Ex-NFL QB takes aim at Jalen Hurts after Eagles' 33-16 loss to Bucs: "He's regressed quite a bit"
Jalen Hurts had a breakout year in 2022 when the Philadelphia Eagles went 14-1 in the regular season and he led the team to the Super Bowl. The following offseason, Hurts signed a record-breaking five-year contract extension for $255 million that included $180 million guaranteed.
Hurts played well in 2023, leading the Eagles to the playoffs, but struggled in the second half of the season, losing five of their last six games of the regular season. They eventually lost in the wildcard round of the playoffs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After a 2-2 start and having a lower passer rating of 85.7 with just four touchdown passes and four interceptions, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel thinks Hurts is regressing as a quarterback.
Daniel said via The Facility on Fox:
"Jalen Hurts has not looked great, especially specifically in the red zone, multiple red zone giveaways. ... The biggest thing for me is I'm seeing a quarterback out there throwing hot when he's not hot, and so for me, it doesn't know if he understands the offense. Kellen Moore, the new offensive coordinator, it's been going well.
"Saquon Barkley is, without a doubt, like the best running back in the league. And that's why, let's be real. That's why the Eagles are two and two. ... I just think that he's (Jalen Hurts) regressed quite a bit from the quarterback play. Yeah, it's hard to win without your guys, but even when his guys out there, they're three and nine in their last 12."
Jalen Hurts acknowledged that he needs to play better
Following yesterday's 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jalen Hurts addressed his struggles and acknowledged that he needs to play better this season.
“I think, overall, I just have to play better," Hurts said in the postgame press conference. "I have to play better. We have a ton of opportunities to lead the offense and really play complementary ball and that starts with me on that side of the ball. To get down like we did, I have to help the defense out — executing, communicating the things that I’m seeing on the field."
The Eagles are tied for second place in the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys also hold a 2-2 record. The Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, are at the top of the division with a 3-1 record, and the New York Giants sit in last at 1-3.
The Eagles will have a week to regroup as they have a bye in Week 5. Next for the Eagles and Jalen Hurts will be the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 on Sunday, Oct. 13.