Jalen Hurts recently found himself fielding a barrage of questions focused on former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. During a media availability session, five of the first seven questions thrown at Hurts revolved around Martindale, underscoring the spotlight on Hurts' quest for defensive insights.
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to an impressive 10-1 start before hitting turbulence, losing six of their final seven games. The season culminated in a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving the team and its quarterback, Jalen Hurts, contemplating the lessons learned. In his pursuit of growth, Hurts has taken an unorthodox route by reaching out to defensive strategists, including Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio.
Hurts’ initiative to gain deeper insights into defensive intricacies stands out. He reached out to Martindale to understand how the Giants game-planned 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 complements his ongoing engagement with Fangio. By discussing defensive strategies and techniques with Fangio, Hurts is broadening his understanding of the game's defensive aspects. Hurts elaborated on these discussions: "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."
Understanding and Adapting
Hurts' commitment to enriching his football IQ is driven by his desire to enhance his performance and leadership on the field. "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 remarked thoughtfully.
The quarterback’s curiosity and respect for Martindale’s defensive mind reveal a player deeply invested in his growth journey. "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 said, admiringly. This respect is mirrored in his dialogues with Fangio, providing a comprehensive perspective on defensive tactics.
Building Towards the Future
Reflecting on the whirlwind of the previous season, Hurts sees the challenges as a developmental phase. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he acknowledged. The experiences from such phases, laden with victories and setbacks, serve as valuable lessons that Hurts is eager to implement moving forward.
Hurts’ mission to absorb and apply knowledge is a testament to his dedication to improvement. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football," he articulated. His blend of humility and ambition positions him as a leader keen on leveraging his learnings for overall team advancement.
The Forward-Looking Eagle
The Eagles, with their ups and downs, remain a team rallying around the lessons of their past and the promise of their future. Hurts encapsulates the spirit of this team, focused on using accumulated knowledge to rise. "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 stated with conviction.
As Hurts continues to evolve, his engagement with defensive masterminds like Martindale and Fangio highlights a young quarterback’s journey of understanding, learning, and applying. Hurts' intellectual curiosity and commitment to growth underscore his readiness to lead the Eagles with a refined and informed approach to the game.