Cowboys LB Micah Parsons takes dig at Jalen Hurts: “Is it him or the team?”
The Philadelphia Eagles, coming off a 48-22 beatdown on the New York Giants, currently sit at 12-1 and are the first team to punch their ticket to the playoffs this season.
Led by second-year head coach (and COTY candidate) Nick Sirianni, the Eagles are achieving milestone after milestone in 2022, thanks to the retooled roster built by GM Howie Roseman last offseason.
In their victory over NYG, Hurts, new WR AJ Brown, and Miles Sanders became the first trio in team history to each record 10+ TDs in the same season. The Eagles lead the NFL in points per game (29.7), are third in the NFL in total yards per game (392.0), and are seemingly unstoppable on offense.
You can point to many factors to help decipher why Philadelphia has been so successful this year, but one stands above the rest — the astronomical rise of Jalen Hurts.
Following his demoralizing performance in last year’s Wild Card matchup vs. Tampa Bay, much was made of Hurts’ ability as a true pocket-passer. That loss catalyzed the 24-year-old QB. After a rigorous summer program that involved training with new coaches, Hurts has undergone one of the most inspiring transformations we’ve seen at the position.
| 2021 stats | 2022 stats (through 13 games) | |
| Comp. % | 61.3% | 68.0% |
| Passing yards | 3,144 | 3,157 |
| Total TDs | 26 | 32 |
| INTs | 9 | 3 |
| Passer rating | 87.2 | 108.4 |
Even more impressive than the stats above, Hurts’ precision and anticipatory throws are day-and-night compared to last season.
One player, however, doesn’t believe that Hurts is deserving of said praise, and it’s no surprise that these words come from the division-rival Cowboys. On a recent episode of The Voncast, Dallas LB Micah Parsons questioned whether Philly’s resurgence is due to Jalen Hurts or his supporting cast.
.@MicahhParsons11 weighs in on the Jalen Hurts MVP buzz 👀
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 14, 2022
(via The Voncast) pic.twitter.com/mZj9bpMSOb
“When you look at the Eagles, is it Hurts or the team? It’s system and team. I’m not tryna make no enemies. I just love the game so much, and I understand it so much that when things are off, I just can’t hold it in. I almost gotta say something. Everyone has their own opinions.”
Sounds like a pure hater to me. If the system were the sole reason behind Hurts’ newfound talent, every head coach in the NFL would implement it. Does AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith make their QB’s life easier? You’re sure as hell they do. Does their dominant offensive line help support the rushing attack? You bet your ass.
But Hurts’ dynamic skillset as a runner and a passer ties it all together. That ability was on full display in Philly’s Week 6 victory over Dallas, and I bet Parsons isn’t thrilled to see it again on Christmas Eve.
The Eagles are set to face Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears this Sunday at Soldier Field. Regardless of what happens in that game, Philadelphia can clinch the NFC East title with a win over Dallas in Week 16.
Getcha popcorn ready.
There are dots, then there’s whatever Jalen Hurts did on third down yesterday. pic.twitter.com/YM9JY1QGij
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) December 12, 2022
Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated
Parsons wishes they had Jalen and it hurts…he knows they have not a prayer this year….tough luck Parsons