Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles left fans and analysts alike in awe as they emerged as the second-best team in the NFL. While many expected them to be good, no one could have predicted the extraordinary performance of their quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
Hurts not only exceeded expectations but also delivered an MVP-caliber season that caught everyone off guard. One of the key factors behind his success was his ability to improvise on the field, coupled with his composure under pressure. In fact, his Pro Football Focus passing grade of 82.3 inside the final two minutes of a half was the second-best in the entire NFL.
Surprisingly, it wasn't star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers who topped this category. Instead, it was Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, with a remarkable 86.2 PFF grade. This statistic from PFF's QB Annual highlights just how impressive Hurts' performance was in clutch situations.
PFF's analysis also revealed that Hurts excelled when operating from a clean pocket, ranking third-best in the league. Additionally, he showcased his skill when facing blitzes, ranking fourth-best.
The report from PFF highlights the intricate dynamics at play in Hurts' performance. His success is not solely dependent on his offensive line's protection but also stems from his exceptional scrambling ability.
Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the Philadelphia Eagles' passing game thrived when facing two-high safety coverage with no rotation. Even when the safeties rotated, Hurts remained effective. This demonstrates his versatility and adaptability in exploiting different defensive coverages.
Breaking down his throwing patterns, Hurts excelled in the horizontal lead, with 205 throws, making it his most successful type. He also utilized screen passes effectively, with 53 attempts, ranking second in terms of frequency.
All these insights paint a vivid picture of Jalen Hurts as a quarterback who thrives when he feels comfortable. He possesses the ability to exploit coverages designed to limit deep passes and excels when the clock is running out.
The rise of Jalen Hurts has been nothing short of extraordinary, captivating fans and experts alike. As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Hurts as he continues to defy expectations and make his mark on the NFL.
