The Eagles are back at OTAs and the QB opened up about lessons learned, his desire for consistency at OC, and Saquon Barkley joining the team.
The Eagles are back at NovaCare Complex for OTAs and we got a chance to hear from Jalen Hurts for the first time this offseason. The quarterback spoke to reporters on Wednesday and talked about different things he’s learned, gave his thoughts on the change at OC, and talked about the addition of Saquon Barkley.
Hurts was asked about the lessons he may have learned at the end of last season, and he pointed out some areas that were highlighted.
“I think in every situation, everything we experience, obviously there is something you can learn from it. And, I think the importance of us just continue to navigate things together, to stay together, the importance of the work, the foundation that we have for ourselves, and the culture that we live by. I think those things are kind of reinforced. I think those things have come up in terms of importance.”
He went on to say that now they’ve started the offseason program, and every individual in the building is attacking different things to better themselves and help the team, as well as get their individual roles and responsibilities.
Later on, it was brought up that he had previously said that every season requires something different, and he opened up a bit about what he wants to do differently this season.
“Really, leaving it to no one else to set the culture and how I want it to be. Communicating that. Communicating that with everyone above and communicating that with my teammates, and carrying it.
I have a standard I want to play to and I want to play to that all the time. So, in the end, the number one thing you’re going to establish that with is with work.”
Hurts said that it’s not about chasing things, it’s about being where their feet are and putting in the work. But, that’s where the team is right now, and everyone is on the same page and moving forward.
On the change at Offensive Coordinator
“I think Brian [Johnson] — I think the best of him. He’s been a huge part of my development and my time here as an Eagle, you know.”
Hurts said that Johnson had been with him all three years as a starter in Philly, and he still has confidence that Johnson will be a great head coach one day, and is on the trajectory to do that.
The QB then talked about being excited to work with new OC Kellen Moore and QB coach Doug Nussmeier. Hurts said he knows they have a history of doing really good things, and said Nussmeier actually tried recruiting him to Florida back in the day, so they are familiar with each other.
“We’re just all excited. I know they’re kind of finalizing some of the things — crossing their Ts and dotting their Is in terms of what it’s exactly going to be, but I’m just all ears. I’m a sponge.”
He later admitted that he does yearn to have the same kind of consistency with the QB coach and play-caller that the offensive line room has with Jeff Stoutland, because that tends to breed excellence.
Hurts reflected on previous comments he made about finally playing in the same system for more than one season, and how it’s now changing again. He finds himself in a similar situation to when he was in college, having a sort of revolving door of coordinators and coaches, but the QB noted he’s always been able to find success amidst that. He said it’s ultimately a good thing because he’s been able to learn from different people and apply it as appropriate.
“I definitely do desire that consistency, and, you know, when you go win [smiling] they’re probably gonna leave.”
On his role in offensive planning
Hurts was asked about his level of involvement in their offensive planning at this point, but he explained right now he’s in “sponge mode” and then once things are set up, they’ll adjust from there.
“I think the thing that we all have to understand is the importance of a foundation in something. And so, I want the coaches to declare their foundation in terms of what they want something to be, how they want it to look, and then obviously you’re going to adjust from there.
I think when that foundation isn’t as strong as you want it to be, it may not last as long or be as good in the end. And so, that’s something we don’t want to happen.”
The QB said he’s just trusting the process, and trusting his coaches. As a player, he’s always had a desire for growth and development, which he credits for being where he is now, so that’s what he’s excited about with these new coaches.
On adding Saquon Barkley
Hurts said that even in just a few days of OTAs he can see the type of player and leader Saquon Barkley, and they’ve already started developing their rapport. They both compete, and whether it’s in sprints or at the squat rack, they’re helping set the competitive tone for the rest of the team. The QB said he already appreciates Barkley and how he approaches the work.
He went on to say that he felt it was very important to get together and get some work in with Barkley away from the facility and right after he signed. Hurts explained it’s important for all those guys to take some time and get that work in, because it’s in those moments on the field that they establish trust and chemistry.
On Jason Kelce’s retirement
Hurts joked about Kelce pump-faking the team a few times with regards to his retirement, but the QB said he learned a lot from the center over the past few years. He admitted that he’s always been eager to have a bigger role in setting protections and leaning into some of the things he’s learned throughout his career, but whether he’s coached to do that isn’t in his control.
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