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Colin Cowherd Makes Opinion On Jalen Hurts' Ranking Clear

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 3:43 PM ET

Despite reaching two Super Bowls since 2022 and winning the last one, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts wasn't even ranked in the top eight among QBs in a poll of NFL executives, coaches and scouts. You can color Colin Cowherd intrigued by that revelation.

On the latest episode the The Herd, Cowherd defended the consensus among NFL people that Hurts was ranked ninth. He pointed to some stats that indicated that Hurts wasn't quite as impressive as a quick view might suggest.

Ultimately, Cowherd believes that Hurts is good but that the Eagles' coaching philosophy does more to the team's benefit than Hurts' ball skills on their own. He believes that Hurts is simply not an elite passer from the pocket.

"The Eagles basically had one of those philosophical resets and what they decided was, 'This offense is great as long as we pass the ball fewer times,'" Cowherd remarked.

"The Eagles basically had one of those philosophical resets and what they decided was, 'This offense is great as long as we pass the ball fewer times.'"@colincowherd says Jalen Hurts is being accurately rated by the league pic.twitter.com/pj6On8s0o7
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 15, 2025

Whether or not you're completely sold on Jalen Hurts being a Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow as a pocket passer, he's more than good enough to get the Eagles where they need to be.

In four seasons as a full-time starter, Hurts has led them to the playoffs each time. As mentioned earlier, they've reached the Super Bowl twice and won the NFC East division title in both of those Super Bowl campaigns.

His numbers have been rock solid, averaging a 65.4-percent completion rate and going 45-17 as a starter.

But while his passing numbers are good, he's not exactly on pace to break any records through the air. He has yet to throw for 4,000 yards or even 25 touchdowns in a season. While his mobility has made up for it, it's easy to accuse him of being a less polished passer for that fact.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

One could also make the argument that the Eagles' success in 2024 had more to do with all-world running back Saquon Barkley than any evolution in Hurts' abilities as a passer.

Hurts ultimately played his heart out in the playoffs en route to winning Super Bowl MVP honors, averaging over 71-percent completion along the way.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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