In Philadelphia, being a sports fan means juggling multiple seasons – Phillies in the summer, Flyers and 76ers in the winter, and of course, the Eagles in the fall. But there’s another, unofficial season that fans know all too well: “disrespect season.”
It’s the time between the Super Bowl and training camp when national voices second-guess the city’s stars.
This year, that narrative took aim at Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, though the critique was gentler than some expected.
ESPN’s annual quarterback rankings, based on input from coaches, executives, and scouts, placed Hurts at No. 9 overall – a notable slide from previous years, but far from an insult.
Hurts is coming off a season where his numbers didn’t quite match his past highs. He threw for just under 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, while his 630 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns showcased his continued threat on the ground.
However, Pro Football Focus rated him 23rd in passing, a steep drop from his No. 4 overall spot in 2022. His final overall grade ranked him 12th, reflecting a season filled with highs and lows.
Clutch performances don’t tell the whole story
Still, Hurts saved his best for last. His performances in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LIX helped carry the Eagles to victory and earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. Much like boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, who was known for dramatic late-round flurries, Hurts delivered when it counted most.
While that won fans’ hearts, some league insiders focused more on his full-season consistency-or lack thereof.
Importantly, the style of Philadelphia’s offense plays into the debate. The Eagles lean heavily on the run and design plays that emphasize Hurts’ mobility.
This approach is effective for the team but differs from the league’s growing preference for pocket passers and pass-heavy systems. That bias impacts how some evaluators rank quarterbacks – pushing Hurts lower despite his obvious impact.
According to ESPN’s reporting, while some insiders rated Hurts as high as sixth, others omitted him entirely. The average settled at ninth-a number that reflects his elite talent but also the league’s preference for more traditional quarterback play.
In the end, Hurts’ spot in the top 10 is well earned. Despite statistical dips, his leadership, rushing ability, and postseason excellence continue to separate him from most of his peers. And with training camp approaching, Hurts will soon get the chance to write the next chapter on the field-where opinions matter least and performance speaks loudest.
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