Eagles’ fans once called for Jalen Hurts’ replacement before Super Bowl triumph

Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Jalen Hurts made it look easy even when fans wanted him out last year. The Eagles were at the top of their game—going on an eight-game winning streak in the middle of the season.

During that period, the Eagles averaged 25 points. Nick Sirianni’s team scored 37 past both the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. Saquon Barkley was going 100 yards nearly every time he set foot on the turf.

Despite the dominance, the Eagles’ fans demanded more, and their finger was pointed at quarterback Jalen Hurts. He began to rely too much on Barkley’s mazy runs, and the receivers saw the ball less and less.

Fans were cheering for Barkley, but at the same time, they wanted AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Grant Calcaterra on the ball as well. A section of the Eagles fanbase let Hurts hear about following their close 22-16 victory over the lowly Carolina Panthers, who had won just three games all season.

The Panthers went into the game as 12.5-point underdogs. Quarterback Bryce Young was still trying to find his feet, and the Eagles made it easier for him to do so.

Hurts played a massive part in it. Halfway through the game, he completed only 9 passes from 17 attempts and below 100 passing yards, while Barkley became the Eagles’ all-time leading rusher, surpassing the Eagles’ Ring of Honor recipient LeSean McCoy.

Smith and Calcaterra scored one touchdown each, but the Panthers kept hot on their tail as Young fed Tommy Tremble and Chuba Hubbard. Hurts added one with the brotherly shove.

Eagles’ fans vented their frustration about Jalen Hurts barely winning the game against the Panthers

It was a painful watch for the Eagles’ fans because they knew their team could blow out the Panthers. Eventually, the game ended in their favor, making it 11 wins from 13.

After the game, Philly-based reporter Kyle Pagan interviewed a few Eagles’ fans as they walked out of the Lincoln Financial Stadium. Some celebrated the victory, while a few seemed too jaded (from the booze) to answer any questions. However, a couple pleaded with general manager Howie Roseman to find a new quarterback to replace Jalen Hurts.

Jalen Hurts is not the answer. We have the No. 1 defense and the [No. 1] running back. Jalen Hurts is not the answer.

One Eagles fan wearing the old Kelly green jersey told Pagan

Another fan sarcastically said,“Big-time win. Hurts balling out… Sike!!! He didn’t do anything.” A kid wearing Eagles gear took the mic and ranted, “I don’t know why we are struggling against Carolina… They suck… They were 2-15 last year.”

One fan even threw in a couple of suggestions on who should replace Hurts to make the Eagles complete. “They should get a new quarterback. Maybe draft like Jaxson Dart or like a Jalen Milroe.”

Eagles vs. Panthers Postgame. There were takes.*

*this was after a win. pic.twitter.com/3vAHx9clJi

— Kyle Pagan (@CBKylePagan) December 9, 2024

One even raised the question as to why Brown wasn’t seeing the ball as much as in previous years. The Pro Bowler only caught four passes and wasn’t happy about it post-game. When asked about what the Eagles should focus on, AJ Brown replied,“Passing.”

Even Smith, who was targeted six times and caught four passes, claimed that the receivers and Hurts are not always on the same page. (H/T: ESPN)

Hurts, during his turn, admitted that the Eagles did a bad job on the offense.

We did a bad job. That starts with me, how I execute.

Jalen Hurts said

The Eagles lost just once more for the rest of the year. They defeated the Packers, Rams, and Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX. Hurts went off in the final, completing 17 of 22 attempted passes for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns, 11 carries for 72 yards, and one rushing touchdown, while Barkley only added 57 from 25 carries.

Statistically, the Super Bowl-winning season was Jalen Hurts’ worst season (barring his rookie year). The overreliance on Barkley cost him and his receivers valuable yards throughout the year. He finished with 2903 yards for 18 touchdowns and 5 picks. Additionally, Hurts added 630 yards on the ground, scoring 14 touchdowns.

The fans must realize that blaming Hurts makes little sense. It’s true he made some mistakes along the way, but he was only following the game plan set by Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (currently Saints’ head coach). And their strategy to run the ball with Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell worked, so it didn’t make much sense to fix something when it’s not even broken.

Regardless, what matters most is the outcome on the final day. The Eagles took home the Lombardi, and Hurts was the quarterback to lead them to NOLA. Now their next goal is defending their title as the champions and paying a visit to Donald Trump.

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