“What’s happening to him is a crime against football — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for.
How can anyone be so cruel? To criticize a 27-year-old quarterback who has carried unattainable expectations, taken responsibility for the whole team every week, given his all, never apologized, never blamed anyone else — and just tried to win for the Eagles? To me, Jalen Hurts has all the qualities a top quarterback in this league needs — strength, intelligence, leadership and a passionate heart.
Instead of criticizing him every time the team struggles, people should be supporting him, helping him grow and letting him become the player he’s capable of becoming.” — Nick Foles, Eagles legend.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, few positions invite more scrutiny than quarterback, and for Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, the 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations that has sparked intense debate among fans, analysts, and even former players.
As the Eagles head into the final week of the regular season with an 11-5 record, clinched the NFC East title, and positioned as the No. 3 seed in the conference, the spotlight on Hurts remains unrelenting.
Yet, amid the criticism, a powerful voice of support has emerged from an unlikely but deeply respected source: Nick Foles, the legendary quarterback who delivered Philadelphia its first Super Bowl title in 2018.
Foles’ impassioned defense of Hurts captures the essence of what many see as unfair treatment of a young leader who has already achieved remarkable success. At just 27, Hurts has guided the Eagles to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, winning one and earning MVP honors in the process.
His resume includes clutch performances, dual-threat ability, and an unwavering accountability that has endeared him to teammates and coaches alike.
Foles, speaking from his own experience under immense pressure during that magical 2017-18 run, highlights the cruelty in piling on a player who consistently puts the team first, never making excuses, and battling through adversity week after week.
The criticism of Hurts intensified during a mid-season rough patch when the Eagles endured a three-game losing streak, dropping contests to tough opponents and exposing offensive inconsistencies.
Reports surfaced of frustration within the locker room and organization, with anonymous sources questioning Hurts’ approach, his willingness to throw into tight windows, and occasional ball security issues.
In one particularly tough outing against the Chargers, Hurts threw a career-high four interceptions, contributing to an overtime loss that fueled calls for change.
Analysts pointed to a dip in passing efficiency, a reduced rushing role compared to prior years, and an offense that ranked mid-pack in points and passing yards despite a talented supporting cast including stars like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley.
Yet, context matters immensely. The Eagles entered 2025 as defending champions, navigating a new offensive coordinator in Kevin Patullo for the fourth straight year, injuries along the offensive line, and the natural challenges of repeating in a league designed for parity.
Hurts has still delivered: over 3,200 passing yards, 25 touchdown passes, and a rushing threat that keeps defenses honest.
His leadership shone in bounce-back wins, like a dominant shutout over the Raiders where he threw three touchdowns with near-perfect efficiency, or the gritty 13-12 victory over the Bills in Week 17, where the defense carried the load in the second half while Hurts managed the game conservatively to secure the win.
Foles’ words resonate because he knows the Philadelphia pressure cooker better than most. As the backup who stepped in for an injured Carson Wentz and orchestrated one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history, Foles faced his share of doubters before becoming a hero.
He sees parallels in Hurts: a quarterback burdened with sky-high expectations from a passionate fanbase hungry for sustained success.
Philly fans are known for their intensity, booing even during wins if the style doesn’t match their vision, but Foles argues that constant nitpicking undermines the very spirit of football—resilience, growth, and team unity.
Hurts himself has embodied maturity throughout the storm. Responding to critics, he famously said, “I’m not watching. I’m living,” emphasizing focus on the present rather than external noise.
He takes ownership after poor performances, crediting teammates after strong ones, and stresses that real tests come in December and the playoffs—where he has historically thrived. Teammates like Barkley have voiced unwavering confidence, and head coach Nick Sirianni has dismissed any notion of benching his franchise quarterback.
As the Eagles prepare for their Week 18 matchup against the Commanders and a playoff run, Foles’ plea for support over scorn feels timely. Football is a team sport, and while quarterbacks bear disproportionate blame, true evaluation considers the full picture: scheme adjustments, protection breakdowns, receiver separations, and defensive contributions.
The Eagles’ elite defense has masked offensive lulls at times, sacking opponents relentlessly and forcing turnovers that flip games.
Criticism is part of the NFL landscape, pushing players to improve, but when it borders on personal attacks or ignores context, it risks alienating the leaders who carry franchises.
Hurts possesses the intangibles Foles praises—strength to endure hits, intelligence to read defenses, leadership to rally a locker room, and a heart that burns for victory. At 27, he is far from a finished product; with proper support, he could evolve into one of the league’s all-time greats.
In a season of ups and downs, the Eagles remain contenders, poised for another deep postseason push. If they succeed, it will be because of players like Hurts, who absorb the blows and keep fighting.
Foles’ defense serves as a reminder: in football, as in life, building up often yields better results than tearing down. The City of Brotherly Love would do well to heed the words of its Super Bowl savior and rally behind its current quarterback as he chases more rings.
After all, greatness isn’t forged in comfort—it’s nurtured through belief and patience.
