Cam Newton snubbed Jalen Hurts from his list of the top 10 NFL quarterbacks.
Despite claiming his first Super Bowl ring in a 40-22 blowout over the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was not deemed good enough to make Cam Newton’s list of top 10 NFL quarterbacks.
The former Carolina Panthers star has included players such as Jayden Daniels, C.J. Stroud, and Baker Mayfield ahead of the Super Bowl LIX Most Valuable Player – three players that are yet to make an appearance on the biggest stage in their sport.
Many NFL fans hold the perspective that Hurts is far from an elite offensive general and does not pass the ‘eye test’ compared to other players occupying the same position, such as Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or even Joe Burrow.
However, in a world of analytics and supporters who wish to view attractive football, it is easy to forget the main aim of a quarterback: to lead their teammates to victory. Philadelphia’s main man has a fantastic record of doing just that throughout his career.
During his five-year career so far, Hurts has featured in two Super Bowls, the latest of which he came out of victorious – throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 72 yards and claiming a touchdown of his own.
In addition, the 26-year-old has made 76 appearances throughout his professional career – winning 49 of these matchups.
Even without the victories, Hurts has consistently shown he will adapt to situations depending on what his teammates need him to do. His abilities range from deep throws to his wide receivers, rushing down the field to gain yardage, or putting his body on the line in a good old-fashioned ‘tush push’.
Cam Newton – like many other analysts and experts – has clearly forgotten what great sportsmen and women do: win by any means necessary.
Elite teammates provide Hurts a platform to win
Of course, it cannot be denied how deep and talented the Eagles’ roster was in the recent campaign to allow Hurts to achieve these feats.
The offseason acquisition of the explosive Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants was a headline signing. He totalled 2,005 rushing yards during the season.
The team also boasts two of the deadliest wide receivers in the league in A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. They combined for 1,912 receiving yards. Defenses shuddered at the thought of containing such versatility.
In addition, Philadelphia ended its championship campaign with one of the most resilient defences in the whole of the NFL. They ranked second in points allowed per game (17.8).
To win a championship, you need more than a stacked roster. You also need luck, elite coaching, a ruthless quarterback and of course, a record-breaking running back never hurts along the way.
There may be certain players that have individual attributes that are greater than Philadelphia’s star man. Nevertheless, as an all-rounded athlete and a serial winner, there are not 10 better quarterbacks in the NFL than Jalen Hurts.
