NFL analyst voices complaint against Jalen Hurts' facing 'disrespect': "Has he now finally removed all the doubters"

NFL analyst Craig Carton expressed frustration over the persistent skepticism surrounding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. His comments followed Hurts' commanding performance in the NFC championship game victory.

Hurts led the Eagles to a decisive 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, throwing for 246 yards and scoring four touchdowns. The victory earned Philadelphia a Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Speaking on the "Breakfast Ball Show" on Monday, Carton defended Hurts against critics who questioned his ability to deliver in crucial moments.

"Has he now finally removed all the doubters as to whether or not he's a big-time money quarterback?" Carton said. "I sat here against the masses, and I told you guys not to count Jalen Hurts out. But that guy wins, and the disrespect that has been shown his way over the last couple of weeks became comical to me, because we may not like the way it looks all the time, but there's not a lot of quarterbacks I would take over Jalen Hurts in a big game."

Hurts backed up Carton's praise with historic numbers. He became the first player to throw for a TD and rush for three TDs in multiple playoff games. His seven consecutive playoff games without a turnover set an NFL record.

Jalen Hurts puts winning above statistics

NFL: NFC Championship-Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

Jalen Hurts addressed critics after the game, emphasizing his focus on victories over statistics.

"I don't play the game for stats," Hurts said. "I don't play the game for numbers or any statistical approval from anyone else."

His teammates rallied behind their QB.

"How about QB1?" Philadelphia offensive tackle Jordan Mailata said. "I love when people doubt him. He plays his best when he feels like people doubt him. He's just made for those moments."

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reinforced this sentiment.

"I don't want anyone else leading this team other than him.," Sirianni said. "He's a winner. He deals with so much criticism, which just blows my mind. This guy wins. He's won his entire life."

The numbers support their confidence. Hurts holds the seventh-best win percentage (.697) among QBs since the 1970 merger. He joins an elite group as the eighth QB to reach multiple Super Bowls in his first five seasons. His path to the Super Bowl included gutsy performances through injury, prompting him to quip that the NFC championship gameplan "let me out of my straight jacket a little bit."

The Eagles QB will make franchise history in New Orleans, becoming its first signal-caller to start multiple Super Bowls. His postseason excellence continues with seven TDs, zero interceptions and a 105.0 passer rating through three playoff games in 2025.