Dan Orlovsky Comes to the Defense of Jalen Hurts Amid Benching Talks After Disastrous Game Against Chargers

Jalen Hurts has thrown 19 touchdowns in 2025.

Dan Orlovsky Comes to the Defense of Jalen Hurts Amid Benching Talks After Disastrous Game Against Chargers

Jalen Hurts and Dan Orlovsky in circle (Image via Imago/X)

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Dan Orlovsky has often been critical of Jalen Hurts, but even he thinks it’s “dumb” to suggest the Philadelphia Eagles should bench the quarterback who led them to a Super Bowl victory. During a recent segment of First Take on ESPN, Orlovsky defended Hurts despite the Philadelphia Eagles falling to 8-5.

The Eagles suffered three straight defeats against the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and the Los Angeles Chargers. Hurts threw more interceptions (5) than touchdowns (3) and averaged 59% pass completion.

While Kevin Patullo shouldered the majority of the blame, Hurts was caught in the middle of it due to his 4 INT outing in LA. Reporters asked head coach Nick Sirianni if he would consider benching Hurts to give Tanner McKee a chance. Sirianni quickly dismissed the reporter’s claims. Orlovsky expanded on it the next day.

Yesterday became the dumbest conversation of the NFL season. We had someone ask the head coach of the defending Super Bowl champions if they were going to bench their quarterback. By the way, that quarterback’s fourth in the NFL in touchdowns right now. Fourth, behind [Rams QB Matthew] Stafford, Josh Allen [Bills QB], and Dak Prescott [Cowboys QB]. And we’re going, ‘Should we bench the quarterback?

Dan Orlovsky said

The former NFL quarterback refused to put all the blame on Hurts for the Eagles’ recent slump. He also put Saquon Barkley on the pedestal. Barkley led the league with the most yards from scrimmage and scored 15 total touchdowns.

Saquon Barkley’s one of two running backs that have over 50 carries this year that have gone for either no yards or negative yards. Is that the cause Saquon can’t play anymore?

Orlovsky said

According to Pro Football Focus, the Eagles have scored the 19th-most points in the league (22.2 points per game) and rank 22nd in passing yards (198.9 yards per game). Moreover, the Eagles fans are slightly overreacting about their team’s standing in the NFC. They still lead the East and have two extra wins over the 6-6-1 Dallas Cowboys. The panic seems premature.

Jalen Hurts breaks his silence on what he must do to help the Eagles win more games

The Eagles have played two Super Bowls with Hurts as the starting quarterback. Hurts has a 1-1 record, both games coming against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dan Orlovsky Comes to the Defense of Jalen Hurts Amid Benching Talks After Disastrous Game Against Chargers
Jalen Hurts (Image via IMAGO)

Only Patrick Mahomes has played and won more rings during that time. So, it’s slightly far-fetched to even consider replacing Hurts, especially during the business end of the campaign. Of course, other teams are making it difficult for the Eagles to win games, but they are the defending world champions, led by the Super Bowl MVP.

Success and greatness aren’t linear. You have your ups, you have your downs. It’s about how you respond to it.. I’ve got a lot of confidence in how we’ll respond and a lot of confidence in how it’ll go.

Jalen Hurts said after the team’s latest loss

The Eagles face the 2-11 Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. This fixture will mark the return of Hurts’ former backup quarterback, Kenny Pickett, to Philly.

Pickett replaced Geno Smith during the Denver Broncos game last week after the veteran quarterback picked up an injury. The 27-year-old threw 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in five games for the Eagles in 2024.

On paper, the Eagles should roll over the Raiders. However, nothing is set in stone. Both teams have enjoyed 7 wins each over one another. The Raiders won the last fixture in 2021. Hurts threw for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns.

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