Jalen Hurts has emerged as one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL, particularly after his impressive journey to becoming the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Yet, this season has presented a different narrative, as he and the Philadelphia Eagles struggle to find their rhythm on the offensive end. While Hurts’ individual statistics show potential, the overall performance leaves fans and analysts questioning: What’s wrong with Jalen Hurts?
The Numbers Tell a Story
As of recent games, Jalen Hurts has accumulated 11 total touchdowns—seven through the air and four on the ground. On the surface, these figures seem commendable. His completion percentage stands around 67% and he’s on track to achieve approximately 3,500 yards from scrimmage. This is indicative of the dual-threat quarterback talent that Hurts possesses. However, a closer inspection reveals key issues.
Hurts is averaging just 177.8 passing yards per game, and his 6.4 yards per attempt put him in the company of quarterbacks who have had inconsistent performances, such as Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa. This is not where one would expect a quarterback of Hurts’ caliber to be positioned. While the absence of interceptions highlights a cautious approach, it raises concerns about his ability to stretch the field. For context, Hurts currently has fewer air yards than even a struggling veteran like Joe Flacco, which points to a larger problem in the Eagles’ offensive strategy.
The Broader Team Dynamic
The collective struggles of the Eagles’ offense may reflect more than Hurts’ individual performance. The coaching strategies employed by offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo appear to restrict Hurts from takings full advantages of his skills. A more downfield-centric attack could play to Hurts’ strengths, especially with dynamic weapons like A.J. Brown on the roster. Additionally, the running game needs to be more effective. A consistent ground threat, like Saquon Barkley, would force defenses to respect both aspects of the Eagles’ offense, consequently providing Hurts with more opportunities.
The current lack of rushing effectiveness makes it easier for defenses to focus solely on limiting Hurts and the passing attack. Without the necessary balance, Hurts finds himself confined to short and safe throws, leading to a stagnant offensive performance.
What Needs to Change?
To revitalize his game and the Eagles’ offense, several adjustments could be pursued:
Implement a Downfield Passing Game: Encouraging Hurts to take shots downfield can open up the offense. The Eagles must prioritize vertical routes to make defenses respect the deep ball, allowing for better spacing and opportunities underneath.
Enhanced Play-Action Usage: Leveraging Hurts’ mobility and strong arm with more play-action calls can exploit defensive alignments. Effective deception will keep defenses guessing and create favorable matchups.
Strengthening the Running Game: The offensive line and running back committee must find a way to reestablish a potent rushing attack. Establishing a ground game can alleviate some pressure off Hurts, enabling more opportunities for big plays.
Utilize Hurts’ Mobility: Incorporating more designed quarterback runs could provide a dual-threat element that defenses are forced to account for. Allowing Hurts to exploit defenses with his legs will also create passing windows as defenders scramble to contain him.
- Encouraging Risk-Taking: While avoiding turnovers is important, a balance must be struck between caution and aggression. Hurts must be encouraged to assess risks effectively and make stronger throws, particularly on second and third down.
In Conclusion
The narrative surrounding Jalen Hurts has shifted from one of promise to one of concern in a matter of games. In a league that demands adaptability and progression, Hurts must address the limitations of his game, particularly under the umbrella of the Eagles’ offense. While he remains a formidable talent with the potential to lead Philadelphia back to the Super Bowl, his current trajectory cannot sustain if the issues persist.
The Eagles’ coaching staff must also adapt their strategies to unleash Hurts’ full potential. Only then can the team hope to regain their footing and revitalize the dynamic play that led them to success in previous seasons. For Hurts, the path ahead requires not just self-reflection but a concerted effort from the entire franchise to build an offense that leverages his unique skill set. The Philadelphia Eagles’ season may hinge on these changes, and fans are eager to see if Hurts can bounce back to his MVP-caliber form.
