Jalen Hurts has recently grabbed the attention of the media due to an unexpected topic: former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. During a media availability session, where Hurts usually faces a myriad of questions about his own game and the Eagles' strategy, five out of the first seven questions centered on Martindale. This focus points to Hurts' unorthodox yet insightful approach to improving his game.
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles started with a promising 10-1 record but stumbled, losing six of their final seven games, and eventually suffered a wild card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurts, determined to turn things around, sought out experts within the realm of defensive football to broaden his understanding of the game.
Reaching Out for Insight
In a move that highlights his dedication and willingness to learn, Hurts reached out not only to his own team's defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, but also to Martindale. This decision underscores Hurts' commitment to gaining insight from every possible angle, understanding how opponents strategize against him, and incorporating those learnings into his play.
"Sometimes I think people are only able to know what they understand. Sometimes people don't know what they don't know. But in that regard, I think where we are is you have reports and you have rumors and then you have reality. We're in reality right now," Hurts reflected, emphasizing the importance of their discussions.
Learning from Adversaries
Hurts elaborated on his efforts to pick Martindale’s brain, seeking to understand New York’s game plans against him specifically. "I was just trying to pick his brain, see what he saw in us, trying to get some tips on some things. I think it was more so for me trying to continue to pour into my cup in terms of knowledge, and I've had a lot of respect for what he's done," Hurts shared.
This attitude toward continuous learning is a testament to Hurts' evolving leadership. By diving deep into the defensive strategies used against him, he's not just acquiring knowledge but also gaining a strategic edge. "We've had a lot of success against him, and I think that was one we were trying to make a run, make a push, and I wanted to pour into my cup of knowledge, pick his brain, and get some things," he continued.
Building on Relationships
Hurts’ respect for Martindale goes beyond just the tactical aspects of football. "He's a very respectable person, actually a great person, a great coach and has a great mentality on how he goes about his business," Hurts noted. This mutual respect has facilitated open conversations and learning, which Hurts views as invaluable for his development.
A key aspect of their discussions included defensive techniques and strategies, which Hurts deems essential for his growth. "I joked about the competitiveness between the two of us, but having those conversations with him and seeing what certain techniques defensive backs are playing and what his intentions are behind each play, what's he trying to take away, where's he vulnerable at," Hurts explained.
These insights are critical tools for Hurts as he continues to refine his game. "All of that is an eventual tool for me in my development and understanding where the boys are so I can play better football," he added, showcasing his strategic mindset.
A Leader in Development
As Hurts integrates these new learnings, his focus on improvement is evident. "This team is one of those teams that's going to do that, especially with the things that we've been able to experience," he stated, highlighting the team’s resilience and growth mindset.
The recent past has been a period of significant learning for Hurts and the Eagles. "It was a developing time, it was a time of development for us, and that's something we learned from," Hurts concluded. His proactive approach to seeking knowledge from experienced defensive minds like Martindale and Fangio not only exemplifies his commitment to personal and team growth but also signals a promising future for the Eagles' quarterback and their upcoming season.