Dallas Goedert commends Jalen Hurts for his impressive transformation and growing confidence during this spring's practice sessions.
Jalen Hurts is quickly establishing himself as a dominant presence for the Philadelphia Eagles this spring, showcasing a remarkable transformation that has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike. Veteran tight end Dallas Goedert, who has closely observed Hurts’ growth since his rookie season, highlighted the quarterback‘s newfound confidence and control as the Eagles prepare for the upcoming campaign.
A New Level of Confidence Shapes Hurts’ Game
This spring, Hurts has demonstrated increased poise and authority on the field, impressing not only his peers but also the Eagles’ coaching staff. Despite navigating through several offensive coordinators in his five seasons—including his current coordinator Kevin Patullo, who is the fifth different play-caller Hurts has worked with—the quarterback’s progression remains clear. The arrival of Kellen Moore, who brought fresh strategies and experience into the fold, helped stabilize Hurts’ development and moved him past earlier uncertainties.
Goedert noted the quarterback’s ongoing growth, saying,
“I’ve been able to be around Jalen from his rookie year all the way until now, and it seems like he gets more and more comfortable back there.”
This rising comfort level was particularly evident last season as Hurts adjusted to a revamped offensive scheme and new terminology under Moore’s guidance, eventually emerging with strengthened skills and determination.
Continuity in Coaching Fuels Hurts’ Progress
With Kevin Patullo stepping into the offensive coordinator role, the Eagles benefit from a continuity that crucially supports Hurts’ development. Patullo, a member of the coaching staff since 2021, has a deep understanding of the team’s offensive philosophy and has played an important role in shaping the passing game. Goedert underscored the value of this consistency, stating,
Image of: Dallas Goedert
“Being able to carry [Moore’s offense] over with Kevin, who’s been here and been able to keep stuff the same, is important.”
Goedert also recalls Hurts’ increased game intelligence during the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run, when the quarterback began confidently making audibles and checks at the line of scrimmage.
“He was seeing the game a little bit different,”
Goedert remarked, a testament to Hurts’ growing command and understanding of the game.
Spring Practice Reveals a Breakthrough for Hurts
Traditionally, Hurts’ impact has been more prominent during games rather than in practice. However, this spring marked a pivotal change, as Goedert praised Hurts’ practice performance, saying,
“I thought he looked really good this spring. I didn’t see a lot of the balls hit the ground.”
This improvement not only reflects Hurts’ dedication to mastering the offense but also signals his enhanced decision-making and precision during play execution. His elevated practice presence raises expectations for the Eagles’ offensive capabilities heading into the season.
Implications for the Eagles’ Future Under Hurts’ Leadership
As the Philadelphia Eagles move closer to the new season, Jalen Hurts embodies the team’s aspirations for success. With a more settled coaching staff and bolstered self-assurance, Hurts is positioned to lead with a level of authority that could influence the team’s overall trajectory significantly. Goedert captured this sentiment, saying,
“It is cool to see a quarterback have that much command over everything that’s going on.”
Hurts’ transformation highlights not only his individual development but also reflects the broader ambition within the Eagles organization to leverage past achievements and push toward greater accomplishments. Observers across the league will be eager to follow how Hurts’ evolution translates into performance as he steers Philadelphia toward potentially remarkable new heights in the upcoming NFL season.