Former Dallas WR goes off on Eagles fans who are calling for Minshew over Hurts

After a fluid passing attack from the Eagles on Sunday, many fans are wondering what the offense would look like if Minshew was given the keys.

Ironically enough, this current Hurts-Minshew conversation is one year removed from the benching of Carson Wentz in Green Bay, effectively pushing him out of Philadelphia.

Jalen Hurts was the object of everyone’s infatuation last season, this time around he’s on the reverse end of it. Keyshawn Johnson — former Dallas Cowboys WR turned ESPN analyst — had some choice words for the Eagles fans who are clamoring for Minshew over Hurts after one game:

“What I would say about Philadelphia is, the backup quarterback is always the favorite in Philadelphia. I can go back as far as I remember from my time just playing in the league alone. Whether it’s Koy Detmer, whether it’s Kevin Kolb, whether it’s Michael Vick, whether it’s Nick Foles, whether it’s Jeff Garcia, I can just go on and on and on about the backup quarterback in Philadelphia. They have this, I don’t know, this lust for backup quarterbacks in Philadelphia. One or two wins, ‘Get him out! Sports talk radio, early in the morning, get him out!’ Like man, just let Jalen Hurts continue to develop. Gardner Minshew was not brought there to challenge Jalen Hurts as the starting quarterback. Stop it.

One of the things the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase, and I’m involving their sports media in this fanbase, they’ve got to realize: you don’t start messing with the quarterback. You don’t start putting doubt in his mind by hot takes. You’re not helping the situation at all.”

“Jalen Hurts did not lose his job.”@keyshawn thinks it’s ridiculous to believe that Gardner Minshew should start for the Eagles. #KJM pic.twitter.com/w7aTV27hji
— Keyshawn, JWill & Max (@KeyJayandMax) December 7, 2021

There is some truth to what Johnson is saying. Minshew is evidently a more polished passer right now, but this situation is different than a traditional benching of a quarterback.

Minshew got the start against the Jets because Hurts was injured, not because the Eagles needed a change at the position. Sirianni made it a point of emphasis in his post-game presser that Hurts will remain the starter when healthy.

The demoralizing performance against the Giants in Week 12 is fresh on the minds of fans, but Hurts has been productive for the most part this year. He trails only Lamar Jackson in rushing yards at the QB position and led the league in QBR from Weeks 7-11.

We aren’t discrediting Minshew — who did throw for 80% completion for 242 yards and 2 TDs against the Jets. But to be fair, Hurts completed 27 of 35 passes for 264 yards and 3 TDs against an equally bad Atlanta team in Week 1. It isn’t inconceivable to believe that Hurts would’ve gashed the Jets as well.

Regardless, the development of Hurts remains the top priority for the Eagles in 2021. The organization needs to know what Hurts is upon the conclusion of this season before they can move forward with their chest of assets.

Benching him during the latter part of the season doesn’t benefit anyone except Minshew — who could arguably start for a handful of teams today.