Jalen Hurts started a total of four games in 2020 as a rookie.
That came as the Philadelphia Eagles were going through a state of major transition.
Doug Pederson was fired, Carson Wentz was traded away, and Hurts was left as the top starting option with very limited experience.
He was not a rookie quarterback, but was still someone who was learning the ways of the NFL.
That is why it was shocking to see him land so much criticism earlier this season.
The Eagles are now 7-7 and fighting for a playoff berth, and Hurts is a major reason why.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg made a great point about the evaluation of the young quarterback that should never be forgotten.
.@Espngreeny to those writing off Hurts as Philly's long-term answer at QB ✍️
"I think if we look at some of the rookies in the league who are struggling, if THEY were playing the way Jalen Hurts is playing right now, we'd be saying, 'Wow, they've really got something here!'" pic.twitter.com/7qSmMWMpUG
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 22, 2021
Greenberg notes how if several rookie quarterbacks were putting up numbers like Hurts, who has still only started 17 NFL games, people would be impressed.
In Defense Of The QB
Greenberg ends the clip noting how this was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Eagles, only for Hurts to have the team in playoff position through Week 15.
Hurts personally is 6-7 in the starting role this year, with Gardner Minshew picking up the other victory while Hurts was out with an injury.
In 13 starts, he has thrown for 2,731 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Jalen Hurts vs. Washington:
🦅 334 total yards
🦅 20/26 passing
🦅 3 total TDs#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/yuWgaHi4J3— PFF PHI Eagles (@PFF_Eagles) December 22, 2021
While that may seem underwhelming, it’s important to remember he has rushed for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He could easily finish the season with 1,000 rushing yards and 3,000 passing yards.
That is a rare quality found in the NFL and the Eagles may end up in a “the grass isn’t always greener” situation if they move on from Hurts in search of the next big thing at quarterback.
Greenberg’s point about comparing Hurts to other rookies is a point the Eagles cannot forget.
If they keep moving on from suitable options, they may never find a great fit.
NEXT: Should Gardner Minshew Keep The Eagles Starting QB Job?
