Jalen Hurts recently found himself in the spotlight, facing a barrage of questions about former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. During a media availability session, Hurts was asked about Martindale in five of the first seven questions, highlighting the significant interest in the dynamic between the quarterback and the defensive mastermind.
Last season, the Eagles had an impressive 10-1 start but faltered down the stretch, losing six of their final seven games. Their season ultimately ended in disappointment with a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reflecting on the highs and lows, Hurts has taken proactive steps to improve, reaching out to defensive strategists like Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, for insights.
Picking the Defensive Mind
Hurts called the former Giants' coordinator to understand how New York 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," Hurts explained. "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."
Engaging with these defensive experts offers Hurts a broader perspective on strategies and techniques. "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," Hurts candidly shared. The quarterback's inquisitive nature and willingness to learn are pivotal traits in his journey toward becoming a more proficient leader and player.
Learning from the Best
Recognizing the importance of understanding the other side of the ball, Hurts has also been in discussions with Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. These conversations are not only about gaining tactical knowledge but also understanding the mindset and intentions behind 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 revealed.
The process of gaining perspectives from esteemed defensive coaches serves as an invaluable tool for Hurts. "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 emphasized. This analytical approach is helping him identify defensive vulnerabilities and capitalize on them in future games.
Committed to Growth
Hurts' commitment to self-improvement extends beyond acquiring knowledge; it’s also about applying it effectively on the field. "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, underlining the importance of staying grounded and focused.
Reflecting on the past season, Hurts acknowledged the lessons learned. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he stated. The experiences, both triumphs and setbacks, have collectively contributed to his growth as a quarterback.
Moreover, Hurts recognizes the role of his team in this journey. "This team is one of those teams that's going to do that, especially with the things that we've been able to experience," Hurts noted, highlighting the collective effort required for sustained success.
Ultimately, Hurts' persistent pursuit of knowledge and engagement with defensive experts exemplify his dedication to excellence. His eagerness to learn from the best and apply those lessons on the field speaks volumes about his commitment to the sport and his team. As the new season approaches, Hurts’ refined understanding of defensive strategies may well prove to be a vital asset for the Eagles.