After raising eyebrows following the Eagles’ Week 15 loss, star quarterback Jalen Hurts attempted to clear the air Thursday regarding his post-game criticism of the team.
Hurts made headlines in the aftermath of Monday Night Football when the QB questioned if the Eagles are “committed enough” after falling, 20-17, to the Seahawks, marking the club’s third loss in as many weeks.
When asked to clarify his comments, Hurts first shared that his vague response was more so aimed at himself, rather than his teammates, amid the skid. The 25-year-old then elaborated on his intention, stating that his message was a self-motivation tactic meant to also bring the best out of those around him.
“My mind was in a place of, really just trying to challenge myself,” Hurts told reporters. “When you think holistically about the things you want to accomplish and everything that we’re trying to do, that all runs through me. That all starts with me. And, so, when I say ‘we,’ I mean me, because I’m the point guard out there. I’m the one that makes everything go. And I’m the guy that everyone trust to set the pace for everything.
“That’s in how I play. That’s in my leadership. That’s in every aspect of the game, and it comes with the shoes that I walk in. … You challenge yourself and you challenge the people around you. But I think it’s just a situation where we are. It’s just something we’re going through, not something we’re stuck in.”
Hurts’s breakdown of his noteworthy, public critique shed some necessary light on his mindset, though the Pro Bowl signal-caller’s apparent change of tone may still lead to lingering questions entering Week 16.
“I’ve been talking about execution all year,” said Hurts on Monday. “Being on the same page, everyone being on the same page and we didn’t execute. I don’t think we’re all, we’re committed enough. Just got to turn it around. You know, it’s a challenge that we have to embrace. Just continue to see it through.”
#Eagles QB Jalen Hurts mentions he doesn't think the team is 'committed enough' right now.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 19, 2023
When asked what he means: "Commitment. I don't have a dictionary on me now."
An eye-popping answer...pic.twitter.com/iscJpkukcm
With the spotlight even brighter, Hurts and the Eagles (10–4) will look to silence the doubters on Sunday as they look to defeat one NFC East rival in the Giants to keep pace with another in the division leader Cowboys.
