In an impressive training camp finale, Jalen Hurts showcased significant growth and resilience despite a marked interception. For the first 15 practices of the Philadelphia Eagles' camp, the defense had notably struggled to get a takeaway from Hurts. However, on the final day, standout cornerback Darius Slay intercepted a pass from the quarterback and dashed 30 yards downfield, breaking the streak.
“He don’t like to talk to me when I pick him, but it’s okay, I’ll give him a hug and stuff,” quipped Slay, who humorously baited Hurts into the miscue. “Oh, I baited him. I know how to bait Hurts. I made him feel like he was gonna get a completion. I was like nah.”
Building Momentum
The moment was a rare blemish on what had otherwise been a stellar camp performance by Hurts. Reflecting on the interception, Hurts remarked, “I told him, ‘About time.’” It was the lone interception in a camp where he threw across the middle more frequently than the previous year, a testament to his evolving play style.
Hurts’ consistency during the camp has been lauded by teammates and coaches alike. His approach to protecting the football was evident, juxtaposing his 20 giveaways (15 interceptions and five lost fumbles) from the 2023 season—which positioned him among the league's leaders in turnovers.
High Praise from Leadership
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has not held back in praising Hurts’ progression. “I just feel like he's had an outstanding, outstanding camp,” he stated. Sirianni’s excitement over Hurts’ development was palpable. “I'm really excited about where he is, just in complete control of the offense, delivering accurate balls, protecting the football.”
Hurts’ ability to avoid interceptions in 15 straight practices—until the final day—speaks volumes about his improved decision-making and control under pressure. “Just what an unbelievable camp he’s had. I'm really excited for his year,” an enthusiastic Sirianni added.
Physical and Mental Growth
Beyond his on-field performance, Hurts has also demonstrated growth in other aspects of his game. “I think I’m in a better place physically,” he acknowledged. The quarterback’s renewed physical readiness follows a season where he grappled with injuries. “Obviously, I had some nicks there throughout the year that I told you guys not to ask me about. But you deal with those things.”
This physical boost has been a catalyst for a holistic reassessment of his approach to the game. “I think all of those things have made me better. They've made me reevaluate some things. They've allowed me to reassess. And I've been able to saturate myself in the right things,” Hurts explained, revealing a matured perspective.
Adapting to New Offense
Hurts’ inline adaptation to a largely revamped offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has been another focal point. Two months ago, Hurts noted the substantial changes, stating, “95% of the Eagles offense under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was new.” Such sweeping modifications posed a considerable challenge, particularly after he faced difficulties in minicamp during the same period.
Nonetheless, his performance in this training camp has demonstrated a successful assimilation of the new strategies. Darius Slay highlighted this transformation saying, “The consistency. The way he prepares. The way that him, A.J., and all the guys communicate and try to get on time, I just see a different version of him this year.”
Expectations for the Season
Despite the setback on the final day, the overall outlook on Hurts' performance is overwhelmingly positive. The insights and feedback from both the coaching staff and fellow players underline a quarterback eager to capitalize on his off-season gains. Reflecting on the progress made, Slay expressed optimism, “I'm hoping it turns into that when it's real.”
For the Eagles, the trajectory set by Hurts' camp performances suggests a calculated and conscientious approach ready to translate into the upcoming season. Should his camp form persist into the regular season, Hurts will have positioned himself as a pivotal player poised for a breakout year.