If Friday’s preseason game meant anything to Eagles fans, Jalen Hurts is about to have a breakout season.
He was in charge of one drive versus the New York Jets, and he was perfect. Hurts completed all six of his pass attempts, displaying accuracy on short, intermediate, and deep throws. He took Philadelphia’s offense downfield for an 80-yard drive in seven plays, and it ended with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert. Hurts targeted several receivers on the drive, including Quez Watkins for 28 yards to start the possession. He showed athleticism on running plays and shook off a big hit.
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As a third-year quarterback, Hurts looks like he has control of Nick Sirianni’s offense.
.@JalenHurts ➡️ @goedert33 ‼️
📺: #NYJvsPHI on @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/YunDRMNIk8
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 12, 2022
Philadelphia took a 21-24 loss to New York, but it sees Hurts’ improvement. He’s performed well throughout training camp, connected with DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, Quez Watkins, and the rest of the Eagles’ receiving options. The offensive line and coaching staff follow Hurts’ lead, and he enters the regular season with confidence. Hurts’ growth has the NFL media excited about how good the Eagles can do. Philadelphia could have the best team in the NFC East and one of the best in the conference.
Coach Sirianni highlighted one thing he was proud to see Hurts do against the Jets.
“I thought he did a good job of staying in the pocket when he needed to and make plays that way,” Sirianni said about Hurts. “He escaped when he needed to, and I thought he did a great job of running the offense. He was in complete control.”
He learned a lot from Nick Saban about building relationships with teammates and being a leader, but Hurts is ready to make Philadelphia a force in the league. His next preseason matchup will be against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Aug. 21 via NFL Network.
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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.
