Jalen Hurts Under Fire: Breaking Down the Eagles' Offensive Struggles and the Quarterback's Role
The Philadelphia Eagles are in the thick of a challenging stretch, and when the offense sputters, the quarterback spotlight burns a little hotter. That’s exactly where Jalen Hurts finds himself right now - at the center of a swirling debate about what’s gone wrong in Philly’s attack this season.
Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Chris Simms added fuel to that fire recently, calling out Hurts in a six-minute segment on This Is Football with Kevin Clark. Simms didn’t hold back, suggesting Hurts is the primary reason for the Eagles’ offensive limitations - not the coaching staff, not the scheme, not the supporting cast. Just Hurts.
“Everybody's blaming the coaches,” Simms said, “and the blame deserves to be on the quarterback. That’s it.”
According to Simms, there’s growing frustration inside the organization with how Hurts is running the offense - or, more specifically, not running it the way it’s designed. He claimed that Hurts refuses to stay in the pocket, overrides play calls, and has essentially “hijacked” the offense. He even went as far as to say that the Eagles’ scheme is limited because of Hurts, not in spite of him.
Simms pointed to conversations he’s had with current and former Eagles personnel to back up his claims, suggesting that head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t get the job because of a vanilla playbook - but rather, that the offense has become simplified due to the quarterback’s limitations or preferences.
“The run game has never been creative,” Simms added. “Last year, it was a lot of the same runs you’re seeing right now… This is where the organization is going crazy because the public is pointing the finger at everybody except the guy who deserves the blame. All of the players and coaches know that it’s the quarterback.”
That’s a bold stance - and one that’s sure to stir conversation in Philly and beyond.
What’s Really Going On?
Let’s unpack this a bit.
First, it’s no secret the Eagles’ offense hasn’t looked like the juggernaut we saw in 2022. There’s been inconsistency in the passing game, a lack of rhythm in the run game, and moments where the unit just hasn’t clicked. That much is clear.
But pinning all of that on Hurts? That’s a stretch.
Yes, Hurts had a rough outing in the Week 13 loss to the Bears, turning the ball over twice in a 24-15 defeat. And yes, there have been rumblings - including reports that some players are frustrated with the offense and that Hurts requested fewer designed quarterback runs before the season.
But let’s not forget what Hurts has done this season.
Through 13 weeks, he’s completed 66.1% of his passes for 2,514 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He’s also added 329 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. That’s not just serviceable - that’s productive, especially when you factor in the pressure he faces as the leader of a team with Super Bowl expectations.
Hurts has been far from perfect. He’s missed throws.
He’s held onto the ball too long at times. He’s struggled to find a consistent rhythm with his receivers.
But he’s also made plays - big ones - and kept the Eagles in games they might not have otherwise had a shot in.
The Bigger Picture
The truth is, offensive struggles are almost never about just one player. They’re about timing, execution, play-calling, protection, and chemistry. They’re about injuries, adjustments, and sometimes, just plain bad luck.
Is Hurts part of the problem? Sure.
He’s the quarterback. That comes with the territory.
But to suggest he’s the only problem - or even the main one - ignores the complexity of what’s happening in Philadelphia.
The Eagles have had issues with offensive line consistency. The run game hasn’t been as dynamic.
The play-calling has looked conservative at times. And yes, Hurts has had moments where he’s tried to do too much or hasn’t trusted the structure of the play.
But to say he’s “hijacked” the offense? That’s a strong accusation - one that deserves more than just anonymous sources and speculation.
What Comes Next
This is a pivotal moment for the Eagles. They’re still in the playoff hunt.
They still have one of the most talented rosters in the league. And they still have a quarterback who’s shown he can lead a team deep into January.
The question now is how they respond - both as a team and as an organization.
Hurts will need to tighten up his decision-making and continue to evolve as a pocket passer. The coaching staff will need to find ways to better tailor the scheme to his strengths and to what the defense is giving them. And the locker room - if there is indeed frustration bubbling - will need to rally around their leader, not fracture under pressure.
Because whether you agree with Simms or not, one thing is certain: the Eagles’ offense isn’t where it needs to be. And if they want to make a serious run, they’ll need to figure it out - together.
Hurts has proven doubters wrong before. Now he gets another shot to do it again.