He is the best quarterback on the roster, but Nick Sirianni is not ready to name Jalen Hurts as the starter for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The first-year head coach is encouraging competition between Hurts, Joe Flacco, and Nick Mullens. Hurts recorded big plays during the first week of Eagles’ training camp. His teammates see the chemistry between him and DeVonta Smith, and the alumnus of Alabama/Oklahoma football made good decisions on the field.
Despite not connecting much at Alabama, Hurts is rebuilding the timing with Smith.
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner praised his quarterback’s leadership.
Eagles are seeing early chemistry between Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith so far in Training Camp#Eagles pic.twitter.com/hcFoaL372S
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) July 31, 2021
“Anything that we do in practice that we felt like we did not have a chance to get right, we go back and do it again,” Smith said on the work ethic between him and Hurts. “He is a great leader. That’s the type of guy you want leading the team.”
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Hurts, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, holds himself accountable to play at a high level. His slogan the “Rent is Due” has become a foundation to build the culture. Lane Johnson, Eagles’ offensive tackle, wore a hat with the slogan on it to practice.
According to Eliot Shorr-Parks, Eagles beat report for 94 WIP Sports Radio, Hurts completed 47 of 67 passes and totaled seven touchdowns (one rushing) to two interceptions last week. He completed 70.1 percent of his attempts and ended Friday’s session with four total scores (one rushing) with no picks.
Hurts has the potential to produce a breakout season, but he needs to find consistency. His leadership is there; however, the 2017 national champion has to continue growing as a precision passer.
Hurts is on the right track as the Eagles get into week two of camp.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
