July 28, 2025

Jalen Hurts has quickly established himself as a formidable quarterback in the NFL, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl championship and earning an MVP award. Yet, doubts about his standing among elite quarterbacks persist. Recently, former NFL MVP Cam Newton stirred controversy by excluding Hurts from his top ten QB rankings, implying that Hurts benefits from a talented roster rather than showcasing individual excellence. Hall of Famer Cris Carter has stepped in to defend Hurts, firmly believing that the young quarterback deserves recognition for his accomplishments. Carter rebuts Newton's suggestion, claiming that Hurts should not be downgraded simply due to the talent surrounding him. He pointed out that Hurts significantly outperformed Patrick Mahomes in their Super Bowl encounters, stating, "I look at the last two Super Bowls he was in against Patrick Mahomes. He outplayed Patrick Mahomes, and he should get credit for that." The debate over Hurts highlights a larger issue in sports discussions: the tension between raw statistics and actual game outcomes. Newton based his critique on Hurts' passing totals from last season, noting that the quarterback threw for approximately 2,900 yards, a figure that he considered insufficient for elite status. Carter countered this assertion by emphasizing that the primary role of a quarterback is to secure wins. "If we’re measuring QBs, the first question is—did he win? What Jalen Hurts is doing is not his fault. He’s the captain of the ship, and Philadelphia is a tough place to be a quarterback," Carter said. Throughout his career, Hurts has demonstrated that he can amass impressive numbers when necessary. In 2022 alone, he surpassed 3,700 passing yards, rushing for over 750 yards, and accumulating a total of 35 touchdowns. However, Hurts tends to prioritize team victory over personal stats, a fact not always appreciated by critics who focus solely on numerical performance. Carter further pointed out Hurts' dual-threat capability, noting how his mobility creates significant tactical challenges for opposing defenses. This versatility not only enhances his individual performance but also paves the way for teammates such as Saquon Barkley to seize opportunities. Despite achieving a Super Bowl victory, receiving MVP honors, and leading his team to consecutive championship games, Hurts continues to grapple with skepticism. Critics, like Newton, argue that he is a product of an excellent supporting cast. Conversely, supporters, including Carter, argue that Hurts should be celebrated for his leadership and ability to maintain his team’s competitiveness at the highest level. To further clarify the ongoing dialogue, here are a few FAQs regarding Jalen Hurts' position in the league: 1) What did Cam Newton say about Jalen Hurts? Newton’s assessment excluded Hurts from his top 10 QB list, suggesting that his success stems from playing behind an elite roster. 2) Why is Hurts’ recent season criticized? Analysts point to his 2,900 yards last season as inadequate for top-tier quarterback status, despite leading the Eagles to success. 3) Has Hurts shown elite numbers before? Yes, in 2022, he posted remarkable stats with over 3,700 passing yards, 750 rushing yards, and 35 total touchdowns. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Hurts will further establish his legacy in the NFL, but Cris Carter's defense of his talent and impact could help shift the narrative in his favor.

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Tags: Jalen hurts, Cris carter, Cam newton, Nfl, Philadelphia eagles, Patrick mahomes,