How Jalen Hurts showed against the Giants that his football intelligence is as elite as any QB in the NFL
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been lauded plenty for his physical abilities on the football field. On Sunday, in the Eagles' big 48-22 win against the New York Giants, Hurts showed that it's his football intelligence, combined with those physical abilities, that makes the former Alabama/Oklahoma quarterback an elite NFL player. Early in the […]
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been lauded plenty for his physical abilities on the football field.
On Sunday, in the Eagles' big 48-22 win against the New York Giants, Hurts showed that it's his football intelligence, combined with those physical abilities, that makes the former Alabama/Oklahoma quarterback an elite NFL player.
Early in the game with Philadelphia up 7-0, the Eagles decided to go for it on fourth-and-seven from the Giants' 41-yard line.
The decision to go for it resulted in a 41-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to DaVonta Smith.
That play happened because Hurts saw something from the Giants' defense which led to him checking into a different play.
"It was a great check by the quarterback, seeing something he liked, checking it to that play and executing it," said Smith after the game.
"I saw an advantageous position for him (Smith) to do exactly what he did, and we did it," explained Hurts when asked about the check.
Smith noted Hurts identified that the Giants were in man coverage, which is what led to the check.
Hurts felt like that one play changed the momentum of the game for the Eagles. If the Giants would've gotten a stop on that play, perhaps the game plays out differently.
"I think that was a pivotal moment in the game, a big momentum swing for us," said Hurts. "To be out there and get to a big-time play like that. I didn’t see it, I was on the ground to be honest. I kind of have to watch the film to see. But it was a big moment in the game. I’m happy it went our way. The safety was rushing over there, he was heading that way really fast with some urgency, but we made the play."
Hurts is the frontrunner for the MVP this season because he can make checks like that at the line of scrimmage and get the Eagles into the right play.
It's an overlooked part of his game that deserves more respect.
Hurts is truly the total package as a quarterback and he's the main reason Philadelphia enters the winter months as the favorites in the NFC.
Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
