Quick Read
- Jalen Hurts has thrown for 2,284 yards, 17 touchdowns, and one interception this season.
- The Eagles lost a 21-point lead to the Cowboys, exposing structural offensive issues.
- Jason Kelce criticized the team’s offensive line and strategy, questioning support for Hurts.
- Reports indicate tension between Hurts and receiver A.J. Brown over performance and targets.
- Coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged mistakes but avoided specific criticism.
Jalen Hurts: Under the Spotlight After Eagles’ Stunning Collapse
Just days before the Philadelphia Eagles are set to face the Chicago Bears in Week 13, Jalen Hurts finds himself at a crossroads. The Eagles’ star quarterback, who has rushed for two touchdowns and 33 yards in his previous game and posted impressive season stats — 2,284 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and only one interception — is now under scrutiny following the team’s dramatic 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The defeat stung not only because of its impact on playoff hopes but also because it exposed deeper problems within the squad.
Stat Line vs. Realities: Hurts’ Numbers and Team Struggles
On paper, Hurts is delivering. His completion rate stands at a solid 67.2%, and he’s added 298 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Week by week, his game log reveals a quarterback capable of both aerial and ground attacks. But numbers, as the Eagles learned, don’t always tell the full story. The collapse against Dallas — after leading 21-0 — sent shockwaves through the organization and the fanbase. According to USA Today, Hurts is not on the injury list and remains physically ready. Yet, the pressure is mounting from all directions, and the conversation about his performance is shifting from stats to leadership and chemistry.
Internal Criticism: Jason Kelce and the Offensive Disconnect
The fallout from the Cowboys game brought forth pointed criticism from Jason Kelce, a legendary Eagle now working as an NFL analyst. In his candid interview with MARCA, Kelce didn’t hold back, blaming not just execution mistakes but fundamental structural issues in the Eagles’ offense. Kelce highlighted the battered offensive line, the high pressure rate on Hurts, and the team’s struggle to establish the run game — an area where Hurts’ dual-threat abilities should be an asset.
Kelce’s remarks went beyond mere technical critique. He suggested that the offense isn’t built to Hurts’ strengths, questioning whether coaches are truly supporting their quarterback. The timing couldn’t be more sensitive: Hurts, once the darling of Super Bowl and MVP discussions, is now facing public scrutiny from one of the franchise’s most respected voices.
Head coach Nick Sirianni responded by taking general accountability, telling reporters, “When there’s the amount of mistakes that we had, I’ve got to make sure my message is getting through.” But Sirianni avoided addressing Kelce’s specific concerns, leaving the impression that the critique may have struck a nerve deeper than a single bad loss.
Locker Room Drama: The Hurts-A.J. Brown Rift
Adding to the tension is the reported drama between Hurts and star receiver A.J. Brown. Newsweek details how several Eagles players have grown frustrated with Hurts’ hesitation on downfield throws, and Brown has openly voiced his dissatisfaction with his number of targets. The relationship between quarterback and receiver, often the pulse of a team’s offense, is under strain.
Jason Kelce, sensing the potential for division, stepped in again. He urged accountability and open communication, likening the process to maintaining a healthy marriage: “You try to be accountable to what you’re doing wrong, what you’re failing in. You try to take accountability to alleviate the burden off of other people. These are the ways you maintain relationships and maintain a team functionality.” Kelce’s message is clear — the Eagles must work through their differences, lean on Hurts’ proven track record, and keep their sights on the bigger goal: another Super Bowl run.
The Path Forward: Can Hurts Lead the Eagles Back?
Despite the drama, Hurts’ body of work commands respect. He has guided the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship and maintained success through previous seasons marked by adversity. But in 2025, the standards are higher, and the spotlight is harsher. The interplay between Kelce’s critique, Brown’s frustrations, and Sirianni’s leadership will be a storyline to watch as the season unfolds.
As the Eagles prepare to take on the Bears, fans and analysts alike are left with pressing questions. Can Hurts rise above the noise and reassert his command of the offense? Will the coaches adjust the system to play to his strengths as a dual-threat quarterback? Or will the internal discord undermine a roster built for success?
One thing is certain: Jalen Hurts is not just playing for wins and stats anymore. He’s fighting to keep his team united, his reputation intact, and the Eagles’ championship ambitions alive.
Based on the facts and direct quotes from trusted sources, it’s evident that Jalen Hurts is at a pivotal moment in his career. The criticism from franchise legends and rumblings of locker room unrest pose significant challenges, but Hurts’ leadership and proven resilience could be the deciding factors in whether the Eagles rediscover their form or unravel under pressure.