Jalen Hurts found himself fielding a barrage of questions recently, not about his performance, but about a surprising connection with former New York Giants defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale. Five of the first seven queries directed at the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback during a media session revolved around Martindale, reflecting an intriguing twist in Hurts' journey to elevate his game.
Last season saw the Eagles soar to a promising 10-1 start, only to falter down the stretch, losing six of their final seven games. Their season concluded on a somber note with a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the aftermath, Hurts has taken an unconventional yet insightful approach to improve his performance, reaching out to defensive heavyweights like Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio.
In his quest for knowledge, Hurts personally contacted Martindale, seeking to understand how the Giants' defense had strategized against him. "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 explained.
This proactive approach underscores Hurts' commitment to honing his craft and evolving as an NFL quarterback. "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," Hurts reflected, offering a glimpse into his mindset.
Hurts' dialogue with Martindale wasn't merely about tactics and strategies; it was also a testament to his respect for the seasoned coach. "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 remarked. This relationship hints at how rich, cross-team discussions can nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of the game.
Adding to this, Hurts has also been in conversations with Vic Fangio, the Eagles' current defensive coordinator. By engaging in discussions with these defensive minds, Hurts is looking at football from a new perspective. "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," Hurts noted. These insights, according to him, serve as invaluable tools in his development, helping him to "play better football."
Hurts is evidently charting a deliberate path of growth. "We've had a lot of success against him, and I think that was one we were trying to make a run, make a push, and I wanted to pour into my cup of knowledge, pick his brain, and get some things," he revealed, emphasizing his earnest attempts to learn from every interaction and experience.
Reflecting on the previous season, Hurts considers it a pivotal learning phase. "This team is one of those teams that's going to do that, especially with the things that we've been able to experience," Hurts said, pointing to the development and lessons gleaned from both triumphs and tribulations. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from."
Jalen Hurts' blend of introspection and proactive learning paints a picture of a quarterback who is not just relying on innate talent but is willing to reach across aisle lines for the sake of improvement. His engagement with defensive masterminds reflects a strategic move to elevate his game and lead the Eagles with informed insight and sharpened skills. As Hurts continues this intellectual cross-training, the Philadelphia Eagles can expect a more seasoned and knowledgeable quarterback at the helm.