Back in October of 2020, Jalen Hurts made an emphatic entrance for the Philadelphia Eagles, sparking the Eagles' 24-21 win over the red-hot New Orleans Saints, who had been owners of a nine-game winning streak, prior to the rookie signal caller's arrival by way of his dynamic debut.
From that point forward, Philly icon Jason Kelce would pair with Hurts in many big-game tests of mettle over the next four years prior to Kelce's retirement in 2024. The gregarious sage center and the electrifying young QB formed a strong bond amid mutual reverence from the jump. So if there's one man who can offer genuine insight and a voice of reason amid the intensifying chatter from talking heads near and far, it's the former standout center.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show amid the recent reports, including that Hurts has wanted to take the reins at times to dial up his own plays, Kelce stood tall in his convictions:
"What quarterback doesn't want to run their stuff? This has kind of been a semblance of things that have been coming out over multiple years," Kelce added. "The reality is, sometimes these things that are weaknesses when you're losing, people view them as strengths when you're winning.""
Jason Kelce defends Jalen Hurts after recent story about him
Kelce highlighted the extent of change Hurts has inevitably experienced from both strategic and coaching standpoints. With the carousel of offensive coordinators Hurts has operated under - 11 offensive coordinators dating back to his college days at Alabama and Oklahoma - change has remained an unwavering theme.
With new coordinator Sean Mannion poised to run the show, Kelce also recognizes there will be a whole new look on offense. Kelce added that with the talent on hand and strong leadership in the building, there is a tangible level of excitement in the air on both sides of the ball to move past the frustrating highs and lows of last season.
"I think the drama's going to start going in the other direction, at some point," Kelce concluded.
There can be no greater silencer of cynics than by way of victories. Following that disheartening Wild Card defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, a difficult season offensively is in the rearview mirror. With Mannion calling the shots offensively, it's an exciting time not only for Hurts but for the entire offense.
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Regardless of the recent reports, Kelce feels confident that the drama will eventually turn to celebration once the wins start stacking next fall.