Jalen Hurts guided the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in 2024, earning the Most Valuable Player award for his performance. Despite this achievement, debate continues surrounding Hurts’ standing among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, with some analysts questioning whether his success was largely due to the team supporting him.
Chris Simms Questions Hurts’ Place Among Top NFL Quarterbacks
During a May 21 appearance on the ‘Herd with Colin Cowherd’ show, NFL analyst Chris Simms expressed skepticism about Hurts’ status as a top 10 quarterback. Simms argued that while Hurts secured the Super Bowl MVP, his performance across the regular season did not consistently demonstrate elite quarterback play.
“We have a little bit of revisionist history here. He won the Super Bowl, and everybody just forgot about the 10 weeks before that… His top receiver said ‘What’s wrong with the team? The passing game.’ How can you now be one of the best quarterbacks in the game?” Simms said.
Simms highlighted that Hurts’ passing game was often questioned, even by teammates, implying that the team’s overall strength was instrumental in the championship run. Hurts posted 2,903 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions throughout the 2024 regular season, supplemented by 630 rushing yards and a significant 14 rushing touchdowns.
Jalen Hurts’ Impact in Crucial Moments and Current MVP Odds
Despite criticisms, Hurts has demonstrated an ability to deliver exceptional performances in key moments. Across two Super Bowl appearances, he accumulated 525 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, along with 142 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, reflecting his dual-threat capability.
Bet365 currently lists Hurts with the seventh-best odds to win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award at +1800. He trails notable contenders such as Lamar Jackson (+500), Josh Allen (+600), Joe Burrow (+650), Patrick Mahomes (+750), Jayden Daniels (+850), and Justin Herbert (also +1800). This positioning keeps Hurts competitive in the ongoing conversation about the league’s top quarterbacks.
The Significance of the Ongoing Ranking Debate
The discussion over Hurts’ NFL ranking reflects a broader challenge in evaluating quarterbacks who excel in both passing and rushing. While critics like Simms focus on passing metrics, Hurts’ ability to influence games with his legs and leadership in high-stakes situations continues to earn him recognition. As the 2025 season unfolds, Hurts’ performances will be closely watched to see if he can solidify his place among the league’s elite.