Ex-NFL Champ Rips Justin Herbert in Defense of Eagles' Jalen Hurts

Former NFL player James Jones strongly criticized ESPN's Top 10 quarterback rankings, specifically objecting to Jalen Hurts being placed at No. 9 and Justin Herbert ranked ahead of him at No. 7. Jones called the list "awful" during an appearance on FS1's 'The Facility', stating, "There should never be a list where Justin Herbert is in front of Jalen Hurts," dismissing arguments based purely on Herbert's perceived talent.

Herbert's No. 7 ranking represented a slight drop from his No. 6 position the previous summer. An anonymous AFC executive defended Herbert's placement, describing him as "always been a top-5-8 QB" who is "accurate to all levels, athletic, [a] sound decision-maker," and even suggested Herbert is now "underrated" and "taken for granted."

Jones vehemently disagreed with the notion that Herbert is underrated, pointing directly to their playoff accomplishments as the key differentiator. He argued, "I see Justin Herbert at seven, who hasn't won a playoff game. [Jalen Hurts] has been to more Super Bowls than you have won playoff games." Jones found the idea that Herbert is better than Hurts disrespectful to Hurts.

Jones highlighted Hurts' recent success, noting his MVP-caliber season two years prior where he threw for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 14-1 record. That season culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, and although they lost, Hurts was widely considered to have outperformed Patrick Mahomes. Hurts later won the Super Bowl and its MVP award the following season.

Jones contrasted this with Herbert's resume, which lacks comparable playoff success. He also expressed strong belief in rookie Jayden Daniels, stating, "Jayden Daniels is going to be a superstar in this league."