PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Jalen Hurts may have passed his first test as an NFL starter, but the rookie quarterback knows it won't get any easier.
Hurts was impressive last week as the Eagles got past the Saints at the Linc. He was effective both as a passer and as a runner against one of the top defenses in the NFL.
Now, there is game film of Hurts for the rest of the NFL to digest, and the rookie knows defenses will be better prepared to face him in the final few weeks of the season. He also believes taking care of his own business will be the key to overcoming the opposition.
"We try to focus on us," said Hurts. "I've always used that execution word, and I think that's what it comes down to. It's trusting the principles of the offense and the things that we do, going out and executing and everybody doing their job regardless of what the defense presents."
Both Hurts and the coaching staff will have to make the proper adjustments going forward. It becomes a virtual chess match with both sides looking to make the necessary changes both during the week and during the game.
Doug Pederson knows this will be a different type of week of preparation.
"We have to go back and evaluate the things we did with him in the last game and a half," Pederson said. "Then how will a defense sort of perceive. We can always ask questions to our defense, about him, how they would handle a situation like that to try to get a little insight, then put the plan together based on what we are seeing from Arizona defensively and then still try to be creative and still try to execute the offense."
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There will be adjustments needed each week by Hurts as teams continue to find ways to slow down the Eagles new quarterback.
Hurts is likely to play the final three games barring an injury, and Pederson knows it's another part of the process as Hurts settles into his new role.
"There's nothing easy about this game," said Pederson. "There's nothing easy about playing the position of quarterback. Jalen has to understand now it’s a whole new defense.”
Hurts knows he is far from a finished product. He spoke repeatedly about missed opportunities in the win over New Orleans, and he’s hoping to correct the mistakes he made as the Eagles look for another victory this weekend.
"Every game we play we have an opportunity to learn from," Hurts said. "We left some money on the table, but that's why we have an opportunity this week to kind of restart and build. We can learn from our mistakes and go out and correct them."