Former NFL MVP Cam Newton Excludes Eagles QB Jalen Hurts From Top 10 Rankings

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton sparked controversy by excluding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts from his top 10 NFL quarterbacks list, citing the overwhelming talent surrounding Hurts as a factor that makes it difficult to assess his individual impact. Newton argued that with elite teammates like AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, a strong tight end, a dominant defense, and the league's best running back, Hurts doesn't need to play at an elite level for the Eagles to win. This stance led to significant backlash from fans and analysts who highlighted Hurts' dual-threat ability, his two Super Bowl appearances, and recent championship victory, asserting that Hurts has proven himself as an elite quarterback despite the supporting cast. Critics also pointed out Newton's own limited Super Bowl experience and questioned whether rivalry or jealousy might influence his judgment. The debate reflects ongoing discussions about the extent to which surrounding talent should factor into evaluating quarterback performance, with Newton favoring players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen who, in his view, must carry their teams more independently. Despite the criticism, Newton maintained his position, emphasizing that Hurts only needs to play well, not elite, to lead his team to victory.