Former NFL quarterback David Carr faced backlash on Tuesday night after suggesting that the Philadelphia Eagles should bench star quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles suffered a humiliating 42-19 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers, marking their second loss of the season. While the team still holds the best record in the league, experts have raised concerns about issues that could hinder their chances of a successful playoff run.
One of the major concerns revolves around Hurts’ health. Throughout the season, the 25-year-old has been struggling with a lingering knee injury, which has impacted his ability to run efficiently compared to last season. Carr, appearing on NFL Total Access, recommended that the Eagles rest Hurts by benching him.
He went a step further by suggesting that Marcus Mariota, Hurts’ backup, could be better at reading defenses. Carr stated: “Clearly, Jalen isn’t comfortable reading through a defense in a drop-back pass scenario. Some would say he’s not even good at it. I’d say he’s probably better at playing quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles right now. He would be more productive.”
“I’d say he’s probably better at playing quarterback for the Philadelphia @Eagles, right now he’d be more productive.”@DCarr8 emphasizes Marcus Mariota should be the QB1 over Jalen Hurts. 😳 pic.twitter.com/rGgp6WZjIG
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) December 6, 2023
Carr was accused of making racist comments
Carr’s comments did not sit well with many on X, including members of the media who called him out for his remarks. Some accused Carr of perpetuating the racist stereotype that black players are not intelligent enough to play certain positions, including quarterback. This harmful belief has plagued the NFL throughout the 20th century, as noted by Shannon Sharpe.
The backlash against Carr’s comments highlights the sensitivity surrounding racial stereotypes in sports. It is crucial to recognize that intelligence and skill are not determined by race but by individual abilities and experiences. Criticizing a player’s performance should focus on their skills and performance rather than reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Hurts’ struggles with reading defenses may be a valid concern when evaluating his performance, but it is essential to approach this critique without perpetuating harmful narratives. The ability to read defenses is a crucial skill for any quarterback, regardless of their race. By framing the discussion in this way, we can have a more productive conversation about Hurts’ performance and potential improvements.
After vigorously defending his mediocre brother, David Carr has decided to go the weird route.
Saying Jalen Hurts can’t read a defense is not only clownish, but taps into a stereotype. https://t.co/KIXeTwtcQY
— TequilaBiggs (@TequilaBiggs) December 6, 2023
