Emmanuel Acho, the host of “Speak for Yourself,” posed a crucial question to the public on Tuesday: Can Jalen Hurts match up to the NFL’s top quarterbacks in terms of passing ability? Acho, a former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, raised doubts about Hurts’ passing skills and whether he belongs in the same league as other elite quarterbacks in today’s NFL.
Despite Hurts’ remarkable performance in Super Bowl LVII just 15 months prior, where he set an NFL record with four total touchdowns and over 370 yards of offense in a losing effort against the Kansas City Chiefs, Acho remains skeptical. While Pro Football Focus rated Hurts’ performance as the second-best by a Super Bowl quarterback in the last decade, Acho contends that Hurts is merely good, not elite.
Acho acknowledges Hurts’ accomplishments, such as his career-high passing yards and touchdowns in the 2023 season, but points out his increased interceptions, which reached a new high at 15. Philadelphia’s late-season struggles, losing six of their final seven games, including a disappointing Wild Card round defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, further fuel Acho’s skepticism.
Despite the statistical highs, Acho emphasizes that he, along with a growing number of observers, needs to see more from Hurts to be convinced of his abilities as Philadelphia’s quarterback heading into the 2024 season. Acho’s analysis underscores the ongoing debate surrounding Hurts’ potential to lead the Eagles to sustained success and whether he possesses the qualities of an elite NFL quarterback.
