Hey, Chris Simms – What’s wrong with you dude? Blog 22

Chris Simms’ Bias Against Jalen Hurts is Getting Old—And Obvious

By now, football fans—especially in Philadelphia—know to brace themselves whenever Chris Simms opens his mouth about Jalen Hurts. It’s not just criticism. It’s not even tough love. It’s something worse: a recurring, almost performative dismissal of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, as if Simms is clinging to a cold take long after it’s expired. The former failed NFL backup turned media analyst has carved out a niche for himself as the guy who simply doesn’t believe in Jalen Hurts. And at this point, it feels less like an analysis and more like an agenda.

Let’s rewind to some of Simms’ greatest misses. In 2022, Hurts was nowhere to be found on Simms’ Top 40 QB list—yes, 40. Simms somehow concluded that there were 40 quarterbacks better than a guy who would soon lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance and finish second in MVP voting. But Simms stuck to his guns, insisting Hurts was a “system quarterback” who benefitted from the talent around him, as if it’s a knock on a player to thrive in a well-run organization. That’s like criticizing a chef for cooking well in a clean, well-stocked kitchen.

When Hurts silenced most of his critics during the Eagles’ 14-3 2022 campaign, Simms didn’t budge. He doubled down, continuing to frame Hurts as more product than producer. Even after Hurts nearly outdueled Patrick Mahomes on the biggest stage in sports, Simms couldn’t muster much more than a reluctant head nod, wrapped in qualifiers.

And that’s the problem. Critique is part of sports media, and no player should be immune to it. But Simms’ takes on Hurts often lack substance and nuance. It’s not about footwork, or mechanics, or decision-making under pressure. It’s more often veiled as a general vibe: “He’s just not that guy,” Simms suggests—without ever being able to explain why he’s not, even after 3,000-yard seasons, 20+ passing touchdowns, and elite rushing production.

Simms seems to live in this imaginary football world where pocket passers from 2006 still reign supreme, and dual-threat quarterbacks are just elaborate decoys. It’s as if he can’t accept that Hurts’ style of play isn’t just viable in the modern NFL—it’s exemplary.

So what’s behind the hate? Is it football purism? Ego? A refusal to admit he got it wrong early and Hurts made him eat his words? Whatever it is, it’s not aging well. Hurts continues to prove his value as a leader, as a playmaker, and as a consistent winner. Meanwhile, Simms is stuck defending takes that are increasingly disconnected from reality.

Here’s a radical idea: maybe Jalen Hurts is good. Really good. Maybe he’s one of the most impactful quarterbacks in the league, both statistically and culturally. Maybe—just maybe—it’s time for Chris Simms to reevaluate, admit that he underestimated Hurts, and do what good analysts do: evolve.

Because right now, it’s not just that Simms is wrong. It’s that he seems determined to stay wrong, no matter how high Hurts flies. And that tells us more about Chris Simms than it does about Jalen Hurts.