Fortunately for NFL fans, the Philadelphia Eagles are just getting started. With quarterback Jalen Hurts under center, they’re at the vanguard of a rapidly changing offensive ecosystem. Hurts’ mix of elusive running and revisionist passing make him an MVP catalyst for the Eagles. He’s scored three rushing touchdowns, which has him ranked first among all quarterbacks. Despite considerable adverse pressure from opposing defenses, he has showed bounce-back ability and flexibility to adjust with the game situation on the turf.
Hurts—as he’s done the last two weeks—relied on that mobility heavily. This far-reaching strategy has provided the Eagles with a steady dose of high-leverage yards to stretch the chains and keep games out of reach. His success in the past has featured 24 total snaps lined up under center—all 23 of those have been rushing plays. This kind of approach typically includes quarterback sneaks, a tactic that’s been a game-changer in tense moments.
Hurts has been the target of extreme defensive units this season. He’s getting blitzed at the sixth-highest rate in the league, with defenses bringing the heat 27.6% of the time. He’s gone for the jugular on the attack this year. Most impressively, he has taken very few losses, going down just three times.
Specifically, Hurts has only tried three passes over 25 yards downfield. He went on to successfully complete two of them. And now, of course, is the humble brag … He’s second in the league in completion percentage— an eye-popping 75.6%. Further, his completion percentage is 9.4% above expected, ranking fifth among all quarterbacks. These stats underscore his impressive control over any given game’s circumstances, all while facing defensive adversity.
Hurts went on to explain, “My job is to go out there and be the general. I’m orchestrating everything and ultimately making plays.” He pointed to his leadership role on the team.
Hurts has produced gaudy efficiency numbers through the first two games of the season. Now you appreciate that he still hasn’t thrown a passing touchdown yet. He remains critical of his performance and recognizes the need for growth, stating, “I’m very critical of myself of trying to make the most of what’s given to us… there’s definitely some evolution that we can do.”
Beyond his passing and running statistics, the Eagles have illustrated a devotion to protecting the dang football. Hurts has come through with his own close-calls victories over Dallas and Kansas City in the takeaways department, a factor that helped clinch both wins. This commitment to ball security resonates with the Eagles strategic creativity and discipline.
Evans, who is currently serving as Hurts’ fifth playcaller, pointed out that it’s essential to be effective while working against the clock. If you take a step back overall, if you start comparing efficiency to pressure, I think we did an awesome job. This feeling speaks perfectly to the direction the Eagles are changing their offensive paradigms on a week-to-week, just-about suspension of traditionalities basis.
As the Eagles try to figure out their new normal without DeAndre Swift, it’s important to stay in sync with one another. How we run things is huge when you speak on … the timing,” continued Hurts. That’s key when we discuss that dynamic too, being aligned so there’s no ambiguity.
The Eagles have found a way to win the time of possession battle in each of the two games played so far. While working on their offensive chemistry, this ability to dictate game flow has helped them get by. And Hurts’ meticulous decision-making as a passer is the key to the whole approach.
Leave a Reply