Jalen Hurts has spent the offseason getting picked apart, but one of the more surprising voices pushing back came from a familiar face in Cowboys circles.
Former Dallas wide receiver Michael Irvin was asked about the Eagles’ offense and used the moment to defend Hurts, even while admitting he has concerns about a new system.
"I'm worried, and I hope my worries are valid. You know what I mean?
Only because it's a new offense. When you're running a new offense, you need that guy that said, I don't know if this play is going to work, but I can go to him if it breaks down.
What I'm shocked about is the treatment of Jalen Hurts. Why is that like this, right?
Why, why are you guys trying to get rid of Jalen Hurts already?"
That pushback lands at a time when Hurts has been the target of plenty of outside noise. One ESPN report cited sources calling him "uncoachable" and pointing to concerns about him changing plays in the huddle.
There has also been talk about the lack of a contract extension, with the Eagles wanting him to prove himself to the organization. And just recently, Hurts was ranked outside the top 10 quarterbacks in an ESPN NFL survey.
What gets lost in all of that is the run Hurts has put together since taking over as the Eagles’ starter late in his rookie season in 2020. He has made three Pro Bowls, won 69% of his regular season starts, reached two Super Bowls, won one of them and was named Super Bowl MVP.
That’s a pretty serious résumé, and it makes the current skepticism look a little strange. Hurts has been the quarterback driving Philadelphia’s success since 2021, yet the conversation around him keeps drifting toward doubt instead of credit.
So when a longtime Cowboys voice is the one asking why people are so eager to move on from Hurts, that says plenty. Irvin’s message was simple: stop trying to push him out. He’s the right man for the Eagles’ starting quarterback job.
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