Jalen Hurts recently found himself in the spotlight as questions about former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale dominated a media session. Out of the first seven questions pitched to Hurts, five focused on Martindale, highlighting the intense scrutiny and curiosity surrounding Hurts' interactions with defensive masterminds.
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles stormed to a stellar 10-1 start but faltered down the stretch, losing six of their final seven games. This disappointing streak culminated in a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving Hurts and his team hungry for improvement and redemption.
Seeking Insights from the Defensive Elite
In his quest for growth, Hurts has been proactive, reaching out to prominent defensive figures like Wink Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Hurts contacted Martindale specifically to gain insights into 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," 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."
Hurts' dedication to learning from the best shows his commitment to improving his understanding of the game. "We've had a lot of success against him," Hurts noted, pointing out his eagerness to absorb Martindale's tactics. "I wanted to pour into my cup of knowledge, pick his brain, and get some things."
Martindale's respect and approach to his craft did not go unnoticed by Hurts. "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, emphasizing the value he places on Martindale's insights. Hurts humorously recalled their competitive spirit, "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."
Learning from the Past
As Hurts reflects on the Eagles' previous season, it’s clear that he views it as a period of growth. Despite the eagle's strong start, their late-season struggles provided critical lessons. "[It] was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he shared.
While Hurts continues his interactions with defensive experts, he remains firmly planted in the present and focused on the path ahead. "Sometimes I think people are only able to know what they understand. Sometimes people don't know what they don't know," Hurts philosophically noted. "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."
Applying the Knowledge
Hurts' diligent pursuit of knowledge is not just about understanding the opponent but also about enhancing his own game. "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 said. His engagement with Vic Fangio similarly highlights his commitment to evolving as a player and a leader.
The Eagles' quarterback is keen to ensure that what he learns from these seasoned defensive minds directly translates to better performance on the field. Hurts emphasized the practical applications of his newfound insights, aiming to elevate both his personal play and his team's overall strategies.
Looking back at his interactions and the lessons gleaned from the previous season, Hurts remains optimistic and driven. "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 asserted, maintaining a forward-looking perspective that signals his intent to build on past experiences and push towards greater success.
In summary, Jalen Hurts’ engagement with top defensive coordinators illustrates his relentless commitment to become a more formidable quarterback. His respect for coaches like Wink Martindale and Vic Fangio, coupled with a reflective yet forward-thinking attitude, positions Hurts as a player dedicated to continuous improvement and resilience. As the new season approaches, the fruits of his learning and introspection will undoubtedly be put to the test.