The Philadelphia Eagles had some concerning reports surface regarding Jalen Hurts’ play during OTAs this spring. There were days when former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett outshined the Eagles QB1 as they learned new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s system.
Hurts, though, appears to have turned a corner at the start of training camp.
Hurts struggled at OTAs
As previously discussed on GH, Brooks Kubena with The Athletic wrote that Hurts was a turnover machine during a spring practice media was present.
While the Eagles QB2 is playing like a QB2, their QB1 isn’t playing like a QB1 one yet. Per Kubena, Hurts hasn’t completed “an explosive pass of significance” in the two practice sessions open to the media during OTAs in May. Worse, Hurts was picked multiple times on Thursday:
“In addition to the pick-six Hurts threw to Rodgers, Hurts was intercepted one other time during Thursday’s drills,” Kubena wrote. “He tried to force a crosser to A.J. Brown into a crowded middle. The ball was expectedly batted by several defenders until linebacker Zach Baun corralled it for an interception.
“Hurts did attempt a deep ball: Ringo, covering Parris Campbell tightly, jumped and deflected the challenge.”
Hurts didn’t have a great end to the 2023 season and postseason. This offseason, he faced scrutiny about everything from his passing abilities to his leadership skills. He’s performed better in July.
Hurts has no INTs through three Eagles practices
According to Tim McManus with ESPN, Hurts has not thrown an interception in training camp, and Moore praised his play through the first three practices:
“Hurts has been highly efficient through three training camp practices,” McManus wrote. “He has yet to throw an interception and has been largely accurate and on time with his throws.
“‘Jalen has been really smooth the first couple days,’ said offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. ‘He’s been excellent, just his operation. You can tell he’s just in command, he’s in control.’
“The highlight Saturday was a deep pass down the left seam from Hurts to receiver DeVonta Smith, who elevated to make the catch over corner Kelee Ringo.”
The Eagles have continued to invest in the weapons Hurts needs to be successful. They gave contract extensions to wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. They added explosive running back Saquon Barkley in free agency to provide the backfield even more for opposing defenses to key in on this season.
Now, it’s up to Hurts to deliver for The Eagkes when the games begin in September.
Jordan Sigler:
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