Why’s ESPN’s Orlovsky ‘Hate’ Eagles QB Jalen Hurts?

As we've said often, when Dan Orlovsky puts on his "serious analyst hat''?

The former NFL QB in him comes out, and it is stuff that is worthy of being aired on national television.

Too often, though - maybe driven by the fact that colleague Stephen A. Smith has shown the way to make a fortune by steering away from serious analysis and over into the "shock-jock lane'' - Orlovsky is transparently attempting to create controversy.

So it is so with his last criticisms of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is preparing to help lead his team to a second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons.

Is ESPN's Orlovsky respectful of that?

Not respectful enough to avoid intentionally create a red herring argument about what Hurts is achieving and can achieve.

It is the opinion of Orlovsky that Philly's star simply will never be on the same level as other NFL quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

"I don't think there's anything Jalen can do to be in the conversation with (the aforementioned standouts) as players,'' Orlovsky said. "Talent-wise, I don't think Jalen's ever going to be in that group."

In terms of blue-chip talent as traditionally thought of? Hurts was a second-round pick. Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen were all first-round picks. So that phase of any argument, we get.

But ... to that red herring.

Hurts was a second-team All-Pro in 2022 and he is a two-time Pro Bowler. Hurts is playing in his second Super Bowl in just his fourth season as the Eagles' starting quarterback.

In short, the debates about Hurts right now should be about his ability to help Philly beat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Why does Hurts need to outdo Burrow and Jackson and Allen when ... well, by virtue of the fact that he's in the Super Bowl, he's already outdone them?

Orlovsky muddies up his already-silly take with two more doozies.

One, he states that believes a Super Bowl win could change the perception of Hurts. But why? That means if he wins, he's "talented'' but if he doesn't win he's lacking in "talent''?

And two, because after all this is ESPN, Orlovsky then poses the comp question to panelist Stephen A. Smith, asking him to rank Hurts, Burrow, Jackson and Allen. 

Smith (who frankly doesn't know if a football is blown up or stuffed) said he would not take Hurts - who finished the 2024 regular season with 2,903 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions with 630 rushing yards and scored a rather astounding 14 more touchdowns on the ground - over any of the other three.

Which again, while it ignores the fact that Hurts is 46-20 as a starter and has led the Eagles to at least 11 wins in each of the last three seasons, is perfectly good take ...

That has absolutely nothing to do with the Super Bowl.