A year and a few months ago Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy as the Super Bowl MVP. But after a comparatively down year ("only" going 11-5 and making the playoffs), Hurts is apparently at a "crossroads" with the team.
That was the intel that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday. Citing sources inside the Eagles organization, the fingers are being pointed at Hurts for letting the offense become "calcified" and frustrations are growing.
"Close observers point to a lack of creativity and synergy in the Eagles' attack. The pass game wasn't always properly tied to the run, and there's a level of predictability that allows opposing defenses to get a bead on what's coming. Though there is plenty of blame to spread, Hurts has had a hand in the offense becoming calcified, according to several team sources who spoke to ESPN on condition of anonymity," Fowler wrote.
"He has pushed back on changes that would diversify the scheme, sources said, including when it comes to him going under center more. He has shown a reluctance to let it rip at times, particularly against zone coverage. He diverts from the game plan and changes playcalls to what some feel is an excessive degree. His strong preferences, coupled with the coaches' efforts to play to his strengths, which include his deep-ball accuracy and throws to the perimeter, limit the breadth to which the offense can expand -- or at least that's the way it has gone in the past."
Hit piece or confirmation?
Hurts has been a polarizing player for a while and while some fans feel that the report only confirms what they've long believed about him, others feel that the report was nothing more than a hatchet job.
"Every single offseason, it feels like there is some hit piece on the Eagles' QB. I don't blame the reporters; it's their job to write this stuff. I blame the people in the organization who can't shut their mouths. Going back to the days with Carson, there was always something every year. Someone is unhappy and wants to blab to the media. The Eagles seem to be the only team with this consistent issue," one user wrote in response.
"Hurts has always been, and always will be a mid-lower tier QB. I think anyone that actually watches the game knows that," wrote another.
"Eagles could have given him an extension this offseason and chose not to do so. That is very telling. Dead cap is manageable to move on after next season too. Next year is absolutely a prove it year for him or Howie is moving on," a third pointed out.
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Over the last five seasons, Hurts has led the Eagles to the playoffs five times, going 6-4 and reaching two Super Bowls, winning the aforementioned one a year ago. He's made Pro Bowls, he's had clutch moments and he's achieved what a number of the all-time great quarterbacks never could.
And yet, there's just something that seems to be holding everyone back from truly considering him a "face of the league."
