Philadelphia Eagles: Making the case to keep Jalen Hurts as a quarterback
The Philadelphia Eagles need to keep Jalen Hurts as a quarterback
When the Philadelphia Eagles selected quarterback Jalen Hurts in the 2020 NFL Draft, it sent shockwaves across the organization. On one hand, they’ve already been vocal about their commitment to quarterback Carson Wentz as their starter in 2020. On the other hand, it’s always good to have an insurance policy in place in case he goes down to injury again.
All signs point to Wentz being completely healthy to fully participate in training camp and preseason action, which is a great sight to see for the Eagles. Hopefully, he’s able to continue proving his worth in that he’s still more than able to get the job done. Expectations are high for the Eagles to once again be a playoff-contending team but make no mistake about it, there won’t be a quarterback controversy if Wentz is able to play healthy.
Clearly, Hurts is an exceptional athlete and brings a unique dimension to any offense he’s leading. Some might say that it’s best the Eagles ease him into some starting time by either switching him and Wentz on certain plays or even lining him up at another position. In the grand scheme of things, it’s best the Eagles handle Hurts as simply a backup quarterback behind Wentz.
The Philadelphia Eagles should stay away from gimmicks involving Jalen Hurts
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Hurts should have his tablet on the sidelines, asking questions, learning about opposing defenses, and simply studying the game behind Wentz.
It’s imperative for his own natural growth to utilize him like this, not experiment with his unique skillset by putting him in every now and then as a running back or in some weird Wildcat formation with both quarterbacks on the field.
Countless NFL teams have tried doing this with exceptional hybrid young quarterbacks that have speed and toughness to many failures. It’s a silly gimmick that does more harm than good and hopefully, the Eagles stay far away from any idea of doing this with Hurts.
Not only does Hurts have the potential to be a future franchise quarterback for the Eagles but it’s best to keep him as a quarterback. Now is not the time to throw him in just for the sake of tricking opposing defenses by having him as a runner or optional threat to pass on bootleg plays.
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Overall, with the right coaching and training, Hurts could be an incredible quarterback on the Eagles for many years to come. It’s best to sit him this year and maybe even next year if needed to truly develop him the right way until he’s ready to take the reigns. Under no circumstances should the Eagles disrupt the natural flow of what Wentz brings to the table by shuffling him in and out just to get Hurts out onto the field for experience in his rookie season. He’ll get his real shot in due time and it’ll be under center in the future.