Jalen Hurts recently garnered attention for his off-field efforts to understand and improve his game, focusing specifically on insights from prominent defensive coordinators. During a media session, five of the first seven questions directed at the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback centered on former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
Reflecting on last season, where the Eagles managed a promising 10-1 start only to falter by losing six of their final seven games, Hurts is keen on learning from past performances. Their season's abrupt ending with a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has perhaps served as a catalyst for Hurts' exploration into defensive strategies.
Seeking Insights from the Best
Hurts's quest for improvement has led him to reach out to Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio. Understanding how opponents game-plan against him has become an essential part of Hurts' off-season regimen. The young quarterback's proactive approach highlights his commitment to developing a nuanced understanding of the game.
"I was just trying to pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things. 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," Hurts stated about his conversations with Martindale.
Knowledge and Respect
Hurts' respect for Martindale and Fangio is evident. "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 remarked, speaking of Martindale. This mutual respect underscores Hurts' broader strategy to not only learn but also to incorporate different perspectives into his game.
By connecting with defensive minds like Martindale and Fangio, Hurts aspires to understand the intricate techniques defensive backs employ and the intentions behind various defensive plays. "I joked about the competitiveness between the two of us, 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," Hurts explained.
A Strategic Approach
Hurts' interactions with these defensive coordinators are not merely for the sake of curiosity but are a strategic effort to enhance his football intelligence. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football," Hurts articulated. This insight-driven approach aims to refine his ability to lead and perform on the field.
The Eagles' quarterback recognizes the significance of the team's development phase last season. "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 noted, reflecting on how the challenges faced have fueled their growth.
Hurts emphasized the importance of learning from the team's past experiences to build a stronger future. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he commented, underlining his forward-thinking mindset.
The dedication Hurts shows in seeking knowledge from some of the most respected defensive minds in the game illustrates his drive to excel. It’s a proactive endeavor to transform past setbacks into future successes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the Eagles organization.