Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

49ers kicker Robbie Gould takes shot at Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/9/23

Nearly two weeks after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, the San Francisco 49ers seemingly still aren't over it.

On Thursday, 49ers kicker Robbie Gould spoke with Trey Wingo of The 33rd Team, breaking down what the Kansas City Chiefs must do to be victorious over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII while taking a veiled shot at quarterback Jalen Hurts.

"If you make Jalen Hurts play quarterback, you're probably gonna have a pretty solid day on defense," Gould said.

"If you make Jalen Hurts play quarterback, you're probably gonna have a pretty solid day on defense."@RobbieGould09 on which team has the edge in the #SuperBowl
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 9, 2023

Gould's argument holds little water and comes off as slightly disrespectful. Hurts led the league in passer rating on throws of 25-plus yards. Also, Hurts showed he's a genuine duel threat, becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for 10 or more touchdowns and post a 100-plus passer rating in the same season.

When it comes to Gould's complaints about Hurts and the Eagles not having to play entire football games, again, the kickers' criticism comes up woefully short. Throughout the season, Hurts was the main reason the Eagles routinely needed only the first half of football to take care of business. According to the AP's Josh Dubow, Hurts posted a 103.6 passer rating and accounted for 23 touchdowns in the opening half of games this season.

It's safe to say that Hurts still hasn't shrugged off the doubts about his game even after leading the Eagles to a 16-1 mark as the starter, clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC and steamrolling to the Super Bowl. Though, a decisive win on Sunday might finally change perceptions of the 24-year-old MVP candidate.

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