Is Hurts finally getting the respect he deserves?

After winning the NFC championship Sunday to bring the Eagles to their second Super Bowls in three seasons, head coach Nick Sirianni sent out a four-word message to silence anyone doubting Jalen Hurts.

"How 'bout our quarterback," Sirianni screeched.

Doubters have levied a lot of criticism toward Hurts throughout the season. Sure, Hurts' counting statistics are down - his 246-yard performance Sunday was only the second time in his last 12 full games that he eclipsed 240 passing yards. His statistical output is also not on par with top quarterbacks.

However, Hurts still had a good season. And if wins are a quarterback stat, then few passers have accomplished as much as Hurts over the last three seasons. As Sirianni constantly preaches, Hurts is a winner.

There's not a quarterback in the league who wins as much as Hurts and receives as much criticism locally and nationally. He's a remarkable 42-11 in games he's finished and started over the last three seasons. Yet the conversation surrounding the Eagles constantly revolves around whether they can win despite Hurts' deficiencies. It's time to change the dialogue. Philadelphia wins because of Hurts.

All great players have great talent around them. Hurts is penalized for it more than anyone else.

Yes, the league's best rushing attack, with Saquon Barkley running behind a dominant offensive line, has brought the Eagles this far, but Hurts is a part of that. He's not the passer Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen are, but his rushing ability adds a unique dynamic to the offense. The threat of him running - and utilizing run-pass-option plays - opens up the offense and makes Barkley's job easier.

Just because Hurts hasn't needed to showcase his arm talent, doesn't mean he can't. He posted a 110 passer rating in the championship game as his team scored 55 against the Washington Commanders.

Most impressively, Hurts hasn't turned the ball over since Nov. 10. He only threw five interceptions this season. However, protecting the football isn't as flashy as no-look passes or gigantic box scores.

Hurts has totaled 550 passing yards, 86 rushing yards, eight total touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the two most important games of his career thus far: Super Bowl LVII and last week's NFC Championship Game. He's also recorded a plus-70% completion percentage and an average passer rating greater than 105. Do those seem like good numbers? There's no reason to expect anything less in the next biggest game of his career Feb. 9.

The Eagles won't abandon their running game on the brightest stage, but Hurts will have to make plays through the air to compete with Mahomes' greatness, especially if the Chiefs take an early lead. Plus, Kansas City's pass defense is weaker than its rushing defense.

Oddsmakers have posted Hurts' passing yards prop at 199.5, a fair line since he's averaged 200 passing yards per game (playoffs included) and has gone over 199.5 in nine of 17 contests. His rushing total is 39.5, and he's -115 to find the end zone. Hurts, who scored the first touchdown in the Super Bowl two years ago, is +650 to be the first player to cross the pylon.

Surprisingly, bettors believe in Hurts in the big game. Roughly 75% of the bets and 55% of the money wagered is on Hurts to exceed his passing prop. The 2022 MVP finalist is +360 to win the Super Bowl MVP behind Mahomes (+105) and Barkley (+275).

As electric and essential as Barkley has been to Philadelphia's operation, if the Eagles hoist the trophy in New Orleans, it'll be because of that quarterback Sirianni keeps screaming about.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.