The Weight of Expectations on Philadelphia’s Franchise QB
The name everyone in the league knows carries a level of pressure only a few players ever truly experience. Being the starting quarterback for the Eagles, you aren’t just a player; you are the image of the franchise, the face of the city, and the focal point of every expectation, every conversation, and every hope. This season, Philadelphia’s quarterback finds himself under a spotlight that feels hotter than ever. This has resulted in fans and analysts asking the same inevitable question: Is Jalen Hurts doing enough?
In fairness, the demands placed on Hurts are enormous. While he is not only expected to perform at a high level, he must also elevate the offense even when they are lacking rhythm at times. With the endless amount of injuries the Eagles have faced this year, they have relied heavily on their quarterback, as most would. Even with all the weight on his shoulders, he still leads with poise, toughness, and the unshakeable demeanor that has earned him the respect of his teammates.
Sadly enough, the expectation in Philadelphia isn’t about being respected; it is about winning. With coming off a Super Bowl win this past season, fans expect this team to be able to handle anything that may interfere with their game. Still, when the offense struggles, even briefly, the criticism is immediate. Some drives have looked stagnant, with decision-making appearing rushed or windows closing too quickly. At times, the offense has leaned too heavily on Hurts' ability to improvise rather than operate within structure, a sign not of his shortcomings, but of the weight he’s being asked to carry.
With Hurts having to play without key playmakers such as A.J. Brown, Cam Jurgens, Azeez Ojulari, and many more throughout the season, protection and plays have been inconsistent. This type of context matters when trying to decipher if Hurts is doing enough for his team or not. He has been forced to make adjustments, with new lineups and compensating for the absence of players who normally help define the offense’s identity, but he never backed down. Despite the challenges, Hurts has shown up ready to compete in every aspect of the game, delivering key plays, keeping the offense competitive, and maintaining the emotional stability the team needs.
In the end, the expectations placed on Philadelphia’s quarterback will always exceed what most players around the league ever face. That comes with the territory of leading a team with championship standards and a fanbase that refuses to settle for anything less. Even through inconsistency, injuries, and constant pressure, Hurts has remained the steady anchor of this offense, refusing to back down or give up. Whether he is doing “enough” depends on who you ask, but one thing is undeniable: he has kept this team fighting, competitive, and believing. With the season entering its defining stretch, the Eagles will go as far as Hurts can carry them, a challenge he has never shied away from.
