Jalen Hurts, the dynamic Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, recently found himself under the media's magnifying glass, not for his on-field performances, but for his engagement with defensive experts. During a recent media availability session, five of the first seven questions directed at Hurts involved former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
While the line of questioning may seem unusual, it highlights Hurts' relentless pursuit of growth and understanding. Last season, the Eagles started strong with a 10-1 record but faltered down the stretch, dropping six of their final seven games. Their season concluded with a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Reaching Out for Insights
In his off-season efforts to improve, Hurts has proactively reached out to defensive stalwarts like Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Hurts' decision to call Martindale, the former Giants' coordinator, was particularly telling of his commitment to understanding the game from all angles.
"I was just trying to pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things," Hurts explained. "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."
Such a move is indicative of Hurts' methodical approach towards his development. By conversing with Martindale, Hurts aimed to gain insights into the Giants' defensive game plan against him. Understanding the intricacies of such strategies can be a game-changer for a quarterback looking to refine his decision-making and on-field adjustments.
Engaging with Vic Fangio
Hurts hasn’t limited his learning to just past adversaries. He’s also actively engaging with his own team's defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio. By understanding Fangio’s strategies and techniques, Hurts aims to elevate his performance further.
"We've had a lot of success against him," Hurts noted, referring to facing Martindale. "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."
Through these interactions, Hurts is keen on gaining a holistic view of the game. He added, "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."
Applying the Knowledge
Hurts emphasizes that these conversations aren’t just for intellectual fulfillment; they are meant to be actionable. "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 said.
He believes these insights serve as valuable tools for his continuous development. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football," Hurts expressed.
Hurts is also acutely aware that the Eagles are a team that thrives on such learning experiences. "This team is one of those teams that's going to do that, especially with the things that we've been able to experience," he said. Reflecting on the past season, he noted, "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from."
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, Hurts' approach underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in professional sports. His willingness to seek knowledge from both inside and outside his organization reflects a leader dedicated to his craft, poised to elevate his game and his team.