Cam Newton threw a bombshell this week when he left out Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts from his top-10 quarterback rankings. This came just months after Hurts led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory and earned MVP honors.
The snub sparked heated debate across the NFL world, but the most passionate defense didn’t come from Philadelphia fans or Eagles teammates. Instead, it came from an unexpected source: Dallas Cowboys legend Dez Bryant, whose fierce rivalry with the Eagles made his support all the more striking.
Dez Bryant Praises Jalen Hurts’ IQ and Dual-Threat Impact
Bryant didn’t hold back when he took to X to defend Hurts, boldly declaring him “one of the top 5 QBs in the NFL.”
The former Cowboys receiver broke down exactly why he believes Hurts deserves elite recognition, focusing on the quarterback’s ability to elevate everyone around him.
“I think Jalen is one of the top 5 QBs in the National Football League. I believe the National Football League is looking for the Jalen Hurts type. Jalen has mastered how to operate the talent around him,” he wrote.
I think Jalen is one of the top 5 QBs in the National Football League. I believe the National Football League is looking for the Jalen Hurts type. Jalen has mastered how to operate the talent around him. Saquon Barkley became the best running back in the league because of Jalen… https://t.co/sJReSbFJs4
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) July 18, 2025
Bryant’s argument went deeper than just praise, as he detailed how Hurts’ dual-threat ability creates opportunities for his teammates that other quarterbacks simply can’t provide: “Saquon Barkley became the best running back in the league because of Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat ability. AJ and Devonta get one-on-one coverage a lot due to Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat ability.”
“The number one skill for a QB is their mind, to operate what’s asked of them. He’s doing it at a high level,” Dez noted.
What makes Bryant’s defense so compelling is the source. This is a Cowboys legend who spent years battling the Eagles in some of the most heated NFC East matchups.
When someone who faced Hurts as a division rival speaks with such conviction about his abilities, it carries extra weight.
Meanwhile, Newton’s stance on his “4th and 1” podcast offered a contrasting perspective. The former NFL MVP acknowledged Hurts’ talent but suggested his success stems largely from having an elite supporting cast and defense around him.
Newton pointed to quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson as examples of players who accomplished more with less help, reigniting the age-old debate about individual talent versus team support.
What Do Hurts’ 2024-25 Numbers Actually Show?
The statistics from Hurts’ 2024-25 campaign tell a compelling story that supports Bryant’s assessment. When you look at what Hurts accomplished on the field, it becomes clear why a former rival would speak so highly of his abilities.
According to NFL.com, Hurts threw for 2,903 yards while completing 68.7% of his passes during the regular season. He tossed 18 touchdown passes against just five interceptions, posting a passer rating of 103.7 that ranked among the league’s top 10.
However, Hurts’ rushing numbers reveal the true extent of his dual-threat impact. He carried the ball for 630 yards, ranking sixth among all quarterbacks in rushing yardage. More importantly, he found the end zone 14 times on the ground, leading all signal-callers in rushing touchdowns.
This combination of mobility and scoring ability forces defensive coordinators to account for multiple threats, creating the one-on-one matchups Bryant mentioned for receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
The pinnacle of Hurts’ season came during Super Bowl 59, where he silenced critics with a dominant performance. He earned MVP honors after throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns while adding 72 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
Philadelphia’s commanding 40-22 victory over their opponents showcased everything Bryant praised about Hurts’ ability to operate within the system and maximize his teammates’ potential.
Beyond the individual accolades, Hurts’ leadership resonated throughout the organization. Head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t mince words when responding to Newton’s critique, calling it “BS” while emphasizing Hurts’ professionalism, leadership qualities, and command of game situations.
The broader NFL community has also taken notice. Media analysts continue ranking Hurts among the top 10 quarterbacks heading into the 2025-26 season, with some even projecting him as a candidate for his first NFL MVP award. This recognition from neutral observers adds credibility to Bryant’s bold top-five claim.
Bryant’s passionate defense highlights how quarterback evaluation has evolved in today’s NFL. Where arm strength once dominated discussions, modern quarterbacks are measured by their decision-making, adaptability, and ability to elevate teammates.
By those standards, Hurts clearly belongs in elite company, making Newton’s omission all the more puzzling to supporters like Bryant.
