Jalen Hurts, despite being named Super Bowl MVP for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victory, continues to face sharp criticism throughout the 2025 NFL season. This ongoing scrutiny, particularly centered on Hurts’ passing abilities, raises questions about whether such doubt is warranted given his recent accomplishments and role within the Eagles’ offensive strategy.

Critical Analysis Surrounding Jalen Hurts’ Passing Game

Prominent analysts Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently highlighted the Eagles’ passing game as the team‘s primary weakness. In their evaluation, Hurts’ performance was singled out, citing that he ranked 23rd in passing grade among qualified quarterbacks, despite a strong finish to the season. They specifically noted,

“Though their defense and running game were elite, the Eagles’ passing attack wasn’t as consistent as it could’ve been last season,”

—Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus Analysts

The analysts further pointed to the “drop-back game” as an area of concern where Hurts’ performance was measured with a 64.6 non-play-action passing grade, tied for 27th in the league.

“The biggest drop-off came in the drop-back game, where Hurts posted a 64.6 non-play-action PFF passing grade, tied for 27th in the NFL.”

—Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus Analysts

Contextualizing the Criticism Within the Eagles’ Offensive Strengths

However, this focus on passing efficiency overlooks a key aspect of the Eagles’ offensive success: their historically dominant rushing attack during the season. The team’s commitment to the run game was a strategic choice, enabled by Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities and the overall strength of the ground game. Rather than being a flaw, the less prolific passing numbers reflect a balanced offense tailored to the team’s strengths.

Hurts himself excelled as a ball-carrier and efficiently managed the offense when passing was necessary. His commanding 300-yard performance in Super Bowl LIX played a crucial role in the Eagles securing their championship win, clearly demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and impact the game through both passing and rushing.

The Ongoing Debate Over Hurts’ Role and Effectiveness

The criticism Hurts faces appears unprecedented for a recent Super Bowl MVP, illustrating the intense scrutiny NFL quarterbacks endure, especially when their playing style defies traditional passing expectations. Yet, this debate fails to fully appreciate Hurts’ effectiveness as a quarterback who adapts his game to the team’s strengths and needs.

Rather than questioning his passing skills alone, it is important to recognize Hurts as an elite quarterback whose contributions go beyond statistics, balancing running and passing to maximize the Eagles’ overall offensive success. His performances suggest that the doubt cast by media and analysts may not fully capture his value or the strategic context of the Eagles’ offense this season.