In the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp finale, Jalen Hurts displayed remarkable growth and resilience despite ending a notable interception-free streak. Throughout the first 15 practices, the Eagles' defense had struggled to force a turnover from Hurts. On the final day, however, veteran cornerback Darius Slay intercepted a pass and sprinted 30 yards downfield, ending Hurts' impressive run.
Reflecting on the interception, Hurts acknowledged it as the lone misstep in an otherwise stellar camp. "I told him, ‘About time,’" Hurts remarked post-practice, displaying a positive outlook amid the setback. This attitude underscores the progress Hurts has made, not just technically but also mentally.
Defensive Challenge and Growth
Slay's interception was a rare achievement against Hurts, highlighting the challenges the defense faced throughout camp. “He don’t like to talk to me when I pick him, but it’s okay, I’ll give him a hug and stuff,” Slay said, playfully. The cornerback explained how he executed the play: “Oh, I baited him. I know how to bait Hurts. I made him feel like he was gonna get a completion. I was like, nah.” This camaraderie and competitive spirit have been a significant factor in pushing Hurts to his current level.
Offensive Scheme Adaptation
One of the pivotal aspects of Hurts' progress has been his adaptation to the Eagles' new offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Through an offense that Hurts estimated to be 95% new, he faced challenges during minicamp but eventually demonstrated successful assimilation of the strategies. This adaptability was a critical component of his strong performance in training camp.
“The consistency. The way he prepares. The way that him, A.J., and all the guys communicate and try to get on time, I just see a different version of him this year,” Slay noted. This transformation is not just about picking up new plays, but also about establishing seamless communication and timing with his teammates.
A Resilient Mindset
Head Coach Nick Sirianni praised Hurts’ development, highlighting his control and decision-making. “I just feel like he's had an outstanding, outstanding camp,” Sirianni said. “I'm really excited about where he is, just in complete control of the offense, delivering accurate balls, protecting the football.” This level of control and accuracy had been evident as Hurts avoided interceptions in 15 straight practices.
Hurts himself attributes much of his improvement to being in a better physical place after dealing with injuries last season. “I think I’m in a better place physically,” Hurts admitted. “Obviously, I had some nicks there throughout the year that I told you guys not to ask me about. But you deal with those things.” His physical well-being has contributed significantly to his confidence and performance.
Looking Forward
For the 2023 season, Hurts had 20 turnovers, including 15 interceptions and five lost fumbles. These statistics underline the importance of his current trajectory and preparation. The final day's interception does not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive outlook on Hurts’ performance through the camp. “Just what an unbelievable camp he’s had. I'm really excited for his year,” Sirianni added, emphasizing the high expectations for Hurts as the regular season looms.
Hurts’ performance in training camp not only showcases his resilience and adaptability but also sets a promising stage for his potential breakout year. “I think all of those things have made me better. They've made me reevaluate some things. They've allowed me to reassess. And I've been able to saturate myself in the right things,” Hurts reflected. These insights, along with his hard work and commitment, signal that he is poised to make a significant impact.
The interactions and feedback from teammates and coaches alike bolster this expectation. Slay summed it up well with his hope: “I'm hoping it turns into that when it's real.” If Hurts can carry his camp form into the regular season, the Eagles will find themselves with a quarterback who not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set for him.