15 the previous year. In the playoffs, he was exceptional, with a 71.4% completion rate, 108.6 passer rating, and 10 total touchdowns against just one turnover, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX performance of 221 passing yards, 72 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Supporters, including Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, have dismissed the notion that Hurts is merely a product of his team’s talent, with Sirianni calling such claims “bulls—” and emphasizing Hurts’ leadership in the “most ultimate team game.” On X, fans and analysts like Emmanuel Acho and Jason McIntyre have echoed this, arguing that Hurts’ No. 9 ranking is “asinine” given his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, including a 115 passer rating in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl combined.
When asked about the ranking debates during the first day of Eagles’ 2025 training camp, Hurts remained unfazed, stating, “I’m just focused on being the best that I can be.” His response reflects the mental resilience that analysts like Sam Monson have praised, noting that Hurts’ ability to avoid turnovers in critical moments and lead a championship-caliber offense sets him apart. As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 season, the focus under Patullo’s new system will likely continue to balance Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities with Barkley’s dominance, ensuring the offense remains versatile. While detractors may question his passing volume, Hurts’ track record—two Super Bowl appearances, a ring, and a 20:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio in playoff games—solidifies his value as a winner, regardless of where he ranks on subjective lists.
