Jalen Hurts has recently been a focus of media attention, where discussions about his interactions with former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale have taken center stage. During a recent media availability session, five out of the first seven questions directed at the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback centered around Martindale.
Martindale, who has a reputation for being a defensive mastermind, was a critical point of interest for Hurts. Reflecting on the previous season, the Eagles’ 10-1 start gave way to a troubling conclusion, losing six of their final seven games, and culminating in a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his pursuit of improvement, Hurts has reached out to influential figures in defense, such as Martindale and the Eagles' current defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. By contacting the former Giants' coordinator, Hurts sought to gain insight into how New York prepared to counter his gameplay. "I was just trying to pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things," Hurts remarked. "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."
The determined young quarterback continues to engage with Fangio, seeking to understand defensive strategies and techniques from an expert perspective. Hurts aims to apply this accumulated knowledge to improve his leadership and quarterback skills. His thirst for understanding is evident in his discussions with Martindale about defensive back techniques and the intentions behind defensive plays. "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," he stated.
Hurts' commitment to growth and development as a player stems from a clear understanding of the realities and challenges he faces. "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 articulated. His realistic approach underlines his focus on tangible improvements and results.
Hurts' interactions with Martindale reveal a deep respect for the defensive coach. "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. This mutual respect has facilitated a valuable exchange of knowledge, aiding Hurts in his quest to enhance his own gameplay.
With an eye toward future success, Hurts is utilizing every opportunity to learn from the experiences of the past season. "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 reflected. Despite the setbacks, he views the experiences as developmental opportunities. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," he commented.
Hurts' dedication to his craft and his proactive approach to learning from defensive experts signal a promising trajectory for his future. By integrating the insights from Martindale and Fangio, Hurts aims to elevate his game and lead the Eagles to new heights. As he applies these lessons, the knowledge he gains becomes an invaluable tool for his continual development and the overall success of the team. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football," Hurts explained.
The narrative of Hurts as a quarterback is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, marked by a willingness to seek wisdom from all corners. This season, his efforts to blend offensive prowess with defensive insights could well be the key to transforming the Eagles' fortunes and making them a formidable team once again.