Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons clarified that his comments about making Jalen Hurts “play quarterback” were not intended to question the Philadelphia Eagles star’s ability as a passer. Simmons explained that Tennessee’s defensive plan centered on keeping Hurts inside the pocket and preventing him from extending plays with his legs.
“He’s a Super Bowl MVP. That wasn’t a shot at Jalen,” Simmons said, according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport. “The thing was if we can keep him contained in the pocket and eliminate him from making plays running, we’d have a chance at being successful.”
The strategy made sense considering Hurts’ ability to create explosive plays when protection breaks down. He rushed for 46 yards in Philadelphia’s season-opening
win over Washington and has consistently punished defenses with designed runs and scrambles.
Tennessee limited Hurts to 16 rushing yards Sunday and twice intercepted him. The Titans also held a 20-17 lead with less than two minutes remaining.
Hurts ultimately beat Tennessee from the pocket.
Operating without a timeout, he completed 6 of 8 passes for 61 yards during a nine-play, 65-yard drive. Hurts connected with DeVonta Smith for 19 yards before finding Darius Cooper for the winning 3-yard touchdown with nine seconds remaining.
#Titans Jeffery Simmons explained what he meant by saying make Jalen Hurts play QB: He's a Super Bowl MVP. That wasn't a shot at Jalen. The thing was if we can keep him contained in the pocket and eliminate him from making plays running, we'd have a chance at being successful. pic.twitter.com/za5mB0kOtB
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 20, 2026
Hurts finished 26-of-37 passing for 264 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Philadelphia’s 24-20 victory. He completed passes to nine different receivers. Simmons’ clarification provided important context for a pregame comment some interpreted as criticism. Tennessee wanted to remove one of Hurts’ greatest strengths and force him to win from the pocket. The Titans largely executed that plan, but Hurts still delivered when Philadelphia placed the game in his hands.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jeffery Simmons clarifies his ‘make Jalen Hurts play QB’ comment
