Jalen Hurts ready for second year as leadman: “It’s an exciting time to be an Eagle”

The new-look Eagles are poised to turn some heads in 2022.

After an up-and-down season that ultimately led to a playoff berth, Hurts is ready is to take the next step in his second year as the leadman:

“This is an exciting time to be an Eagle,” the quarterback said Wednesday. “I think, coming off the things we were able to accomplish and overcome last year, I think there’s a lot to look forward to. One thing that I’ve been telling the guys is that the foundation has been set, the standard has been set, and the only direction is to climb. And the only way we can do that is doing it together.”

The Eagles bolstered multiple positions this offseason to give their young QB the best chance to succeed. They signed prolific pass-rusher Haason Reddick and drafted stout defensive tackle Jordan Davis to beef up the line.

Offensively, they brought in former Sirianni-disciple Zach Pascal and made the big splash to acquire superstar receiver AJ Brown.

“He’s always been an excellent player,” Hurts said of Brown. “Since I’ve known him in college, (he) always had the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, use his body to box out defenders, break tackles. He’s a great addition to a great receiver room we have now.”

AJ Brown has impeccable route technique and nuance. Defenses will be in a tough spot trying to contain him + DeVonta. pic.twitter.com/RhtEEC4yiQ

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) May 2, 2022

Brown now joins last year’s first-round pick, DeVonta Smith, in what projects to be one of the NFL’s most lethal WR duos.

As for Hurts, he’s fully aware of the areas that need improvement:

“Everything improves when you do it more. … The word for me has been consistency. That’s my whole entire approach coming into Year 3 for me – being consistent,” Hurts said. “I look back on last year knowing that there were games where I played at a very high level. And then there were games where it wasn’t the same. I think consistency in this league is everything.”

During an offseason that saw several quarterbacks find new homes, one thing remained constant — the Eagles’ public backing of Jalen Hurts. At the moment, they don’t appear to be bluffing.

It’s now up to Hurts to win over the franchise.

“It’s understood. It’s my opportunity. It’s my team. It’s pretty much what it is. My team, so I’m ready to go.”

“That’s stuff y’all talk about, everything is good over here.”

Jalen Hurts when asked if he hears the outside chatter about his longterm standing with the Eagles.

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) May 4, 2022

Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff | Getty Images