Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is not avoiding recent criticisms.
In what has become a recurring theme for the Philadelphia Eagles early in the offseason, NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo recently mentioned that the organization desires its typically reserved quarterback, Jalen Hurts, to become more vocal, particularly during challenging times.
“There’s a non-X and O element at play here,” Garofolo remarked about the Eagles’ starting quarterback during Super Bowl Sunday. “And that is that Hurts, he’s usually of few words and stoic. [The Eagles] want him to be more front-facing and more of a vocal leader.”
Part of this sentiment stems from the possibility of the Eagles losing veteran pillars and leaders like Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox, who are contemplating retirement.
“Jason Kelce might be retiring, Fletcher Cox as well,” Garofolo observed.
Hurts has been receptive to constructive criticism and has not withdrawn in the face of adversity. During the Pro Bowl games in Orlando earlier this month, Hurts displayed a more relaxed demeanor in a less formal setting, as the Eagles look to him to help fill the leadership void left by players like Kelce, Cox, Lane Johnson, and Brandon Graham.
“… He’s open to these conversations, he’s already been having these conversations,” Garofolo mentioned regarding Hurts. “[The Eagles] wanted him and the people around him did as well, to show his personality when he was down at the Pro Bowl.
“They feel like that was a step forward.”
If indeed a step forward, it signifies progress from Hurts’ demeanor during the Eagles’ post-season wrap-up after a playoff loss to Tampa, which concluded a dismal 1-6 stretch to end the season for Philadelphia.
“There are things that were once said that made me great, to make me special, a special leader, an impacting and uplifting guy that maybe one may find as an issue now,” Hurts stated when asked about the need to be more assertive publicly.
Hurts acknowledged the real reason behind these discussions – when the Eagles were winning, his reserved personality wasn’t a concern. However, as losses mounted, some began to question his approach.
Hurts might engage with the surrounding chatter, acknowledging that some teammates felt he had become more isolated, and recognizing that his hefty contract demands some willingness to engage in public relations.
However, merely displaying more energy when the spotlight is on won’t silence critics unless late-season struggles were anomalies rather than the new norm.
Succeeding on the field could shift the narrative, where stoicism and composure are once again seen as positives.
“As the leader and quarterback of this team and franchise, this is just an opportunity to grow,” Hurts remarked about his late-season challenges. “This is the opportunity to take that next step toward what we desire and what we want to be. It’s going to take everybody, and that’s something I believe in. I believe in everyone here.
“It’s time to get back to work. A little soon, but it’s time to get back to work. I ain’t running from anything.”
