Jalen Hurts might’ve faced some playoff heat, but not everyone’s jumping on the criticism bandwagon. A legendary coach is stepping up, making it crystal clear where he stands on the Philadelphia Eagles QB.
While fans dissect every snap and stat, this coach isn’t here for the negativity.
Nick Saban Defends Jalen Hurts Amid Playoff Scrutiny
Hurts might’ve been the star of the show with his 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, but let’s face it, he’s got a few stumbles that had Eagles fans sweating bullets. Sure, Hurts flashed that MVP-caliber athleticism with a 44-yard TD scamper, but late-game jitters nearly handed the Rams a victory.
First, Hurts took a sack in the end zone for a safety, then in the fourth quarter, another sack pushed the Eagles into a cringey three-and-out. Rams fans were licking their chops, but Hurts’ defense had his back. Still, his late-game performance got people talking — some hyped, some holding their breath.
And that’s where Nick Saban steps in. The legend, who coached Hurts at Alabama, isn’t about to let the QB get dragged.
“I think he’s doing the things he needs to do to win,” Saban said on Monday, Jan. 20, on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“They’re a running football team. That’s what the Philadelphia Eagles are. They’ve got Saquon Barkley, they run it, Jalen can run it, which he had a big play last night as a runner.
“You’ve got to make people defend that and then you’ve got to throw the ball effectively enough in play-action game. I think Jalen is a good enough passer to do all those things.”
Translation: Hurts is the guy who gets the job done, even if it’s not always pretty.
"Jalen Hurts is doing the things he needs to do to win..
Every athletic Quarterback never wants to give up on a play and that's why he takes some of those sacks..
He's a great athlete and he's always gonna make plays" ~ Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1GP6M40NpJ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 20, 2025
Now, Saban gets it: Hurts’ athleticism is both his secret weapon and kryptonite. “I think the one thing … every athletic quarterback never wants to give up on a play and that’s why he takes some of those sacks. … He’s still a great athlete and those guys are going to make plays. You can’t take that away from them,” Saban said.
At Alabama, Saban tried to refine Hurts’ timing as a passer, but the QB’s dynamic playmaking style still rules. Hurts has carried the Eagles to the playoffs every year since taking the starting job, and his ceiling is still sky-high.
So, critics can chill. Hurts might stumble, but he’s got the chops to win, and with Saban backing him, he’s got the swagger to take on anything.
Hurts Powers Through Injury in Win Over Rams
Hurts showed his grit on Sunday, despite taking a hard hit from Rams defenders Jaylen McCullough and Desjuan Johnson, landing awkwardly on his left knee. Though Hurts stayed in the game, a noticeable limp caught the eyes of fans and analysts alike.
NBC’s Melissa Stark got the chance to ask him about the injury post-game. When pressed on whether it could impact his availability for the NFC Championship Game, Hurts kept it short: “I’m sure I’ll get asked about it later. I don’t know if I can answer right now. I’m going to go enjoy this win with my teammates.”
When asked again if he was OK, Hurts simply replied, “I finished the game.”
For now, it seems Hurts’ focus is on enjoying the victory, though fans are left wondering if this injury will affect his performance in the NFC championship.