You may remember last year that NFL Analyst and former QB, Chris Simms, controversially left Jalen Hurts outside of his top-32 QB rankings. In fact, Simms had Hurts ranked 40th, which was barbaric. Has his stance changed one year later?
Surprisingly, yes…but unsurprisingly, not enough. Somehow Hurts ranks behind Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Daniel Jones.
Simms opened up about his opinion after the season, firming the L (per NBC Sports Philadelphia)
“I took an L on it. I should have had him on the top 40,” Simms said. “I was wrong to (leave him off). I think the reason I didn’t have him on the top 40 are some of the things you’re talking about. Those are my concerns. Still my concerns going forward. Hey, I agree with the Eagles’ standpoint that Jalen Hurts did enough this year, certainly, to come back and be the starter and be that guy. There’s no doubt about that.
However, he doesn’t appear to have learned his lesson.
Hurts completed 61% of passes last year for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 9 picks. While that’s not exactly breathtaking, adding 784 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground certainly changes that.
If we compare that to Justin Fields, who threw 7 touchdowns, 10 picks, completed 58% of his passes, and rushed for 420 yards, it’s hard to see why Simms is still so bearish on Hurts.
The season Daniel Jones had needs no explanation.
NFL.com had Hurts ranked 17th once the Super Bowl had finished, which is a far more accurate representation of where he is as a quarterback. He was a Pro Bowl alternate last year and although he does have some significant distance to travel to overcome his flaws in reading defenses and placing the ball accurately, he does so much as a playmaker to negate them that it’s hard to call him anything over than a middle-of-the-road QB. Just don’t tell Simms that.
I don’t really know why Simms has such a distaste for Jalen Hurts. I think anyone with an objective opinion can agree he needs to do more and has clear areas where he has to be better, but can also easily see he’s clear of all the names Simms has ranked ahead of him in that graphic.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
