Jalen Hurts is one of the most polarizing players in recent college football history. While he led Alabama to a national championship last season, his time at Oklahoma left fans sour and critics wondering if they made the wrong choice by selecting him over Kyler Murray.
Jalen Hurts’ Fatal Flaw Was Put on Full Display During the Eagles’ Embarrassing Playoff Loss. Read more in detail here: jalen hurts.
Jalen Hurts, the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, was widely panned for most of last season. On the one hand, he labored like a conventional quarterback to move the ball through the air. On the other side, he’d established himself as the cornerstone of the Eagles’ new run-first approach, which they’d introduced midway through the season.
Hurts concluded the regular season with a passer rating of 22nd and a quarterback rating (QBR) of 19th, both below average by all reports and criteria. The Eagles did, however, earn a wild-card berth, and Hurts finished the season with over 700 running yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. It’s difficult to claim Hurts’ approach didn’t succeed since it did.
During the Eagles’ first-round playoff defeat, Jalen Hurts’ fatal fault was revealed.
It’s a smart idea to rework your whole offense in the middle of the season to highlight your QB’s strengths and disguise his flaws… However, if a defense discovers those flaws and gains a lead, that flaw best not be your pass game or you’re toast.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 16, 2022
As the season progressed, public opinion of Hurts began to shift in a more favorable direction. With solid efforts against the Washington Football Team and the New York Giants at the end of the season, he helped the Eagles earn the No. 7 seed.
When it came time to really play in the postseason against a decent team, though, all of Hurts’ concerns about his lack of an arm surfaced.
Hurts struggled mightily in his first professional playoff game, albeit against a decimated Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. He had two interceptions, a 60.0 passer rating, and a completion percentage in the low 50s towards the end of the day. Throughout the day, he missed many open receivers, never giving the Eagles an opportunity to rally after falling down 17-0 early.
The Eagles didn’t score until the fourth quarter, when the Buccaneers began to use more prevent-based coverages in an effort to run out the time.
Hurts put in a dismal performance, and the focus has already shifted back to his lack of arm talent. It’s the main reason he was knocked out in the second round in 2020, and it’s the main reason why so many pundits and fans still distrust him. No one can deny that his sprinting talent is exceptional. His ability to throw the ball, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired – a crucial skill given he plays quarterback.
Is it possible for the Eagles to win in the long run by playing this type of football?
#Eagles will finish the season with an 0-7 record against playoff teams.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 16, 2022
The Eagles were 2-5 when they switched offensive ideas and became a run-first football club, and supporters were yearning for some kind of change. At Lincoln Financial Field, chants of “run the ball” were becoming more common, and most supporters were pleased to see head coach Nick Sirianni follow their advise.
While the team’s extensive running resulted in a 7-3 season, one has to ask whether it’s still a viable approach to win football games in today’s NFL. Take a look at the NFL playoff picture: every club left is constructed around a quarterback who can push the ball downfield when necessary.
It would also be foolhardy to overlook the importance of the Eagles’ 2021 schedule in all of this. They concluded the season with a streak of non-playoff opponents due to their last-place schedule. In fact, the Eagles went the whole season without defeating a playoff club. They went 0-7 versus teams that advanced to the playoffs this season.
Clearly, their run-first approach, headed by Jalen Hurts, wasn’t working against the NFL’s best teams.
What is Jalen Hurts’ next step?
Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images/Jalen Hurts
Because of his charming nature and team-first approach, Jalen Hurts has a large following in Philadelphia. When it comes to stopping him, though, the cat is out of the bag. Anyone who claims differently is living in denial.
During his two-year NFL career, Hurts hasn’t defeated a single good club, and he hasn’t beaten any good teams with his arm. His victories have been built on an obsession with rushing the ball, which isn’t a feasible strategy in 2022. It’s a passing league, after all.
Can Hurts make significant strides in his growth and improve as a passer this offseason? Maybe. It would be a mistake to dismiss a 23-year-old. However, it’s difficult to see the Eagles repeating their success next season. They’ll face a more difficult timetable, and the plan for halting Hurts is becoming more evident.
When you force him to throw, horrible things seem to happen to Philly. It’s the main reason the Eagles were humiliated on the road last weekend.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
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- 2017 nfl playoff bracket
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