Jalen Hurts showcased remarkable growth and resilience during the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp finale, impressing both fans and coaches despite a noted interception. This was the first turnover Hurts had committed over the 15 practices, a testament to his improved accuracy and decision-making. The streak was broken by cornerback Darius Slay, who intercepted a pass from Hurts and raced 30 yards downfield. Reflecting on the interception, Hurts acknowledged it as the lone blemish on an otherwise flawless training camp run.
Hurts had thrown across the middle more frequently than in previous years, a sign of his growing confidence and command of the offense. Head coach Nick Sirianni, who praised Hurts’ progression, stated, “I just feel like he's had an outstanding, outstanding camp.” Sirianni's sentiment was echoed across the team, underscoring the high expectations placed on Hurts for the upcoming season.
The defense's struggle to get a takeaway from Hurts during the camp was noteworthy. Hurts had successfully avoided interceptions, showcasing a level of precision that had been often scrutinized in his earlier seasons. Despite the defense’s difficulties, it was on the final day that Slay's interception drew attention. Slay humorously commented, “He don’t like to talk to me when I pick him, but it’s okay, I’ll give him a hug and stuff.” His playful demeanor highlighted the camaraderie amidst the competition.
Slay also noted, “Oh, I baited him. I know how to bait Hurts. I made him feel like he was gonna get a completion. I was like nah.” Hurts’ own response to the interception was one of acceptance and determination, saying, “I told him, ‘About time.’” Such exchanges exemplify the spirited yet supportive nature of the team’s dynamics.
Hurts’ performance has been particularly commendable given his 20 turnovers during the 2023 season, which included 15 interceptions and five lost fumbles. His ability to reflect on past seasons and adapt has been crucial. “I think I’m in a better place physically,” Hurts said, referencing the injuries he dealt with last season. “Obviously, I had some nicks there throughout the year that I told you guys not to ask me about. But you deal with those things.”
A New Offensive Scheme
The 2023 training camp was notable for another reason: the significant changes in the Eagles' offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Hurts had mentioned that 95% of the Eagles' offense was new two months prior, underscoring the scale of the transition. The adjustments initially posed challenges during minicamp, yet Hurts’ performance in training camp suggests successful assimilation of the new strategies. “I think all of those things have made me better. They've made me reevaluate some things. They've allowed me to reassess. And I've been able to saturate myself in the right things,” Hurts reflected.
Sirianni’s optimism about Hurts’ future was palpable. “I'm really excited about where he is, just in complete control of the offense, delivering accurate balls, protecting the football,” he said. The head coach’s praise was not reserved, describing the camp as “unbelievable” for Hurts.
Poised for a Breakout Year
Darius Slay reiterated the sentiment, observing a transformation in Hurts this year. “The consistency. The way he prepares. The way that him, A.J., and all the guys communicate and try to get on time, I just see a different version of him this year,” he stated. Slay’s hopes are high for Hurts as the season approaches, commenting, “I'm hoping it turns into that when it's real.”
Should Hurts’ training camp form persist into the regular season, he is positioned to be a pivotal player for the Eagles, potentially marking a breakout year. Despite the final day’s interception, the overall outlook on Hurts’ performance remains overwhelmingly positive, signaling a hopeful future for both the player and the team.