Jalen Hurts recently found himself in the spotlight, and not just for his on-field performances. During a media availability session, five of the first seven questions directed at the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback centered around former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. In an intriguing revelation, Hurts disclosed that he has been in communication with masterminds like Martindale and the Eagles’ current defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, to better understand how defenses prepare for him.
Last season, the Eagles experienced a promising 10-1 start, only to hit a rough patch by losing six of their final seven games. The season concluded in disappointment with a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Undeterred, Hurts has taken proactive steps to improve his game by seeking insights from some of the league’s most respected defensive minds.
Seeking Insights
Hurts reached out to Martindale to get a sense of how the Giants game-planned against him. "I was just trying to pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things," Hurts explained. "I think it was more so for me trying to continue to pour into my cup in terms of knowledge, and I've had a lot of respect for what he's done."
This effort to gain perspectives isn’t limited to former adversaries. Hurts is also engaging with Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to deepen his understanding of defensive strategies and techniques. "I joked about the competitiveness between the two of us," Hurts said, "but having those conversations with him and seeing what certain techniques defensive backs are playing and what his intentions are behind each play, what's he trying to take away, where's he vulnerable at."
Gaining Knowledge
Hurts believes that such collaborations are invaluable in his quest to become a better quarterback and leader. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football," he noted. Hurts emphasized the importance of these interactions in his ongoing growth, not only as a player but also as a team leader.
The quarterback has shown that he is committed to using every possible resource to improve his game. "We've had a lot of success against him, and I think that was one we were trying to make a run, make a push, and I wanted to pour into my cup of knowledge, pick his brain, and get some things," said Hurts. His approach reflects a mature understanding of the game’s intricacies and the need for continual learning.
Respect for Mentors
The respect Hurts has for these defensive minds is mutual. "He's a very respectable person, actually a great person, a great coach and has a great mentality on how he goes about his business," Hurts said about Martindale. Such respect underscores the collaborative spirit that can exist even between competitors in the NFL.
Hurts’ respect for Fangio is equally evident. "This team is one of those teams that's going to do that, especially with the things that we've been able to experience," he said, indicating a shared vision and mutual respect within the Eagles' organization. The quarterback values these relationships and the perspectives they provide, seeing them as crucial in his development.
Moving Forward
Reflecting on the previous season’s challenges, Hurts acknowledges that it was a period of growth. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he admitted. By engaging with defensive experts and applying their insights, Hurts is determined to turn past hardships into future successes.
As Hurts continues to evolve, his embrace of knowledge and his commitment to growth emphasize the intangible qualities that define great quarterbacks. Armed with the wisdom of defensive strategists, Hurts is not just preparing for the upcoming season but is laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy in Philadelphia. His efforts to learn and adapt signify a forward-thinking approach that may well position him and the Eagles for greater accomplishments.
In a league where every edge matters, Jalen Hurts is proving that his drive to improve, both on and off the field, is unwavering. As he pours into his cup of knowledge, it’s clear that Hurts is setting the stage for a season of redemption and resurgence.