Eagles: Jalen Hurts disrespected in latest position rankings
Jalen Hurts is already getting disrespected by Pro Football Focus.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts changed the narrative surrounding his abilities in the 2022 season.
He went from an unknown and somewhat unproven starter to franchise quarterback overnight, barnstorming the league with a sense of stardom only the Beatles could rival in their heyday.
So, it was not a shock when, after leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl, Hurts received a massive contract extension to be the Eagles' long-time starter for seasons to come. But regardless of how proven Hurts is, Pro Football Focus is still undercutting just how productive he can be as a signal caller. In PFF's quarterback rankings, Hurts came in ranked the No. 7 quarterback in the league behind Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Aaron Rodgers, and Lamar Jackson.
Having Mahomes, Allen, and Burrown ahead of Hurts is understandable. However, where the rankings begin to look confusing is the placement of Herbert, Rodgers, and Jackson ahead of Hurts, who — again — led a team to the most important game of the year and came within one play of winning it.
Here is what PFF had to say about Hurts' ranking:
"Hurts was phenomenal in 2022, but the hardest part of that kind of play in the NFL is sustaining it," PFF wrote. "Lamar Jackson one spot above him is a great example of that. Hurts has taken big steps forward every season of his career, and if he has another one in the tank, then he is ranked too low at No. 7. Hurts averaged 8.0 yards per attempt last season and added almost 800 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground."
Again, the top three is an understandable list, but Rodgers is over the hill, Jackson is always hurt, and Herbert hasn't won a meaningful game of football in his career. Hurts has already proven himself at the highest level. Not having him in the top-five shows how short-sighted some of PFF's rankings can be, at times.
If Hurts plays the way he did in 2022 again, this rating will look even worse come the 2023 NFL Playoffs.
