David Carr’s level that went viral on Tuesday was truly an fascinating zig. He mentioned on NFL Community’s Complete Entry that he doesn’t imagine Jalen Hurts ought to proceed to play by means of his knee harm. Hurts is clearly not as cell as he often is, and due to that, the Philadelphia Eagles offense isn’t as efficient as final season.
Till the No. 1 seed is determined within the NFC playoff image, there isn’t any approach that Nick Sirianni goes to sit down the Eagles’ beginning quarterback. If the docs and Hurts are comfy with him on the sphere, he’s going to play. Nevertheless, Carr does have an argument.
The Eagles have already gained 10 video games this season. They’ll make the playoffs. Homefield benefit isn’t essential for them to get to the Tremendous Bowl. The Eagles are going to pound opposing groups on each traces of scrimmage, and on offense, they’re going to let their skill-position expertise fly. A totally wholesome Hurts come postseason time would completely give Philly the most effective probability to win the Tremendous Bowl.
If Carr had saved his argument alongside these traces, his sizzling take would have been tremendous. In explaining himself, although, he went too far. Earlier than he even delivered the take, he mentioned that Hurts isn’t comfy dropping again as a passer and studying a protection, “some would say he’s not even good at it.”
That was the wrap on Hurts two years in the past. In 2022, he was fourth in complete QBR, trailing solely Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes. Hurts is popping the ball over extra this season with 10 interceptions after throwing solely six complete the earlier one. Nevertheless, he has already thrown 19 landing passes in 2023. He threw solely 22 touchdowns final season.
Not solely did Carr espouse a lazy narrative, however he additionally mentioned that Marcus Mariotta — the Eagles’ backup QB — is a greater possibility as a starter whereas Hurts continues to be gimpy.
I really feel unhealthy for Carr. He was a gifted prospect popping out of Fresno State, however he was despatched to an growth franchise. The poor man might be nonetheless seeing defensive linemen in his sleep after being sacked 249 instances in 5 seasons as a starter for the Houston Texans. He set a 16-game single-season document for being sacked 76 instances. Carr can be third on that record for being sacked 68 instances in 2005.
Circumstances can damage a gifted participant. Whereas there are definitely many sacks that Carr may have prevented, a workforce mustn’t drive a younger participant to attempt to keep clear in a dust storm. I want his enjoying profession turned out higher, however his Hurts argument went off the rails.
So long as Hurts’ throwing shoulder nonetheless works and he can transfer a few steps in every route, he’s a greater quarterback than Mariota. The previous No. 2 total had his probabilities as an NFL starter. Mariota is a turnover machine and doesn’t even out the unhealthy performs with touchdowns.
The Eagles have a roster that would survive a participant like Mariota at QB for a couple of video games, if essential. However Hurts’ well being bar must be purple and blinking earlier than Mariota can be a greater quarterback.
Carr was approach off base in his clarification of what was truly a good level. To get Hurts proper for the playoffs, perhaps the Eagles ought to sit him for a few video games. It will be a radical choice, although, and the reason being that Hurts is among the greatest quarterbacks within the league. Till a physician guidelines him out, he’s a greater quarterback than Mariota, even at lower than 100%.
