Former Teammate Vonta Leach Criticizes David Carr for Suggesting Eagles Bench Jalen Hurts
David Carr, the inaugural draft pick in Texans history and the team’s starting quarterback for its first five years, has recently faced criticism. As an NFL Network analyst, Carr suggested on Tuesday that the Philadelphia Eagles should temporarily bench their front-runner for MVP, Jalen Hurts, in favor of Marcus Mariota.
Carr stirred controversy by proposing that the Eagles allow Marcus Mariota to play until Jalen Hurts fully recovers from a knee injury that has plagued him throughout the season. Vonta Leach, a former teammate of Carr’s with the Houston Texans, joined the chorus of critics.
Carr emphasized that Hurts, dealing with a lingering knee issue, could benefit from time off to ensure he is fully healthy for the playoffs, where he can showcase his dual-threat capabilities. Hurts had to leave a recent game for a concussion check but returned to finish a 42-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
During Tuesday’s NFL Total Access, Carr questioned Hurts’ ability to read defenses in drop-back passing situations and suggested a “serious conversation” about playing Mariota until Hurts is 100 percent healthy. Carr stated,
“It’s clear that Jalen isn’t comfortable reading through a defense in a drop-back pass scenario. Some would argue he’s not even good at it. When you look at this team, Philly needs to have a serious conversation and ask, ‘Is it better for us to play Marcus Mariota right now and let Jalen get fully healthy?'”
In response to Carr’s comments, former Texans All-Pro fullback Vonta Leach took to social media to remind Carr of their time together in Houston, writing,
“Hey Carr, you are the QB who did not know plays when I played for the Houston Texans. Short memory huh!!!!”
Carr later clarified his remarks on Wednesday, stating that Hurts is one of the best players in the league, but the Eagles need him healthy to have a chance at winning a Super Bowl.”
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