This offseason has been all about criticizing Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and everyone is ready to abandon him.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Tim McManus released a rough article last month that had multiple sources slam Hurts for being uncoachable and changing plays time after time. Now, another ESPN employee is talking about Hurts, but this time, Monday Night Football commentator Troy Aikman is coming to the defense of the former Super Bowl MVP.
"I believe Jalen (Hurts) can do anything that he's asked to do. I go back to early in his career. We had them in the playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was Jalen's first year as a starter. They did not play well in that game offensively. They really struggled, and they needed to be better throwing the football. And the very next year, it was remarkable the turnaround that we saw from that passing game and from Jalen Hurts. What that proved to me is he's a quarterback that puts in the time to do everything he can to be his best, and so whatever he's been challenged with this offseason, I fully expect him to come out and play the kind of football that we're accustomed to seeing him play."
Troy Aikman defends Jalen Hurts after his criticism all offseason
The resume of Hurts speaks for itself, with three Pro Bowl selections, having been in two Super Bowls, winning one of them, and being Super Bowl MVP. Hurts has proven over the years that, no matter what is thrown his way, he can step up and make something happen.
He has also faced a situation that not many quarterbacks have to deal with in their NFL careers: having seven different play callers. Every year, a new play caller has been in Hurts's ears, so to see the kind of play he has had, he deserves more credit than what is being given to him.
Hurts has already shown he is excited to be working with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, and early reports say the two are hitting it off. It's clear that the quarterback is ready for something new under Mannion, and it's working so far.
Read more: Eagles' path to Super Bowl feels realistic after seeing 2026 strength of schedule
Eagles fans will have to see how it all looks on the field, but there is plenty to be optimistic about for 2026 with Hurts.
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