Hurts Shows Growth Amid Changes in Eagles' Training Camp
Jalen Hurts showcased substantial growth and resilience during the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp finale. Despite a marked interception by cornerback Darius Slay, the overall outlook on Hurts' progression remains overwhelmingly positive.
Throughout the camp, Hurts demonstrated an ability to maintain control of the ball, a stark contrast to the regular season where he experienced 20 turnovers, including 15 interceptions and five lost fumbles. For the first 15 practices, the Eagles' defense notably struggled to take the ball away from Hurts. This streak was broken on the final day when Slay intercepted a pass and dashed 30 yards downfield.
"He don’t like to talk to me when I pick him, but it’s okay, I’ll give him a hug and stuff," Slay jokingly commented. "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."
Despite this interception, Hurts took it in stride, reflecting on it as the lone interception of the camp. "I told him, 'About time,'" Hurts said, demonstrating his resilience and ability to stay positive.
Nick Sirianni, Eagles head coach, commended Hurts’ progress throughout the training camp. "I just feel like he's had an outstanding, outstanding camp," Sirianni praised. "I'm really excited about where he is, just in complete control of the offense, delivering accurate balls, protecting the football."
Hurts' confidence and physical condition also appear improved. "I think I’m in a better place physically," he acknowledged. "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."
One of the significant challenges Hurts faced was adapting to the new offensive scheme brought in by Kellen Moore, the Eagles' new offensive coordinator. Two months ago, Hurts noted that 95% of the Eagles offense under Moore was new. This adjustment proved difficult during minicamp, yet Hurts diligently assimilated the new strategies, performance in training camp reflecting this effort. "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 explained.
Darius Slay, who witnessed Hurts' evolution firsthand, emphasized the quarterback's determination and consistency. "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 observed. "I'm hoping it turns into that when it's real."
Sirianni echoed this sentiment, noting Hurts' control over the offense and accuracy. "Just what an unbelievable camp he’s had. I'm really excited for his year," Sirianni stated, underscoring the high expectations for Hurts as the season approaches.
Hurts' ability to throw across the middle more frequently than the previous year signifies not only his improved skill set but also his comfort with the revamped offensive playbook. Should this form persist into the regular season, Hurts will have firmly positioned himself as a pivotal player poised for a breakout year.
In summary, Jalen Hurts’ performance in the Eagles' training camp has been impressive, demonstrating marked growth, resilience, and an ability to adapt to significant changes. Despite a single interception on the final day, the overall outlook remains positive, with high hopes for his upcoming season. As Slay aptly put it, "I'm hoping it turns into that when it's real."