Is Jalen Hurts the Eagles QB of the Future?
Even though the Eagles season had to be considered a major success on any level, their 31-15 dismantling by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the opening round playoff game left a sour taste.
And it also left the same question that existed before the start of the season – is Jalen Hurts the Eagles quarterback of the future?
Like the final score, Hurts’ stats were misleading, even though they weren't very good. The Eagles trailed 31-0 before scoring the final 15 points, a true case of empty stats.
Hurts completed 23 of 43 passes for 258 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown. He also rushed for 39 yards (4.9 avg.). His passer rating was just 60.0.
That was nearly half of Tom Brady’s 115.2 passer rating.
Hurts has made great strides this year but many of his flaws surfaced in the playoff loss. He isn’t the most accurate thrower, often holds the ball too long, which makes him late delivering passes, and he is also not the most accurate passer.
He left the stadium after the playoff game in a walking boot. Hurts has been bothered by an ankle injury and it likely took away some of his explosiveness.
Unlike the quarterback he replaced, Carson Wentz, Hurts always holds himself accountable, which is admirable.
He obviously has the respect of his teammates, but the Eagles have to answer the question in the offseason – is he the player who can lead them to playoff wins?
Of course there are plenty of other questions the Eagles have to answer. Tampa Bay, even without two of its best offensive players who missed the game due to injury, receiver Chris Godwin and running back Leonard Fournette, was dominant against the Eagles defense.
The Eagles need to fortify the pass rush, and add some playmaking linebackers and defensive backs. They need at least another consistent receiver and a dynamic returner.
The Eagles should probably end the Jalen Reagor experiment and just chalk it up to a wasted draft choice, albeit a high one at that.
Yet, the quarterback remains the biggest position.
It’s difficult to say for sure that the Eagles have their quarterback of the future. There likely isn’t anybody in the draft who would be better than Hurts, but the Eagles should investigate anyway.
They could acquire a quarterback, but would mortgaging the farm for an aging Russell Wilson be worth it?
Deshaun Watson, due to his legal problems would be a risk, especially since nobody knows now whether he would be eligible to play next season. Plus, adding a player with all his legal troubles, would not go over well with a large portion of the fan base.
If Aaron Rodgers is available, the Eagles should explore despite his advanced age, but Rodgers would be crazy to leave Green Bay. It’s hard to see him having it better with another franchise.
Is there somebody else the Eagles could acquire that would be an upgrade on Hurts?
Maybe, but if quarterbacks are difference makers, they usually aren’t made available.
That said, the Eagles should explore all options.
It’s likely that Hurts will be the starter entering next season, but just like this year, he shouldn’t be handed the job.
The Eagles know they can win games and even make the playoffs with Hurts. Can they go beyond that?
That is something that is still to be determined.
Photo Courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles
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Author: Marc Narducci
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