The Philadelphia Eagles faced one of their most challenging performances in years on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the aftermath of the game, quarterback Jalen Hurts addressed reporters, taking full responsibility for the team’s offensive shortcomings.
Hurts emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “I think overall, I just have to play better. I have a ton of opportunities to lead the offense and play complementary football, and that starts with me.” He acknowledged that when the offense struggled, it was crucial for him to support the defense by executing plays effectively and communicating well on the field. Hurts noted that generating momentum is essential for reaching the end zone, and he felt he fell short in this aspect.
When questioned about the absence of key players like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Hurts remained focused on his own performance. He reiterated that despite the changes in personnel, the team had invested significant effort during the week to prepare with the players available, maintaining trust in their preparation. He briefly discussed a missed opportunity on a strip sack, indicating that had they executed properly, they could have made a significant play to tight end Grant Calcaterra.
The issue of the team’s struggles to score in the first quarter this season was also brought up. Hurts responded simply, “I gotta start fast. I gotta play better.” As the Eagles approach their bye week, he expressed intentions to evaluate his performance over the first four games, highlighting the need to enhance his production, safeguard the ball, and improve overall efficiency to put points on the board.
Hurts conveyed a message of resilience to his teammates, urging them to keep pushing through adversity. He noted that despite facing various challenges, the team must learn from these experiences and grow together. This theme of growth has been consistent in his messages after games, emphasizing their collective development.
He reflected on the notion that many teams, including the Eagles, are still discovering their identity. “I think it’s challenging when you’ve had different moving pieces,” he said, indicating that adapting to these changes requires a determined mindset. Hurts adopted a “so what, now what” approach, acknowledging that while he hasn’t performed at his best, he remains focused on creating opportunities for his teammates and positioning them for success.
This mentality aligns with head coach Nick Sirianni’s earlier comments about dealing with adversity, illustrating that Hurts is absorbing his coach’s philosophy.
As the discussion wrapped up, reporters inquired about potential discussions between Hurts and Sirianni during the bye week regarding strategies for the remainder of the season. Hurts succinctly responded with a four-word answer, emphasizing his commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration.