We’re not fans of the “anonymous coach source,” but we recognize it as a sometimes necessary journalistic tool. But is it “necessary” – or even accurate – when it comes to ripping Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts?
“Jalen’s footwork was sloppy at times last year,” a rival quarterback coach told Heavy, when asked about where Hurts needs to get better. “But, the scheme and entire offense were so bland last season, (former Eagles offensive coordinator) Brian Johnson really struggled, too.”
It is true that Hurts in a sense regressed in 2023 from where he’d been. But in fairness, where he’d been was at the highest of highs. His 2022 campaign saw Hurts play his way into the MVP conversation as he guided the Eagles to a Super Bowl. Was that all a fluke? That’s an accusation that makes little sense.
Hurts’ interception total went from six to 15. Was that all “footwork” and “scheme”? If it’s footwork, it’s easily fixable … given that nobody much questioned that aspect of his game when he was bidding for the MVP trophy. If it’s scheme? Well, Johnson has been replaced by former Dallas Cowboys coordinator Kellen Moore, so that should be that. To Hurts’ credit, he is talking a great deal about what he needs to fix.
“First thing that you do, you look yourself in the mirror and you look at what you could have been better at, how you could have led better, how you could have executed better, and those are all of the things that internally light a fire in me,” he said. “You do everything in your power to self-reflect and control what you can and learn from it. That’s my No. 1 desire, to learn from everything and be the best I can be moving forward for everyone in this locker room and in this building.” That’s a powerful quote. No anonymity needed.
