The Eagles wrapped up their second mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday, but before heading home, quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke to reporters about adjusting to a new system and gave his thoughts on A.J. Brown’s departure.
The QB was clearly not interested in stoking the flames of the many storylines surrounding him this offseason, and when given a chance to address the ESPN hit piece article from earlier this offseason, Hurts moved past it.
“I’ve never really asked for an opportunity to respond to anything. So, just let it live, and go do my job.”
Although, he did later acknowledge that he did not call the final play of the season, and said he’s always open to growth but it’s a lot about time on task and the things they’re repping.
Here’s what else the QB had to say:
On adjusting to a new system
“I thought it was a really good Spring. Being able to onboard another new system, and put everything together, lay the foundation, so I’m encouraged by that. I’m encouraged by the work that we were able to put in. We got a fun summer ahead of us and it’ll be a fun training camp, being able to get back on the grass.”
Hurts went on to agree that he’s starting to feel more comfortable in the new system, and that comfort comes with repetition, and with the teaching and time on task.
“I think it’s been the same for me every year when it comes to coaching points, intention, vision — you know, what are we really trying to drive and what we’re doing? And so, just really having a listening ear, asking questions, getting answers, going out there and repping it, feeling it, seeing different looks, seeing different coverages, knowing what to adjust to with the field.
So obviously a different voice, different perspective of the game, and every OC has added their own flavor on it. And, I think even another component is quarterback coach, too, because that’s something that’s changed along with the play-caller. So, just to be able to adjust to all those things, filter it out, figure it out as time goes.“
Regarding his new QB coach, Hurts said that Parks Frazier has been great, and he’s really looking forward to what they can build through training camp and the rest of the offseason.
Hurts also talked about fluency and how important it is to try and find that over multiple years with constant change.
“I know there’s a lot of opportunity for me to go out there and continue to improve my game. But, when you are such a focused individual, and you have to focus on all the different things that are changing, that’s something you have to manage. And so, I’ve really just done that and accepted the pieces and situations that have come because it has truly been about winning.
Everybody is dealt their own set of cards — mine’s just been dealing with change, and I’ve made the most of that.“
On A.J. Brown being traded
The comments A.J. Brown made in an interview with Maria Taylor were brought up to Hurts, but he didn’t really care to engage in any he-said, he-said nonsense.
“I’m not in a position to challenge anyone’s perspective on anything. Seemingly so, it was, and that’s where I am.
I’ve always been focused on the collective. I’ve always put my energy toward that and as a leader I’ve always put an onus on giving maximum effort to achieve the shared mission we have in the team.“
When asked if there was any disappointment in the way things ended with Brown in Philly, the QB chose to instead focus on the good times.
“You come into it, and you have a sense of pride in how it began and definitely what we were able to accomplish, and the same thing I said last time, nothing can take that away.
So, for the great things we did, now it’s time to focus on achieving great things with this new iteration of the team.“
Other notables
- Hurts talked about his Father’s recent retirement as a high school football coach, and how growing up as a coach’s son gave him a unique attachment to the game. He credited his Father for instilling a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft.
- The QB was asked if he was happy with his contract, and he said that he’s truly just focused on being his best self right now because there’s already so much change.
- Despite many new wide receivers in the building this year, DeVonta Smith is still around and provides some continuity for Hurts. The quarterback explained that he and Smith have been playing together since Hurts was 17 or 18 years old, so all of those reps and time together carry over. Hurts said that Smith’s presence has always been very valuable and it’s something the QB has always appreciated.
