Jalen Hurts will certainly be in a quarterback competition with Carson Wentz this offseason, the first under new Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, as the franchise has yet to decide whether Wentz or Hurts will be the starting defender for the 2021 season. Eagles have not committed to Wentz, despite four years and a $ 132 million limit.
Hurts can only control what he can control, since the Eagles’ starting quarterback job is undecided – a competition he is willing to embrace.
“That’s a great question,” said Hurts when asked at CBS Sports HQ Tuesday. “I’m putting the job on my side. I’m trying to establish relationships with my guys. I’m just trying to take the next step. Regardless of what happens, I’m challenging myself to be the best defender I can be.
“Learn from my mistakes as a team, learn from my mistakes from last year. In those four games I had the opportunity to get my feet wet and start next year.”
Hurts started four games for the Eagles after being used in a Taysom Hill role in the first 12 games of the season, only throwing three passes before replacing Wentz forever in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. In his four games, Hurts completed 51.9% of his passes (69 to 133) for 919 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions for a passer rating of 77.2. Hurts also had 46 carries for 272 yards and three touchdowns in those four starts.
There is much for the Hurts to improve from the first to the second year, which is vital to winning the Eagles’ quarterback position. A lot of work needs to be done to become the next full-back.
“Simply leveling up in all parts of my game,” said Hurts of what he needs to do to win the job. “Building relationships with the coaches we have, seeing how they see it, is always essential. Create an identity and how they want to do it. This is an important point for me and it will also help me as a player. “
Competition is nothing new for Hurts, who always seems to be competing for a job. Hurts was Alabama’s starting quarterback before being replaced by Tua Tagovailoa in the national championship game, only to take Crimson Tide to the SEC title the following year, when Tagovailoa was injured in the conference title game (and a playoff spot) college football) Hurts was transferred to Oklahoma and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy before being called up by the Eagles in the second round of last year’s draft. He was in a quarterback competition with Wentz after the former Pro Bowler regressed to one of the league’s worst quarterbacks last season.
Hurts is entering the off-season with an open mind, controlling what he can control while seeking ownership.
“It was always a business, in college and professionals, and I always understood that,” said Hurts. “One thing I always did, I always tried to keep the right mindset. The main thing I can control is my work ethic, my effort, where my head is. The relationships I had with the people around me – building them as a man and as a player. I’ve always been rooted in my faith. ”