Jalen Hurts has recently found himself in the spotlight, not for his on-field exploits, but for his off-field intellectual pursuits. In a scenario that underscores his commitment to improving as a quarterback, Hurts has been engaging with some of the NFL’s most noted defensive minds.
Hurts, the Eagles' quarterback, has been notably reaching out to former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The reasons behind these connections stem from Hurts' desire to understand the defensive game plan from those who have meticulously prepared against him.
Diving Deep into Defensive Insights
During a recent media availability session, five out of the first seven questions directed at Hurts focused on Martindale. This attention is not surprising given Hurts' proactive approach to learning and improving his craft. Reflecting on his interaction with Martindale, Hurts remarked, "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’ pursuit of understanding goes beyond surface-level inquiries. His conversations with Martindale have delved deeply into defensive strategies, vulnerabilities, and the nuances of defensive back techniques. Hurts explained, "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."
Learning from the Past
The context around Hurts' efforts includes a reflection on a challenging finish to the last season for the Eagles. The team started strong with a 10-1 record but faltered towards the end, losing six of their final seven games. Their season ultimately culminated in a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Against this backdrop, Hurts’ commitment to learning and improving is particularly significant.
Hurts shared his views on the reality of such situations, stating, "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."
Focusing on Growth
Hurts’ interactions are not limited to Martindale. He regularly engages with Vic Fangio, the Eagles’ current defensive coordinator, to gain insights from within his own organization. This continuous pursuit of knowledge exemplifies Hurts’ dedication to becoming a better leader and player. "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 observed.
Additionally, Hurts spoke highly of Martindale, both as a coach and a person. "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. This respect underscores the depth of the relationship they share, beyond mere professional curiosity.
Looking Ahead
The lessons Hurts has learned and the insights he has gathered are not just about understanding defenses but also about evolving his approach and strategy. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he remarked, reflecting on the past season.
In a league where the difference between victory and defeat often hinges on the smallest of details, Hurts’ proactive approach to learning from defensive maestros like Martindale and Fangio could prove invaluable. Hurts is determined to apply this accumulated knowledge to lead the Eagles efficiently and effectively, aiming to turn the lessons of last season into a platform for future success. As he builds on these insights, the young quarterback’s journey promises to be as intriguing off the field as it is on it.