Jalen Hurts recently found himself under a spotlight for his interactions with former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. During a media availability session, five of the first seven questions directed at Hurts focused on Martindale, bringing attention to his dialogue with the seasoned defensive mastermind.
Last season saw the Philadelphia Eagles start strong with a 10-1 record, only to falter and drop six of their final seven games. The Eagles' efforts culminated in a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the disappointing end, Hurts has taken steps to learn and grow from the experience, showcasing his commitment to improving his game.
Seeking Knowledge from Defensive Minds
Determined to refine his skills and understanding of the game, Hurts reached out to defenses led by experts like Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio. In his quest for knowledge, Hurts expressed his respect for what Martindale has accomplished, stating, "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."
This proactive approach to seeking advice is emblematic of Hurts' dedication to his craft. He even called the former Giants coordinator to comprehend how New York game-planned against him, aiming to gain valuable insight into defensive strategies and techniques. Hurts mentioned, "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."
Building on Insights
Hurts values these conversations not only for the tactical information they provide but also for the development they offer in understanding the defensive perspectives. "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, underscoring the mutual respect between player and coach.
The Eagles quarterback emphasized the importance of these interactions in his growth process, highlighting the competitive edge they bring. "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," he noted. Such insights are crucial tools for Hurts as he continues to develop his game.
For Hurts, every bit of knowledge he gathers is a stepping stone towards playing better football. "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, reinforcing his commitment to leveraging every bit of information he collects.
The Path Forward
Reflecting on the previous season, Hurts sees value in every challenge the team faced. "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 remarked, highlighting the resilience and learning that comes from encountering setbacks.
The seasoned quarterback remains optimistic about the future, drawing lessons from the past to fuel future successes. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he concluded. Hurts' dedication to growth and his proactive approach to understanding the game underscore his potential as a leader and a quarterback, signaling promising days ahead for both him and the Eagles.