Jalen Hurts took some time during his media availability on Wednesday to answer questions surrounding the reports of frustration from within the Eagles‘ organization directed at him.
According to Diana Russini of The Athletic, multiple offensive players have become frustrated with Hurts’ approach this season, as the quarterback has relied on checkdowns and scrambles instead of firing into tight windows and taking shots downfield.
Veteran Eagles reporter Derrick Gunn had more, saying that Hurts tends to play “his game” rather than what is being discussed on film and during practices by the coaching staff. This is not only frustrating for the coaches, but also for the other offensive players when they see what was available to them after watching the film. It’s not just AJ Brown anymore who is voicing his concerns, with the Birds’ star receiver being targeted even less than usual this season.
However, Hurts took a calm and logical approach to the questions, attempting to calm the storm surrounding him. Despite the Eagles’ conservative offensive approach, Philadelphia is 8-2 this season and boasts the best record in the NFC, giving them control of their playoff destiny.
Eagles’ Signal-Caller Not Shying Away From Accountability
The longtime Eagles quarterback mentioned that he has not been approached by anybody inside the organization about the mounting frustrations. At the same time, he said that he was not surprised by the reports and that it comes with the territory.
Hurts stated during his press conference, “I’m not surprised by anything. This is kind of the nature of the position. But I put my energy and my focus on trying to go out there and do my best and trying to learn, trying to build, trying to take in the things that I can to try and improve.”
Hurts has taken a positive approach to the reports, as he continues to focus on playing his best, while also explaining that there will always be attention on a starting quarterback, particularly on a contending team like the Eagles. His ability to navigate this internal situation could impact the Eagles’ prospects of repeating as Super Bowl champions in February.
He continued, “I guess I get a lot of attention when things are going well and when things are not going so well. I never run away from holding myself accountable, and I think that’s exactly what I’ve taken the approach of doing.”
Hurts’ Approach Limits Mistakes, But Also Eagles’ Upside
A year after having a prolific offense led by Saquon Barkley’s 2000-plus yard season on the ground and the threat of the big play through the air, this year’s Eagles’ offense has greatly struggled. The statistics paint a great picture.
Philadelphia ranks 25th in total yards with 300.1 yards per game, 28th in passing yards (184.9 per game), and 29th in third-down conversion rate, completing just 33.87% of third downs. After averaging 179.3 rushing yards per game behind Barkley last season (2nd in the NFL), this year’s outfit is averaging just 115.2 yards per game on the ground.
On the flip side, the Eagles are a very opportunistic red zone offense, converting 75% of their trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line, and even more importantly, have a league-low four turnovers.
With the defense playing extremely well, Philadelphia has escaped fellow NFC contenders in back-to-back weeks, defeating the Green Bay Packers 10-7 on Monday Night Football before knocking off the Detroit Lions 16-9 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP has completed 66.9% of his throws this year, throwing 16 touchdowns while having been intercepted just once. Yet Hurts has been held under 200 yards passing six times this season, most recently against both the Packers and Lions.
Hurts concluded, “Ultimately, it’s about how you navigate what’s in front of you and how you respond to these things. I think the response is more important than anything. It’s about pushing forward; it’s about finding ways to grow.
He may need to take his own advice, as well as that of his teammates and coaching staff, as the Eagles’ season may come to an end earlier than fans and players would like if the offense cannot find another gear come January.
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