You know how Philly loves a good sports debate, right? Whether it’s arguing over the best cheesesteak (Pat’s or Geno’s?) or discussing which Eagles player deserves the most love. But every now and then, something comes along that takes the conversation beyond just stats and ranking. Something that taps into the heart of what makes sports so special: camaraderie, belief, and the bond that brings teams together. That’s exactly what happened when DeVonta Smith made waves with a bold statement about his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, while contradicting a former teammate.
No, it’s not your typical praise. The receiver said something that challenges how people view elite quarterbacks in the league–and that’s got everyone talking. But before we get to what he said, let’s take a step back and look at why this moment matters so much. Hurts has been on a journey, a rise to greatness that hasn’t always been smooth. Despite leading Philly to Super Bowl glory and earning MVP honors there, he still faces skepticism from some corners of the football world. And that’s where Smith steps in–not just as a teammate but as someone who knows Hurts better than most.
During his appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony, Smith didn’t hold back when discussing Hurts’ place among the league’s best. “I mean, Slay said The Big Four. For me, it’s The Big Five, and Jalen’s in that five,” he stated confidently. “To me, it’s The Big Five. I don’t think it’s A Big Four.” Smith said it with so much conviction, you could practically hear the Philly fans nodding in agreement.
Wholesome: DeVonta Smith puts Jalen Hurts in the ‘Big 5’ of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
“For me it’s the big 5.”
Smith and Hurts have an unbreakable bond pic.twitter.com/Ym6v3PichG
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 20, 2025
Days before Smith’s declaration, Darius Slay sparked debate by naming Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes as the top quarterbacks, leaving out Hurts entirely. He did acknowledge his oversight on his podcast, stating that he respects Hurts and considers him like a brother. But when it came to the Big Four signal-callers of the league, Slay snubbed Hurts.
As for Smith and Hurts, they go way back to their Alabama days, where they built something special long before they were tearing it up in Philly. They have been through it all together: the grind, the wins, and even the moments where people doubted them. So when Smith says Hurts belongs in the Big Five, he’s not just throwing out a hot take; he’s speaking from experience. But Hurts wasn’t the only one to grab Smith’s attention on the podcast.
DeVonta Smith spills the beans about Nick Sirianni’s ears for fans
Now, fans would love this even more. Who doesn’t know the crowd that gathers at Lincoln Financial Field? They are some of the most passionate in the league, and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to expressing their opinion. So while they cheer for a touchdown, they also let the team know when things aren’t going well. You can bet the players hear every word. But here’s what is interesting: head coach Nick Sirianni actually listens to those chants when everyone goes wrong.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni works the sideline against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, 2025. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY SBP20250209179 JOHNNYxANGELILLO
Smith explained in the context of the passing game. When it isn’t clicking, the fans start chanting, “Run the ball!” You can just picture this scene–Eagles fans in full force, calling for a ground game as if it’s a sacred rite. And Sirianni is “over there like, ‘I hear you, I’m going to run the damn ball’.” It’s almost like he is having a playful argument with the fans right there on the sidelines. And you know what? When they start chanting like that, they usually get what they want. “He listens to them and he runs the ball,” Smith explained.
What’s even more entertaining is how this quirky habit has become part of their game plan. For Smith and his teammates, it’s not just noise; it’s a signal that they need to adjust their strategy. And depending on how solid of a run game they have, it opens up so many more options for passing later on. That’s how Philly does it and it works pretty well.
The post DeVonta Smith Makes a Bold Claim About Jalen Hurts After Eagles WR Revealed Nick Sirianni’s Quirky Habit appeared first on EssentiallySports.