
As NFL training camp is still on its way, fans of the game have kept themselves occupied with viral online debates, one of which includes the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
As Hurts enters his sixth season in the NFL, it’s clear he’s putting together an impressive resume that can battle current and former quarterbacks who thrived at the position. Recently, fans have been debating Hurts and the former Carolina Panthers star, Cam Newton.
The conversation got to the outspoken former NFL linebacker, Will Compton, who would confidently take the latter quarterback over the Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP.
“I think it’s Cam Newton,” said Compton.
“They’re both great. Jalen Hurts is a great player. Cam Newton is somebody that you had to gameplan for. When you’re playing the Carolina Panthers, it’s this team runs through Cam Newton. It runs through jersey No. 1. You would have to do everything around Cam Newton.”
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Newton certainly wasn’t the first mobile quarterback to threaten defenses in the league, but he was a different build compared to a quickster like Mike Vick. Newton possessed the speed to beat defenders, but had the strength of a fullback.
Plus, he didn’t always have to rely on his wheels. Through his first eight seasons with the Panthers, Newton threw for over 3,000 yards each year. He averaged 23 touchdowns in the air per season in 123 games. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and won the NFL‘s MVP award in 2015 after throwing 35 touchdowns and rushing for 10 more, while racking up 636 yards on the ground.
Compton’s main argument was that the Panthers would rely solely on Newton’s playmaking to win games, lacking the same elite talent the Eagles have surrounded Hurts with.
“Carolina had great players on their team too, but I’m telling you, the entire pulse, the entire game plan was around Cam Newton,” Compton said from his personal experience.
While Compton sides with Newton when it comes to this debate, the former NFL linebacker made it clear that he’s not slighting Hurts in any way.
“Jalen is a stud,” Compton finished. “He’s a great player. I like him.”
Hurts was close to winning the NFL‘s MVP award in 2022. After throwing for 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while rushing for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns, he came second in MVP voting. Hurts wasn’t back in the MVP conversation for the following two seasons, but help land the Eagles back in the Super Bowl in 2024.
When the season was all said and done, Hurts and the Eagles were crowned champions. The Eagles’ quarterback was named the Super Bowl MVP, a nod that only Hurts has in this debate. More time in the NFL could help Hurts change the minds of those who would take the other side. For now, Compton believes Newton has the upper hand.
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