Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has recently faced a renewed firestorm of criticism. FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd offered a controversial take on Hurts, citing a 'source' with close ties to the Eagles organization.
Appearing alongside Mike Greenberg and Damien Woody on ESPN's First Take, NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky spoke up to counter the recent onslaught of negativity surrounding the star signal caller. When asked by Greenberg whether the criticism cast upon Hurts is reasonable or fair, Orlovsky fired away.
"No (it's not fair), but that's life as a starting quarterback in the NFL, let alone in Philly," Orlovsky continued. "I think one, Hurts has become one of the most polarizing guys in the NFL. Two, the facts and the opinions don't match. That's what's the interesting part of all this with Jalen.
"The fact is, he's been awesome since he's become their starting quarterback. We're talking wins, which everyone gauges quarterbacks on, franchise or not, 62 of them (3rd most in NFL since 2021). He's accounted for 185 touchdowns (3rd most since 2021), however he gets the touchdowns, I don't care for the people at home whether they like it or not, and he's top ten in passing yards (8th with 18,811 yards). On top of that, he's gone to the Super Bowl twice, won MVP once and likely would have if they won the other one. Those are facts."
Dan Orlovsky breaks down facts versus opinions regarding Eagles' star signal caller
Having fired out those facts, Orlovsky then shifted his focus towards some of the opinions of others.
"Those are facts, also being said at the same time of opinions. If you took every starting quarterback in the NFL, took them out onto a field to just throw, you're not going to take Jalen in your top 15, cause that's not his style and/or his strength."
Orlovsky - who has repeatedly spoken out in support of Hurts - didn't use that 'opinions' statement as a knock on #2. If anything, it was quite the opposite. The bottom line is winning and performing in the clutch, which Hurts does equally in spades.
Despite the annual revolving door at the offensive coordinator spot, all Hurts has done is emerge victorious at an elite clip since taking the reins at quarterback for the franchise. And had a play or two unfolded differently in his first appearance in the big dance, Hurts would likely have not one, but two Super Bowl MVP awards already under his belt.
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At the end of the day, the numbers don't lie, nor do the results. Still just 27 years old, Hurts already has both the numbers - and the illustrious accomplishments on the biggest stage - to firmly counter any critic out there.