Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on the podium after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nick Sirianni doesn't shy away from anything.
He's always going to be a vocal advocate for his players when they need support. That's especially true with Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles quarterback has his detractors. Some argue that he was carried by the most talented roster in the NFL last season, rather than him being a crucial part of winning the Super Bowl.
Sirianni has a simple response to that narrative.
"I think that's bullshit," Sirianni told ESPN's Tim McManus and other local reporters.
"I mean he plays the most important position in all of sports. And it's the most ultimate team game there is. And what I admire about him is his selflessness of doing anything we need to do to win. Whether that's throw — I mean obviously anybody who plays quarterback is going to want to throw 50 times a a game — but he will do anything. If he has to throw 50 times a game, he's ready to do that. If he has to hand it off 50 times a game, he's ready to do that."
It's true that last season Hurts wasn't the most consistent passer. There were times where the Eagles' passing game was flat and had to heavily rely on the run game. That still doesn't mean Hurts didn't prove his worth when he needed to.
After Hurts had 108 passing yards against the Carolina Panthers, A.J. Brown said postgame, the Eagles passing game needed to improve. Hurts had gone two months without throwing for more than 250 yards. He responded by putting up 290 yards and two touchdowns against an elite Pittsburgh Steelers defense.
In the NFC Championship game and Super Bowl, Hurts put up stellar numbers as well.
Hurts said previously that just because the Eagles don't put up gaudy passing numbers every game doesn't mean they can't.
Some might point to that and say Hurts is nothing more than a game-manager.
Well, that game-manager has made two Super Bowls in just four seasons as a starter. Denying Hurts' talent is irresponsible. You don't luck your way into the success Hurts has had. He might not have the flashy highlights of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, but when it comes to winning, Hurts can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
"One of the reasons I love football so much is that it takes everybody to accomplish your goals," Sirianni said. "You can go ahead and start naming great quarterbacks, I'll tell you their great receivers and their great defenses. You know, whether it's Brady with Gronkowski or Brady's defenses early on, Mahomes with Kelce, Steve Young with Jerry Rice, the list goes on and on.
"I just think sometimes that's good debate. I guess I wouldn't even say it's good debate, but it's debate that people are able to have. But yeah I guess my first initial thing was it's bullshit."
