The Pittsburgh Steelers understand well that football is a game of small margins. Sometimes it works on the field and other times in the boardrooms.
Pittsburgh thrived at times with Russell Wilson under center with them this season. However, they know he won’t be their long-term solution. As such, former Atlanta Falcons wideout Harry Douglas reopened their old wounds concerning Jalen Hurts.
Jalen Hurts Could’ve Been With the Steelers
Hurts has been a fan favorite and a game-winning quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, if things could’ve gone a little differently at the 2020 NFL Draft, he could’ve been residing in a different part of Pennsylvania.
Douglas, during his appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” highlighted the fact that the Steelers’ QB pains arise from their own mistakes. “When it comes to general manager Omar Khan and also the Rooney family, that’s the direction they have to go,” said Douglas.
“Now, granted, I know 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs they’re at 27, they moved up to 10. They drafted the standard; the guy that’s in contention for overtaking Tom Brady as the GOAT. You’re not going to hit that home run every time.”
“But in 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Chase Claypool five picks ahead of Jalen Hurts. So that was an opportunity right there. You got to figure out how to go find your quarterback because you don’t have a chance if you don’t.”
Claypool played two seasons with the Steelers and was traded to the Chicago Bears in his third season. The WR has failed to make his mark in the game, becoming a journeyman. Hurts, on the other hand, has an NFC Championship victory to his name.
The last time the Steelers put their hands around the George Halas Trophy, their present QB Wilson was still in college (2011).
Super Bowl Winner Criticizes Hurts for His Game
The Eagles comfortably defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round (22-10). However, the QB was subjected to criticism by the fans after coming back from his injury. Former QB Chase Daniel also highlighted his issues with Hurts.
“It can be harsh, but sometimes it’s warranted when he doesn’t do the things they ask him to do,” Daniel said on FS1’s “The Facility.”
“I actually think he’s playing extremely well for the stuff that they’re asking him to do. I’m not a big Jalen Hurts hater. I just want to see him let go of the football in 50-50 ball situations.”