Jalen Hurts is…Human

Quarterback is the most important position in sports. If you have the right guy, you have a chance to win every year. If you don’t have a good quarterback, you are lost in the wilderness. See the New York Jets for example. Because the position is so important it brings a lot of attention and a lot of scrutiny. Lamar Jackson wins MVP and still has his share of critics. Josh Allen does amazing things and still gets criticism for not winning big games. Terry Bradshaw won four Super Bowls and had people questioning him. As long as there have been QBs, there have been QB critics.

ESPN wrote a story on Jalen Hurts that went into some of his issues over the past two seasons. Some will see this as a hit piece. I wouldn’t go that far. It certainly leans negative, but does point out Hurts success and the challenging circumstances he’s had to deal with.

Here is a key paragraph.

He (Hurts) has pushed back on changes that would diversify the scheme, sources said, including when it comes to him going under center more. He has shown a reluctance to let it rip at times, particularly against zone coverage. He diverts from the game plan and changes playcalls to what some feel is an excessive degree. His strong preferences, coupled with the coaches’ efforts to play to his strengths, which include his deep-ball accuracy and throws to the perimeter, limit the breadth to which the offense can expand — or at least that’s the way it has gone in the past.

All QBs have preferences. They like doing things their way. Hurts calling plays he prefers is hardly groundbreaking news or something that only he does. The results kind of skew the story. If those plays work, Hurts is seen as having a feel for the game and being clutch. When the plays don’t work he’s hard to coach.

Jalen Hurts has played in two Super Bowls and he won one of them. He’s been nothing but a winner since coming to Philly. That doesn’t mean he’s immune to criticism. There are plenty of things he could do differently or better. When the Eagles win big, Hurts can point to that. When the team is less successful, especially the offense, the spotlight is on Hurts. Did he do enough for the team to win? The answer in too many games last season was no.

No one is asking Hurts to suddenly turn into Joe Montana. But he does need to be more consistent. Good Hurts can be really good. Then there are times when his accuracy is off or he bails too quickly from the pocket and throws the ball away. Hurts is good at making big plays. He needs to get better at moving the chains more consistently. The Eagles offense really struggled with 3 & outs last year.

In the past the run game set the offense up with favorable situations. That made things easier on the passing game. Because of the OL struggles last season the run game was a mess. That put pressure on Hurts to deliver as a passer. He didn’t handle that well. If you are going to be one of the best QBs in the league, you need to be able to step up when other parts of the offense aren’t at their best.

This season will be interesting for Hurts and the Eagles. If the OL is healthy and plays better, the run game should thrive. It might not be 2024 good, but should be near the top of the league. That will help Hurts in a big way. He will be learning a new offense and dealing with a new offensive coordinator. A lot of QBs have thrived in this offense. If Hurts fully buys in, it could help to bring out the best in him. If Hurts has issues with Sean Mannion and struggles, it will only add to the negative narratives about him.

Nick Sirianni says Hurts biggest strength is his willingness to do whatever it takes to win. Let’s hope Hurts sees the new staff and new offense as ways to help him and the team get back to the top. We might have some new narratives emerge. Or maybe a third Lombardi Trophy.

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The Eagles signed LB Chandler Martin this week. He was on the Ravens practice squad last season. Martin lacks ideal size at 6-0, 229, but he is a terrific athlete. The Eagles had interest in him coming out of college, but he went to Baltimore. Martin is depth and competition for the LBs.

Zero reason why Memphis LB Chandler Martin shouldn’t be at the NFL Combine.

Extremely explosive athlete at the position with the three down versatility to challenge for a starting role. Name to know in the LB class that has Top 100 love in the league⤵️ pic.twitter.com/YWF51bKPSF

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 11, 2025

You can see why the Eagles like Martin. His athleticism really jumps out. Interesting developmental prospect.

*****

Jeffrey Lurie spoke to the media on Tuesday. I don’t think he said anything too significant.

Lurie was asked about the stadium situation. He said the organization is studying other stadium projects, in the US and abroad. The goal is to come up with the best plan to deliver the best fan experience possible. Lurie said the team had an open mind in regard to everything. They could renovate Lincoln Financial Field. They could build a new stadium.

I thought Lurie’s comments on Nick Sirianni were interesting. He spoke very highly of his coach, focusing on all the success Sirianni has had. At the end of the day, that’s the key for coaches. Just win baby. Nick has the same number of Super Bowl wins as Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh and other highly regarded coaches. Sirianni isn’t as polished or slick as some others. He wins more games than press conferences. He can be stubborn with his support of his players and coaches, but that means a lot to them and is part of the reason he rates highly on surveys.

In a down season, the Eagles still won 11 games and the NFC East. I can remember the days when that was a great season. Both Sirianni and Hurts have become victims of their own success. The standard is now higher than ever.

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