Despite most NFL stories in early August revolving around the preseason and contract negotiations, the ongoing debate around Jalen Hurts' status in the quarterback hierarchy has captivated fans and the national media.
It's a manufactured conversation thanks to a dormant time in the sports calendar, but the fact that it's lasted weeks is a testament to just how polarizing the 27-year-old has become.
With Hurts not just hoisting the Lombardi Trophy but also arguably playing the best game of his career en route to the Super Bowl victory, there's understandably a rush from some to propel him into the top tier of signal callers throughout the league.
"First Things First" host Kevin Wildes falls in that camp, who took to X to make a hilarious defense of the two-time Pro Bowler.
"24 days until kickoff," Wildes wrote. "Today, dozens of the world's best quarterbacks wake up early, hit the gym, study tape, and spend time away from their families so that come February, the blood, sweat, and tears all pay off and they can finally have a resume slightly worse than Jalen Hurts."
The Hurts detraction is incredibly simple: he has by far the best supporting cast in the league, and is often tasked with being a game manager.
Even the heroic championship performance came against the Chiefs' pass defense, which ranked 20th in EPA during a contest that was never really in doubt.
At some point, context has to matter, and Hurts' squad has to be given immense credit for propping him up to the point where he's even in these discussions.