In a recent interview, sports analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms said he has a ton of respect for Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, but also called him the “most overrated player in football.”
Chris Simms Calls Jalen Hurts ‘Overrated’
Simms made the claim that because of who Hurts is surrounded by, he is perceived as being a better player than he really is, and other QBs in his position could play at the same level.
“I respect a lot about Jalen Hurts, but I think Jalen Hurts is also like the most overrated player in football,” Simms said in an interview with PHNX Sports.
“That’s me, I know I’m wrong, I take a lot of crap about that comment. But he plays quarterback for a team that’s an all-star team, they have the best O-line in football, it’s not even close. I just think if you put some other quarterback in Philly, you put Kyler Murray in there, you’d say ‘Damn, Kyler’s amazing. Is he the MVP of football?’
“And I think we lose sight of all that a little bit. It gets into the quarterback team thing where right now we’re all about the quarterback, and he’d be one of those guys that I certainly would go, hey, when Kyler is on his game, he is every bit in the class of Jalen Hurts in my opinion.”
Several NFL fans criticized Simms’ take on Hurts.
“Hurts was on a team that absolutely melted down this past year and still was a stud. Dude is lost,” one fan responded on X.
“All hate and nonsense from this dude. Where was he saying this for other QBs that played with all star talent?” another said.
Hurts, who made it to the Pro Bowl this season, had a strong year. He led Philly to an 11-6 record in the regular season. He also passed for the most completions (352), yards (3,858), and touchdowns (23) of his career.
Hurts also joint-led all quarterbacks with 15 rushing touchdowns alongside Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.
The Eagles and Hurts started the season strong and looked to be strong contenders to make the Super Bowl again. Philly went 10-1 to start the season but lost five of their last six games to end the campaign.
This is not the first time Simms has had a hot take about Hurts. Back in September, he offered a strong idea of how to finally stop the renowned “tush push” play that has led to touchdowns for Philadelphia.
“If I was a defensive coach, I would be going headhunting on the quarterback here,” Simms said. “Go ahead, let them have it. Dive over, go crazy, and try to kill the quarterback.”
MORE: Peyton Manning Assesses Jalen Hurts’ Fit in New Eagles OC Kellen Moore’s Offense
Simms, though, denies that he was suggesting to inflict death or a serious injury.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Simms said. “But I mean, make them pay and make them think twice about doing that.”
As Simms has a history of being critical of Hurts, his comments do not come as a surprise.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!