Recently, Jalen Hurts found himself the subject of intense media questioning, specifically related to former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. During a media availability session, it was clear that Martindale's influence on Hurts had become a focal point, with five of the first seven questions directed at understanding this relationship.
Reflecting on last season, the Philadelphia Eagles faced a tumultuous journey. They started strong with a 10-1 record but stumbled towards the end, losing six of their final seven games. Their season ultimately culminated in a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite these challenges, Hurts has remained steadfast in his pursuit of growth and improvement as a quarterback.
Gaining Insights from Defensive Minds
A part of Hurts' strategy for improvement involves seeking knowledge from some of the NFL's most respected defensive minds. He has reached out to both Wink Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, to gain insights into defensive strategies. Hurts' goal in speaking with Martindale was to understand how the Giants game-planned against him, offering a unique perspective that could enhance his own performance on the field.
"I was just trying to pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things," Hurts shared. "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."
Respect and Competitiveness
Hurts' respect for Martindale is palpable, but their conversations revealed a competitive edge as well. "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. The quarterback also noted the competitiveness between them, a testament to the high-powered nature of their professional relationship.
"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 explained. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football."
Learning from Experience
The guidance and insights from both Martindale and Fangio have not only provided Hurts with specific strategic knowledge but have also aided in his overall development as a player and leader. "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," Hurts mentioned.
This thirst for knowledge and self-improvement is central to Hurts’ approach to the game. "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 observed, underscoring his grounded and thoughtful approach to the sport.
Moving Forward with Determination
Despite the setbacks of the previous season, Hurts remains focused on applying the extensive knowledge he has gathered to achieve success in the future. "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 confidently stated. His determination is also evident when he reflects on the season's end: "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 challenges ahead, Hurts' proactive approach to learning from the past and engaging with some of the brightest minds in defensive strategy bodes well for both his personal growth and the team's prospects. By continually seeking to enhance his understanding and refining his skills, Hurts exemplifies the mindset of a player committed to excellence and leadership on and off the field.