Jalen Hurts' Impressive Development: A Look at Eagles' Training Camp
Jalen Hurts showcased significant growth and resilience in the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp finale. Despite a marked interception, which broke an impressive streak, Hurts demonstrated he is poised for a breakout season.
Breaking the Streak
For the first 15 practices of the Eagles' camp, the defense notably struggled to get a takeaway from Hurts. The final day saw Darius Slay intercept a pass from Hurts, running 30 yards downfield and breaking the streak. Slay jokingly remarked, “He don’t like to talk to me when I pick him, but it’s okay, I’ll give him a hug and stuff.” He added with a grin, “Oh, I baited him. I know how to bait Hurts. I made him feel like he was gonna get a completion. I was like nah.”
Hurts took the setback in stride, acknowledging it as the lone interception of the camp and humorously noted, “I told him, ‘About time.’” This light-hearted attitude reflects Hurts' maturity and ability to stay focused despite minor setbacks.
Expanded Offensive Role
One notable development for Hurts during camp was his increased number of passes across the middle, a departure from the previous year’s pattern. This adjustment shows his willingness to adapt and grow, a trait Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized. Sirianni praised Hurts, stating, “I just feel like he's had an outstanding, outstanding camp… I'm really excited about where he is, just in complete control of the offense, delivering accurate balls, protecting the football.”
Learning from Last Season
Last season, Hurts had 20 turnovers, including 15 interceptions and five lost fumbles. However, he has shown clear signs of significant improvement in this camp. Hurts acknowledged his progress and physical well-being compared to the previous season marred by injuries, “I think I’m in a better place physically. Obviously, I had some nicks there throughout the year that I told you guys not to ask me about. But you deal with those things.”
Much of Hurts' development can be attributed to his adaptation to the significant changes in the Eagles' offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Two months ago, Hurts mentioned that 95% of the offense under Moore was new. Despite facing difficulties in minicamp during this period of transition, Hurts' performance in training camp demonstrated successful assimilation of the new strategies. “I think all of those things have made me better. They've made me reevaluate some things. They've allowed me to reassess. And I've been able to saturate myself in the right things,” Hurts reflected on his growth.
Positive Outlook
Darius Slay also noted the marked improvement in Hurts’ play, “The consistency. The way he prepares. The way that him, A.J., and all the guys communicate and try to get on time, I just see a different version of him this year.” Slay hopes this impressive form will carry into the regular season, “I'm hoping it turns into that when it's real.”
Nick Sirianni’s confidence in Hurts is clear, “Just what an unbelievable camp he’s had. I'm really excited for his year.” This sentiment captures the optimism surrounding Hurts and his potential to become a pivotal player for the Eagles.
Despite the interception on the final day, the overall outlook on Jalen Hurts' performance in training camp is overwhelmingly positive. Should Hurts' camp form persist into the regular season, he will have positioned himself as a player poised for a breakthrough, delivering leadership and skill to an evolving Eagles offense.