Speaking to the media on Wednesday as the Eagles began their offseason program, quarterback Jalen Hurts said he had no issue at all competing for the starting job, and compared the idea of competing for the job to his time at Alabama.
"I value everything coach has brought here. I remember back in my days at Alabama with Coach (Nick) Saban hearing him talk about discipline, commitment, effort, toughness and pride. Having these core values he is trying to instill in the team. In the end it all worked out for the team," Hurts said. "Coach Nick Sirianni is coming in and preaching connection, preaching accountability, competition, fundamentals and football IQ. Preaching all these things and I know in all of those different avenues and principals that we are trying to instill here in Philly, nobody is above that. Everybody got to go to work. For me, I know rent is due everyday. It has always been that way for me. I've always had a get-better mentality every day, grow every day, be a better leader every day, be a better quarterback every day. And when that rent is due, I don't plan on missing no payments."
Hurts was peppered with more questions about the possibility of having to compete for the job, and throughout his answers, it is clear it doesn't bother him he isn't being handed the starting job. Hurts credit Joe Flacco for being a great teammate since he signed and insisted he doesn't feel he is above having to compete for playing time.
Hurts being open to a competition is certainly good news for head coach Nick Sirianni as he tries to build the culture he wants with a new team. If Hurts doesn't feel he should be handed the job, despite it very clearly being his job, it will send the right message to the rest of the roster about having to work for your job.
One of the main questions surrounding the team all offseason has been whether Hurts is the team's starting quarterback or not, with both the front office and coaching staff refusing to name him the starter despite being the obvious choice on the roster. While it seems we won't get an official answer for months, it seems Hurts and the coaches aren't worried about the frenzy behind the fans and media wanting a starter to be named.
Hurts' time with the Eagles, although short, has certainly already been a rollercoaster.
A surprise second-round pick in 2020, Hurts was immediately thrown into quarterback drama with Carson Wentz, the team's franchise quarterback. He was then forced into a two-quarterback play package that was unsuccessful and more of a distraction than a help to the team.
As Wentz struggled throughout the season the calls to put Hurts in only grew louder until he was finally put into the game in Week 12 as the quarterback over Wentz. Hurts took off from there, throwing a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers, and then beating the New Orleans Saints the following week. He ended his rookie season with 1,061 passing yards and six touchdowns, while also adding 354 rushing yards and three more rushing touchdowns.
Wentz's demand to be traded this offseason has now put Hurts in line to become the team's starting quarterback not just in 2021, but beyond. The Eagles have the draft capital and cap space to trade for quarterback at any time, but there is little debate the best outcome would be Hurts stepping up and winning the job.
After listing to Hurts on Wednesday, it is very clear he is ready and welcoming of that competition.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
