**“Nick Sirianni Fires Back at Jalen Hurts Critics: ‘That’s Bulls**\*’ — Eagles Coach Defends Super Bowl MVP as True Elite QB”
Nick Sirianni didn’t hold back when he was asked to respond to critics who continue to question whether Jalen Hurts is a true top-tier NFL quarterback. The Philadelphia Eagles head coach, known for his intensity and loyalty to his players, delivered a blunt and passionate defense of the man who has become the face of the Eagles’ franchise. In a press conference that quickly went viral, Sirianni called the ongoing criticism of Hurts “bulls\*\*\*,” slamming the narrative that his quarterback is anything less than elite. For a team sitting at 6-2 and powered by Hurts’ consistent, dynamic play, Sirianni’s comments resonated deeply—not just with Eagles fans, but with anyone who believes in defending their leaders when unwarranted doubt creeps in.
Jalen Hurts has done more than enough to earn the trust and admiration of his team and city. After all, this is a quarterback who not only led the Eagles to the Super Bowl in the 2022 season but was named Super Bowl MVP in that very game—despite the team’s narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. His individual performance on the biggest stage was a showcase of both poise and explosiveness, combining accurate throws with game-changing runs, the kind of performance that puts to rest any questions about his ability to handle pressure. And yet, even after that defining moment, there remains a chorus of critics who insist that Hurts doesn’t belong in the same category as players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Joe Burrow.
Sirianni made it clear that he’s heard enough of those comparisons. “Jalen’s a winner, plain and simple,” he said. “He’s proven it on the biggest stages, and the doubters need to look at the tape.” The head coach pointed to Hurts’ statistical accomplishments last season—over 3,700 passing yards and more than 600 rushing yards—as evidence of his dual-threat capabilities. But it wasn’t just about numbers. Sirianni spoke to Hurts’ intangible qualities, praising his leadership, work ethic, and football IQ. “You can’t measure heart on a stat sheet,” he continued. “But every guy in our locker room sees it. Every coach on this staff sees it. The only ones who don’t are the people looking for headlines.”
Sirianni’s fiery defense wasn’t just about rallying around his quarterback—it was also a call to the broader NFL community to give credit where it’s due. The 2022 season was Hurts’ true coming-of-age campaign. With MVP-level performances week in and week out, he turned the Eagles into one of the most feared teams in football. His ability to stretch defenses with both his arm and legs forced coordinators into nightmare scenarios. No one could stack the box without risking a deep ball. No one could drop back into coverage without opening running lanes. Hurts, in many ways, redefined what it means to be a complete quarterback in today’s game.
Still, the critiques persist. Some claim his passing mechanics aren’t as refined as Mahomes or that his decision-making under pressure is suspect. Others diminish his production by saying the Eagles’ roster is stacked, and that anyone could succeed with such a strong supporting cast. But these arguments overlook the fact that elite quarterbacks elevate great teams—they don’t just ride along with them. Hurts has shown time and time again that he is the engine behind Philadelphia’s offensive machine. His presence, his command of the huddle, and his ability to deliver in crunch time are hallmarks of a top-tier QB. The Eagles don’t just benefit from Hurts—they thrive because of him.
Sirianni also touched on Hurts’ tireless approach to self-improvement. From the moment he stepped into the league, Hurts has been obsessed with growth. He’s not the same quarterback who was drafted in the second round out of Oklahoma. Every year, every offseason, he has transformed some aspect of his game. Whether it’s refining his footwork, deepening his understanding of coverages, or strengthening his pocket presence, Hurts approaches his craft like a scientist refining a formula. Sirianni described watching film sessions where Hurts points out flaws in his own completions, always searching for ways to get better—even after wins.
That mindset has earned him respect far beyond the Eagles’ locker room. Around the league, players and coaches alike talk about Hurts as a grinder, someone who carries himself with professionalism and humility. And yet, that narrative often gets drowned out in a media landscape that thrives on flashy soundbites and hot takes. It’s part of what made Sirianni’s press conference so powerful—it wasn’t just about football, it was about standing up for someone whose achievements are being undervalued in real time.
Right now, the Eagles are once again in the thick of the playoff race. At 6-2, they’re tied atop the NFC East and are widely viewed as a team capable of making another deep postseason run. And make no mistake, Jalen Hurts is the reason they’re in that position. He’s battled through injuries, adjusted to new defensive looks, and made clutch plays in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s converting third downs with his legs or threading tight-window throws to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Hurts continues to deliver in ways that defy simplistic analysis.
Of course, with success comes scrutiny. Every bad throw, every sack, every interception becomes fodder for talk shows and social media pundits. But that’s the reality of playing quarterback in Philadelphia—a city that demands excellence and rewards it with undying loyalty. Hurts knows that. Sirianni knows that. And neither of them seems particularly concerned with winning over the doubters. Their focus remains on winning games, earning respect the hard way, and building something that lasts.
It’s also worth noting that Sirianni’s comments come at a time when locker room unity is as important as ever. In a league where morale can shift dramatically based on a few games, having a head coach publicly affirm his belief in his quarterback can go a long way. Players see that. They rally behind that. And they play harder knowing that the leadership at the top is solid and unwavering. Sirianni’s words weren’t just soundbites—they were signals to the rest of the team that the Eagles stand behind their quarterback, no matter what the outside noise says.
Jalen Hurts may never play with the effortless improvisation of a Patrick Mahomes or have the cannon arm of a Josh Allen. But what he does possess is every bit as valuable: composure, command, and the ability to execute under pressure. He’s a leader who leads by example, a competitor who plays with heart, and a quarterback who wins. And if that isn’t enough to be called top-tier, then the definition of elite needs to be rewritten.
The Eagles’ next stretch of games will offer even more opportunities for Hurts to silence his critics the best way he knows how—by winning. But even if the critics continue to chirp, it’s clear that the organization is all-in on him. Sirianni’s defense was more than just a rebuttal; it was a declaration that Hurts is their guy, now and for the future. That kind of confidence can’t be faked. It’s built through trust, results, and belief.
In the end, football is a results-driven business. And few quarterbacks have delivered more consistently than Jalen Hurts over the past two seasons. If the bar for being elite includes leadership, production, adaptability, and clutch performance, then Hurts checks every box. The stats are there. The wins are there. The respect from teammates and coaches is there. The only thing that remains is for the rest of the football world to catch up to what Nick Sirianni and the Eagles already know: Jalen Hurts is not just good—he’s special.
As Philadelphia continues its quest for another Super Bowl, Hurts remains at the center of it all. And with his head coach backing him in no uncertain terms, he’s in the perfect position to quiet the noise once and for all. Whether it’s through his legs, his arm, or his will, Hurts continues to show why he belongs in any conversation about the NFL’s elite. And for those still doubting? Just ask Nick Sirianni what he thinks—he made it crystal clear.
