After a frustrating 22-19 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that dropped the Philadelphia Eagles to 8-5, some fans and local media began calling for a drastic move - benching Jalen Hurts. Five total turnovers in one game will do that.
But head coach Nick Sirianni isn’t entertaining the noise. Not even a little.
Sirianni Shuts Down the Hurts Doubters
Speaking Wednesday morning on Philadelphia’s SportsRadio 94WIP, Sirianni didn’t mince words when asked about the idea of benching his starting quarterback.
“I think that’s ridiculous,” Sirianni said, firmly backing Hurts. “I know every time I go out on that field with Jalen Hurts as our quarterback, we have a chance to win the game.
That’s something that’s been proven. We’ve won a lot, a lot of football games.”
And Sirianni’s not wrong. Hurts has been at the center of Philadelphia’s recent success - including back-to-back NFC Championship Game appearances and a Super Bowl MVP performance.
He’s been a stabilizing force, a leader, and the engine of the Eagles' offense. So while Monday night’s loss was ugly, benching the face of the franchise isn’t just unlikely - it’s off the table.
The Offense Has Struggled - But It’s Not All on Hurts
Still, the frustration from fans isn’t coming out of nowhere. The Eagles offense hasn’t looked like the high-flying unit we’ve seen in recent seasons.
According to ESPN’s metrics, Philadelphia ranks 24th in total yards per game (309.4), 22nd in passing (198.9 yards per game), 22nd in rushing (110.5), and 19th in points per game (22.2). For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, those numbers don’t inspire much confidence.
But it’s not just about the quarterback. The offense has been inconsistent across the board - from protection breakdowns to a running game that’s failed to consistently establish itself. And while Hurts’ turnovers on Monday were costly, they’re not the full story.
No Clear Backup Plan - and No Need for One
Calls for Hurts to be replaced ignore another key point: there’s no proven alternative waiting in the wings. Tanner McKee and Sam Howell are both on the roster, but neither has the résumé - or the trust - to take over a playoff-contending team in December. Hurts, on the other hand, has led this team through deep postseason runs and has shown time and again that he can respond to adversity.
The Eagles are still sitting atop the NFC East, ahead of the 6-6-1 Cowboys. And with a 2-11 Las Vegas Raiders team coming to town this Sunday, there’s a real opportunity for a get-right game. DraftKings Sportsbook currently has the Eagles listed as 11.5-point favorites - a clear sign that the oddsmakers, at least, aren’t hitting the panic button.
What’s Next for Hurts and the Eagles
The pressure is real in Philadelphia. The fans are passionate, the expectations are sky-high, and the margin for error in a crowded NFC playoff race is razor-thin. But this is the kind of moment where great teams - and great quarterbacks - show what they’re made of.
Hurts has been through the fire before. And with the season entering its final stretch, the Eagles need their leader to steady the ship. Sunday’s matchup against the Raiders isn’t just about picking up a win - it’s about reestablishing rhythm, restoring confidence, and reminding the league why this team was considered a Super Bowl contender to begin with.
If the Eagles come out flat again, sure, the boos at Lincoln Financial Field might be loud. But don’t expect Hurts to be heading to the bench anytime soon.
Sirianni’s made it clear: this is Jalen Hurts’ team. And as long as he’s under center, Philadelphia believes it has a shot.