Nick Sirianni shuts down popular narrative regarding Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni isn't here to humor people eager to label star quarterback Jalen Hurts a " game manager" because he hasn't put up gaudy numbers during the team's current eight-game winning streak. Hurts went 11-of-19 for 118 yards and a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, which was enough for Philadelphia to pull out a 24-19 victory.

"You'll say, 'Well, game manager,' That's all BS. Jalen played an awesome game," Sirianni said. "His stats are going to say, 'We didn't throw it a lot.' We were 11 of 19. He had 118 yards, but that guy made runs when he needed to make runs. He made good checks. He managed the game in a four-minute [offense] to take the clock down to use as much time as he could."

Nick Sirianni thinks that Jalen Hurts belongs in the NFL MVP conversation

The Eagles have been riding running back Saquon Barkley, and Hurts hasn't had to throw the ball as much as a result. But, he has done an excellent job of taking care of the football, and he's made big plays when the team has needed him to time and again -- both with his arm and with his legs. As a result, Sirianni thinks Hurts should be getting some serious MVP consideration, along with Barkley.

"Jalen's stats aren't going to say this, but Jalen deserves, like, Saquon deserves, being in MVP consideration," Sirianni said. "Jalen Hurts deserves to be in MVP consideration because of how clean a football game he's playing.

"Look at his quarterback rating throughout the last month and a half of the season. Jalen Hurts is a winner, [and he's] playing great football. He may not have the stats, but because his team's winning in the fourth quarter. He doesn't get to make those stats. He's just done such a good job."

Hurts is no stranger to the NFL MVP conversation, as he finished second to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in MVP voting in 2022. He certainly has the stats to be in the conversation again this year, too. In 12 games, Hurts has thrown for 2,494 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also adding 485 yards and 12 more rushing TDs on the ground.

But, while the ever-focused Hurts is appreciative of the praise from his head coach, his focus remains forward, as it always is.

"I appreciate his intentions with it," Hurts said of Sirianni's comments. "I have a lot of love for coach. My focus is winning and doing what I need to do to help this team win."

Hurts has led the Eagles to eight straight wins, and they'll be looking to make that number nine when they host the Carolina Panthers in Week 14.