Jason Kelce on Jalen Hurts & Nick Sirianni’s Criticism as He Credits Saquon Barkley’s Dominance to Eagles QB
In a recent interview, Jason Kelce, the veteran center for the Philadelphia Eagles, addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the performances of quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni. Kelce, who has played a key role in the Eagles’ offensive line for years, weighed in on the criticism directed toward the pair while also offering praise for his team’s offensive leadership.
While the Eagles have had an undeniably successful season with Hurts under center, there have been moments when both the quarterback and Sirianni have faced scrutiny. Hurts, who has emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest stars, has experienced his share of criticism in some of the Eagles’ more challenging games. However, Kelce emphasized that Hurts’ development has been extraordinary, and that any criticism is often misinformed or shortsighted.
“I think Jalen Hurts is one of the best quarterbacks in this league. There’s no question about it,” Kelce stated. “The kid’s growth has been tremendous, and people tend to forget that. Every quarterback faces adversity, and Jalen has shown over and over again that he can rise to the occasion. I don’t think there’s anything to criticize right now.”
Kelce went on to defend Sirianni, who has also been the subject of some questioning by fans and analysts. Sirianni’s coaching style has been under the microscope, with some doubting his decision-making and playcalling. However, Kelce credits Sirianni for fostering a culture of growth and self-improvement in the Eagles’ locker room, which has been key to the team’s sustained success.
“Nick has been fantastic for this team,” Kelce remarked. “His leadership style isn’t about micromanaging; it’s about empowering his players. He gives us the confidence to make plays and trust ourselves on the field. We’ve all bought into the system, and I believe that’s why we’ve been so effective.”
The conversation then shifted toward the impressive performances of running back Saquon Barkley, who has been the focal point of the New York Giants’ offense this season. Kelce, a fan of Barkley’s abilities, made an interesting comparison by crediting Hurts for Barkley’s success, especially in terms of how elite quarterbacks impact the broader NFL landscape.
“I’ve said it before—quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts are one of the reasons players like Saquon Barkley can thrive,” Kelce explained. “When you have an explosive quarterback who can command the attention of defenses, it opens up opportunities for everyone else. A strong quarterback takes the pressure off running backs and gives them the space to work their magic. That’s exactly what we’ve seen with Barkley in New York.”
This statement added an interesting perspective on the interconnected nature of the NFL offense. Kelce believes that strong quarterback play doesn’t only affect the quarterback himself but also provides opportunities for other skill players, such as running backs, to excel. In his view, Hurts’ ability to stretch defenses has undoubtedly played a role in helping opposing running backs, like Barkley, gain the freedom to shine.
As the Eagles prepare for their next series of games, Kelce’s comments underscore the importance of unity within the team. Both Hurts and Sirianni have faced their fair share of criticisms, but Kelce believes that their leadership and growth, alongside the team’s collaborative efforts, will propel the Eagles forward in their pursuit of a Super Bowl championship.
In the end, Kelce’s message was clear: It’s not just about individual talent, but the entire team working together toward common goals. His faith in his teammates and coaching staff reflects the resilience and strength of the Philadelphia Eagles, who continue to fight for greatness with each passing week.
