Philadelphia Eagles: 3 reasons to feel optimistic about Jalen Hurts in 2021
By David Esser
Hurts is a dual-threat quarterback.
As I’m sure you noticed during his four starts last season, Jalen Hurts like to run. While some may have viewed his tendency to take off as a potential “con” to his longterm projection, I’m more so approaching it from the idea that it’s just another tool that can be used in Nick Sirianni’s toolbox.
Hurts isn’t the most gifted of throwers, let’s not fool ourselves here (52% completion rate in 2020). However, what he lacks in overall accuracy and arm strength is compensated for by his ability to move and extend plays.
I’m not even necessarily talking about designed QB runs and read options per se, more so highlighting the fact that having a mobile QB is becoming a borderline necessity in today’s game. Guys like Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Deshaun Watson have killed opposing defenses the last couple of seasons with their ability to extend plays.
I think I speak for everyone when I say I’d like to see Hurts be a little more patient with his reads in the pocket moving forward, but his elite speed and athleticism is unquestionably a “pro” to his overall game. Having such a dynamic athlete at the QB position really opens things up for Sirianni as a first-year play-caller.