Jalen Hurts, the young and talented quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, has been making waves not just on the field but also off it. Recently, he found himself in the limelight as questions about former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale dominated a media availability session. No fewer than five of the first seven questions directed at Hurts revolved around Martindale.
It's an intriguing scenario, especially given the Eagles’ roller-coaster season last year. They commenced with a promising 10-1 start but faltered drastically, losing six of their final seven games. The season culminated in a disappointing wild card playoff loss to Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Such a finish left many questions lingering, not least in Hurts' mind.
Seeking Wisdom From Defensive Minds
In his quest to improve and understand the game from various perspectives, Hurts reached out to some of the finest defensive strategists in the NFL. Notably, he contacted Wink Martindale, who was the Giants' defensive coordinator at the time, and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio.
Hurts' call to Martindale was particularly enlightening. He sought to "pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things." For Hurts, it was about "trying to continue to pour into my cup in terms of knowledge." This speaks volumes about his relentless pursuit of excellence and constant drive to grow as a leader and player.
Learning From Adversity
Reflecting on last season's downturn, Hurts has shown a mature understanding of the importance of learning from harsh realities. "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," he remarked.
Hurts' conversations with Martindale were not just about gleaning insights but were also a testament to his respect for the coach. "I've had a lot of respect for what he's done. 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," he added.
Applying New Knowledge
The young quarterback is not content with merely gathering information. He is determined to apply the knowledge he has amassed, particularly from discussions with Martindale and Fangio. "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.
This holistic approach to understanding the game, both from his own offensive standpoint and from the defensive point of view, provides Hurts with "an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football."
Future Focus
Hurts acknowledges the past season's difficulties but views them as an opportunity for growth. "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, pointing to the collective resilience and adaptability of the Eagles. The previous season was "a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from."
As Jalen Hurts continues to strive for excellence, his willingness to learn and adapt sets a shining example for his teammates. His proactive approach in seeking wisdom from defensive minds like Martindale and Fangio, combined with his dedication to applying this knowledge, underscores his commitment to elevating his game. The road ahead might be challenging, but Hurts is clearly equipped with the mindset and tools to navigate it effectively.