Jalen Hurts has recently found himself under the media's microscope, but not for the typical reasons you might expect. Questions swirled around his engagement with defensive minds, notably former New York Giants defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale. During a media availability session, an overwhelming five of the first seven questions directed at Hurts focused on Martindale.
Last season saw the Eagles soar high with a 10-1 start, only to experience a dramatic downturn, losing six of their final seven games. Their season ultimately ended with a wildcard playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This stark contrast in performance has evidently pushed Hurts to seek out insights from defensively astute minds like Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio.
Learning from Defensive Experts
Hurts' proactive approach included reaching out directly to Martindale to gain an in-depth understanding 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. 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 explained.
This consultation was not just a cursory chat; it was a deep dive into the strategic intricacies from one of the most respected defensive minds in the game. Hurts has shown an unwavering focus on improving not only his on-field performance but also his overall football IQ. "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," he elaborated.
Similarly, Hurts has been engaging with Vic Fangio, known for his defensive acumen, to gain further perspectives on defensive strategies and techniques. His commitment to understanding every facet of the game underlines his drive and determination to elevate his own play and the Eagles' prospects.
The Quest for Mastery
Hurts' pursuit of excellence is evident in his reasons for these learning engagements. "Sometimes I think people are only able to know what they understand. Sometimes people don't know what they don't know. But in that regard, I think where we are is you have reports and you have rumors and then you have reality. We're in reality right now," Hurts remarked, offering a glimpse into his philosophical approach to the game.
The process extends beyond simple strategy. According to Hurts, the discussions include understanding the intentions behind defensive plays and recognizing the vulnerabilities that can be exploited. "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 shared.
Building for the Future
There's an air of optimism and readiness around Hurts as he integrates these insights into his gameplay. Every piece of information, he believes, is a tool for his development. "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 stated.
Hurts' enthusiasm extends to his views on the team's progression. Reflecting on the previous season and its lessons, he commented, "This team is one of those teams that's going to do that, especially with the things that we've been able to experience." The Eagles' turbulent season, according to Hurts, was a phase of growth and learning. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he concluded.
In essence, Jalen Hurts is not just resting on his laurels or lamenting past performances. Instead, he is actively seeking wisdom from notable defensive minds to refine his own approach and leadership. By understanding the game from a defensive perspective, Hurts aims to transform himself into a more formidable and strategic quarterback, embodying the spirit of continuous improvement.