Jalen Hurts has been under the microscope ever since leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance just over a year ago. Despite that impressive run, the quarterback has faced no shortage of criticism from the NFL community—criticism that many believe is unwarranted.

Enter Troy Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback and current Monday Night Football commentator, who recently came to Hurts' defense. Speaking on ESPN's Get Up, Aikman made it clear he has full confidence in the young signal-caller. "I think there will be more asked of Jalen Hurts—working the middle of the field, lining up under center more in the play-action game," Aikman said. "That's an offense I'm a big believer in. And I believe Jalen can do anything he's asked to do."

Aikman's vote of confidence comes at a crucial time for Hurts, who is entering a pivotal season. The Eagles boast one of the most talented rosters in the league, and expectations are sky-high. But not everyone is sold on Hurts' ability to take the next step as a passer.

According to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane, some doubters even lurk within the Eagles' own organization. McLane spoke with a team source earlier this spring who didn't mince words: "He knows the cat's out on some of his bag. You got to be able to produce. You can't be near the bottom of the league in passing two years in a row with the amount of talent we have. It's not acceptable. And it's everybody saying it—from [owner] Jeffrey [Lurie] on down."

Despite those internal whispers, reports indicate that Lurie and Hurts still share a strong working relationship. For every critic, there's a believer like Aikman—and Hurts has proven time and again that he thrives when the stakes are highest.

As the Eagles gear up for another run, all eyes will be on Hurts to see if he can silence the doubters once and for all. If Aikman's instincts are right, the best is yet to come.