NBC analyst Chris Simms ignited controversy on Monday by ranking Baker Mayfield ahead of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in his top NFL quarterback list. Despite Hurts leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory and earning the Super Bowl MVP award, Simms positioned Hurts at No. 10, with Mayfield at No. 9.
The ranking sparked debate, especially given Hurts’s recent high-profile achievements. During the latest episode of NFL on NBC, Mike Florio commented on the rankings, highlighting the surprise among Philadelphia fans:
“Bakyer Mayfield in the top 10. Jalen Hurts all the way down at No.10. Oh that will not p*ss off anyone in Philadelphia.”
Simms Explains the Rationale Behind His Ranking Choices
Simms defended his decision by acknowledging his respect for Hurts but also sharing concerns about Hurts’s overall performance. He emphasized that his evaluation was not personal but based on the quarterback’s recent play during the 2023 NFL season.
“People think I don’t like him (Hurts), and I want to say no, that’s not about it… I have so much respect for Jalen Hurts in so many areas, for things he’s done, and he’s a damn good player…”
“But he did not play great football last year. He did not. I think a little bit of revisionist history is happening. Yes, the NFC Championship game, the Super Bowl were very good.”
“But he was being booed a lot by his own fan base. The No.1 receiver was telling you that the passing offense was the No.1 issue with the football team. That’s not top 5 quarterback type of stuff.”
Simms pointed out that while Hurts shined in the postseason, particularly in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl games, his regular-season performance did not match that level. He referenced criticisms from Eagles fans and players about Hurts’s passing game, which affected Simms’s assessment of his overall ranking.
Comparing the 2023 Season Stats of Hurts and Mayfield
During the 2024 regular season, Jalen Hurts amassed 2,903 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, but also threw five interceptions and was sacked 38 times. Baker Mayfield, in contrast, helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reach the Wild Card round while throwing for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, providing Mayfield a statistical edge that contributed to Simms’s ranking.
Jalen Hurts Offers Strong Support for Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni
Nick Sirianni has been at the helm of the Eagles for four seasons, guiding the team to two Super Bowl appearances and securing one championship. The Eagles recently extended Sirianni’s contract to ensure his long-term role with the franchise.
Following the extension, Hurts expressed sincere admiration for Sirianni’s leadership and the impact on his own development as a quarterback:
“First and foremost, congratulations to him. Everything he’s achieved and accomplished, he’s earned. To see his evolution and growth playing QB for him, it’s been a great experience, a great ride,” Hurts said. “And hopefully, we’re just getting started.”
Hurts also signed a five-year, $255 million contract in April 2023 that includes a no-trade clause, marking a first for a player in Eagles history and underscoring the franchise’s commitment to him.
Implications of the Ranking on Hurts’s Perception and Future
The debate sparked by Simms’s ranking illustrates the ongoing scrutiny Hurts faces despite his postseason success. While his Super Bowl MVP award and contract highlight his value, some analysts and fans remain critical of his regular-season consistency. This contrast may influence how Hurts is perceived by media, fans, and possibly NFL decision-makers moving forward.
As the 2024 season progresses, Hurts’s performance will likely be watched closely to see if he can solidify a higher position among the league’s top quarterbacks, potentially changing opinions that currently favor Mayfield in certain evaluations.