Eagles icon defends Jalen Hurts amid criticisms, offensive struggles

Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins signed with the New Orleans Saints about a month before the Eagles drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, the two have developed a close relationship over the years. 

Jenkins will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame before Friday's home game against the Chicago Bears (8-3). In a piece published Tuesday, Jenkins discussed with ESPN's Tim McManus the longstanding criticisms of Hurts that have lingered over the Eagles. 

Why Malcolm Jenkins is a big Jalen Hurts supporter

"I'm a big fan of Jalen, not only because of my personal relationship, but just because of what he stands for and understanding myself what it looks like to have a vision for a team, something that maybe not everybody sees, but I have to stand 10 toes down on it until everybody sees what I see," Jenkins explained. 

It was first mentioned in January 2024 that the Eagles could explore parting ways with Hurts, even though the club signed him to a five-year contract extension the previous spring. Hurts went on to win the Most Valuable Player Award for his performance in Super Bowl LIX in February, but recent reports claim that some have grown frustrated with his play.

According to Pro Football Reference, Hurts ended Week 12 of the season ranked 14th in the NFL among qualified players with a 58.8 adjusted QBR on the season. ESPN stats show that the 8-3 Eagles began Tuesday ranked 23rd in the league, averaging 193.2 passing yards per game. 

How Jalen Hurts is the "dad" of the Eagles' offense

"He's the one driving," Jenkins added about Hurts serving as the CEO and/or father-figure of the Philadelphia offense. "He's got his hands on the wheels. He's looking for all of the hazards. He's the one getting us to the destination. And a lot of us are in the backseat complaining about how bumpy a ride is, how close we got to almost crashing. And really, it's up to him to keep his focus and block it all out because he's in that position. And I think that's really what leadership is about, it's like, hey, if you're the one with the hands on the wheel, everybody's allowed an opinion, it's fine, but your focus has to be on the main thing, and that's getting us to where we're going." 

As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had the Hurts-led Eagles as seven-point favorites over the Bears. If Philadelphia suffers an upset loss before November ends, rumors about the team's supposed need to find an upgrade at quarterback may only grow louder.