Analyst Defends Jalen Hurts, Claims Criticism Compared to Lamar Jackson Is Unfair

Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson have been great servants to their respective NFL teams, but only Hurts has won a Super Bowl ring.

Analyst Defends Jalen Hurts, Claims Criticism Compared to Lamar Jackson Is Unfair

Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts and Jason McIntyre (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Jason McIntyre argues that Jalen Hurts faces unfair criticism compared to Lamar Jackson.
  • Hurts has led the Eagles to multiple Super Bowl appearances and a championship, yet lacks MVP recognition.
  • New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion praises Hurts' work ethic and potential for improvement.

FOX Sports analyst Jason McIntyre questioned the apparent bias toward Jalen Hurts, raising the question as to why the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback receives criticism while Lamar Jackson gets a pass from the same critics. In a recent episode of The Herd, McIntyre shared his observation.

McIntyre noted that Hurts remains in the crosshairs of critics despite leading the Eagles to a couple of Super Bowl appearances and winning one of them. Sure, he has yet to win a league MVP trophy like Jackson, but according to McIntyre, he would rather have a Super Bowl ring over the best player accolade.

I mean, you can have those. I’d rather win the Super Bowl. I don’t know about you. Maybe we’re built differently, guys.

Jason McIntyre said

McIntyre even refused to accept the theory that coaching has been the issue in Baltimore.

The head coach that Lamar has had his entire career is John Harbaugh. I think they’re carving out his bust in Canton. He’s considered one of the best coaches in the league.

McIntyre said

Nick Sirianni remains the head coach, but the offensive coordinator position has been a revolving door in Philly. Since Hurts became the starting quarterback, the Eagles have had Shane Steichen, Brian Johnson, Kellen Moore, Kevin Patullo, and Sean Mannion as the OC.

The Eagles hired Patullo as the OC after Moore left to manage the New Orleans Saints. However, the play calling sharply declined. Even though the Eagles qualified for the playoffs, the front office decided to relieve Patullo of his duties. Currently, Mannion is the new OC.

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Sean Mannion heaps praise on Jalen Hurts

Mannion is a former NFL quarterback who was still under contract with a team as recently as 2021. After retirement, he joined the Green Bay Packers staff as an offensive assistant in 2024. A year later, the Packers promoted him to the position of quarterbacks coach.

Analyst Defends Jalen Hurts, Claims Criticism Compared to Lamar Jackson Is Unfair
Jalen Hurts (Image via IMAGO)

In January 2026, the Eagles hired Mannion as the new OC. Following the first week of OTAs, Mannion heaped praise on Hurts.

I really think [Jalen Hurts] can do anything we ask of him. He’s accurate. He’s a great athlete. He really attacks the fundamentals. That’s what’s been really fun to watch these last two weeks of phase two. He’s always coming, wanting more things to work on, wanting more things regarding fundamentals, timing, [and] understanding the scheme. He’s hungry for more.

Mannion said via Zach Berman of The Athletic

Hall of Fame quarterback throws his support behind Jalen Hurts

Hurts signed a $180 million guaranteed contract ahead of the 2023 season. Since then, he has guided the Eagles to consecutive NFC East titles and a Super Bowl-winning medal.  

Despite that, he isn’t considered a top 5 or even 7 quarterback. Hall of Famer Troy Aikman believes this puts a chip on Hurts’s shoulder to prove the narrative against his wrong.

I think that there will be more asked of Jalen Hurts to work the middle of the field, to maybe line up under center a little bit more in the play-action game, and that’s an offense that I’m a big believer in. I believe Jalen can do anything that he’s asked to do.

Aikman said on ESPN’s Get Up

Hurts boasts a 57-25 record in the regular season and a 6-4 postseason record. He has completed 64.4% of his passes for 17,891 yards, 110 touchdowns, and 45 interceptions, along with rushing for 3554 yards and 63 rushing touchdowns.

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