All Jalen Hurts Does Is Win, But Is He Elite? Does It Matter?

Jalen Hurts is widely recognized as one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL, yet he rarely appears in anyone's top five and is never ranked as the number one quarterback. Despite being the reigning Super Bowl MVP and nearly winning the award two years prior, he remains a polarizing figure with many detractors. Hurts is described as a fantasy football delight, a statistical enigma, and a question mark among experts, though he appears unconcerned with external opinions.

Throughout his six-year career, the 27-year-old Hurts has emphasized team success over individual credit, a philosophy echoed by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. His accomplishments include two Pro Bowl selections, an MVP runner-up finish, two Super Bowl appearances, and a championship win. He is currently in the third year of a $255 million contract, though he ranks only as the 11th highest-paid quarterback due to rising salaries. Despite his achievements, Hurts is often not placed in the same elite category as peers like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, frequently ranking behind them and others such as Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert on various lists.

Hurts' winning record since the start of the 2022 season is the best in the league, with a 38-10 record and a .792 winning percentage, slightly higher than Mahomes' .780. However, his passing statistics are considered pedestrian; he threw for only 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns in 15 starts last season, and he has never reached 4,000 passing yards or more than 23 touchdowns in a single season. Critics often highlight these numbers, but supporters, including Coach Sirianni and scouts, argue that his efficiency, leadership, and team-oriented approach make him invaluable beyond traditional stats.