Chiefs Know Challenges of Facing Jalen Hurts, Even if Chris Simms Doesn't
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Chris Simms may not want to hear this, but the Kansas City Chiefs actually respect Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Wednesday morning's media availability at the Chiefs' hotel with the players was filled with talk about defending Hurts, a stark contrast to Simms saying on radio row here at Super Bowl LVII that “playing QB for the Eagles right now is set up to be one of the easier QB jobs in the sport.”
Simms validated his point as best as he possibly could by mentioning the Eagles weapons that surround the quarterback as well as one of the game's best offensive line.
Still, it's demeaning to show such little respect for a player in Hurts who is 16-1 as a starter and looking to join Joe Montana in 1984 as the only QBs to go 17-1 and win a Super Bowl in the same season.
The NBC analyst has dissed the Eagles QB every chance he gets.
The Chiefs, who will play the Eagles on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, not so much when it comes to Hurts.
In fact, not at all.
They know that limiting Hurts is the key to winning their second Super Bowl since 2019.
“There are so many things he can do,” said KC defensive tackle Chris Jones. “He’s shown you how good he is this year. I think he only lost one game and has dominated from the beginning to the end. He’s been very efficient with his legs, not only his arm, so we have to find a way to contain him.
“It’s going to be hard, especially if we turn our backs as linebackers in man, it will be hard to stop him.”
Hurts has run for 15 touchdowns this year, something no other QB has done. Factor in his playoff numbers and he has thrown for nearly 4,000 yards.
"If you slip up, he can make you pay with his legs, his arm, anyway he can," said LB Willie Gay. "We just have to approach it as he’s a weapon. This week we know he’s a big key for us. We have to slow him down."
Hurts' is a talented dual threat in everybody’s opinion, except for Simms’ apparently.
“You have to account for all 11 guys with this team,” said defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. “It’s easier when you’re playing an immobile quarterback and you only have to account for 10 guys and him throwing the ball, but when you have a guy who can throw but also take off and run it, that’s what makes it a little more difficult.
“Those are challenges you have with athletic quarterbacks. You have to come up with a game plan to get it slowed down.”
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Ed Kracz is the publisher of SI.com’s Fan Nation Eagles Today and co-host of the Eagles Unfiltered Podcast. Check out the latest Eagles news at www.SI.com/NFL/Eagles or www.eaglesmaven.com and please follow him on Twitter: @kracze.
