What is going on in Philadelphia? It is known as one of the best sports fandoms in the country, but it is also one of the most toxic. The Eagles are beloved, but their fan base also goes against them as one of the most nit-picking groups in the NFL. Pittsburgh has some similar aspects regarding self-criticism in the city they call home. One thing is for sure: Steelers fans would love this new trend.
Despite the Eagles winning nine games in a row, their fans have been vocal about benching Jalen Hurts, their star quarterback. He hasn't played a great statistical game since September, but you cannot fault him when your team is still winning games. They want to see their quarterback produce huge numbers, which hasn't happened in a while. They are growing tired of the excuses.
The Eagles have turned into a run-first offense, which has produced a lot of good things for them behind Saquon Barkley. That has put Hurts in the background of their attack, which has created a toxic environment for the team and their fanbase.
Hurts hasn't passed for 180 yards or more in a game since defeating the Commanders on November 14. Over the past three games, the Eagles' quarterback is averaging just 135 passing yards per game. In Week 13, Philadelphia narrowly defeated the bottom-dwelling Panthers — a game that required a fourth-quarter touchdown to reclaim the lead — as Hurts completed just 14 of 21 passes for 108 yards.
Because of the lackluster production and stagnant passing game, there are some unhinged Eagles fans who want Hurts benched. With the Steelers playing the Eagles in Week 15, Pittsburgh would love to have the backup step into play this matchup.
Former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett would be a disaster for the Eagles
In a video posted by Dov Kleiman on X talking to Eagles fans after their narrow win against a poor Panthers team, many blamed Hurts. Some were heard saying, 'Jalen Hurts is not the answer' while others stated, 'Hurts was balling out...sike! He didn't do anything.' They are putting most of the blame for the current offensive struggles on the quarterback, which is something most people turn towards first.
Don't expect the Eagles to bench Hurts for Kenny Pickett in Week 15 against the Steelers. This isn't happening.
Doing so would be one of the most egregious coaching decisions ever made in their franchise's history. Pittsburgh knows how bad Pickett is. He led one of the worst offenses during his season and a half of starting. Quite frankly, Pickett was one of the worst first-round busts that the Steelers ever drafted.
READ MORE: The Steagles: Remembering when the Steelers and Eagles merged during WW2
If Philadelphia were to bench Hurts for Pickett, they would quickly learn how much worse the former top pick is. It's not like he has gotten any prior starts for the Eagles, and there is a reason behind that. He isn't good at, well... anything. Pickett showed no improvement during his time with the Steelers, and his attitude after getting benched late last season only inflated a desire to move on.
Be careful what you wish for Eagles fans, Pickett is nowhere close to the quarterback Hurts is. Yes, he might not be the best quarterback in the league, but Hurts will keep Philadelphia in contention for the Super Bowl.
The Steelers have their work cut out for them in Week 15, but if the Eagles were to be foolish enough to start Pickett (they won't be), then Pittsburgh will be smiling ear to ear going into this game.