PHILADELPHIA — Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts doesn’t understand why his conversation with former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale came up during training camp.
ESPN reported Wednesday that Hurts called Martindale before the Eagles’ playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. A week earlier, Martindale’s blitz-heavy scheme had destroyed the Eagles’ offense in a 27-10 win. When the Giants parted ways with Martindale after the season, he decided to talk to Hurts about the weaknesses in Philadelphia’s defense and the Giants’ game plans against him.
“I’m curious where all this random stuff came from,” Hurts said after practice on Wednesday. “It was so long ago. Why is it still relevant now?”
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When Hurts learned that the report came from ESPN, he asked who wrote it. ESPN’s Tim McManus told Hurts that the report was relevant because it provided context between the events of last season and the current situation.
After hearing that statement, Hurts continued to downplay the significance of the report, which detailed his rocky relationship with coach Nick Sirianni.
“I think for certain things, I appreciate what you guys do and what you bring – the attention and sometimes the understanding,” Hurts said. “I think sometimes people can only know what they understand. Sometimes people don’t know what they don’t know.”
“But in this regard, I think we’re in a situation where there are reports and rumors and then there’s reality. And we’re in reality right now… I didn’t know about (the report). By nature, we tune out the external factors because I think there’s a point where sometimes you question so much and the negativity becomes redundant.”
Before giving a long speech, Hurts explained why he had called Martindale.
“I was just trying to sound him out, find out what he sees in us and get some advice on a few things.”
“I think it’s more about continuing to expand my knowledge,” Hurts continued. “I have a lot of respect for what he’s done … (Wink is) a very respectable person, actually a great person in that (he’s) a great coach and has a great attitude about his job.”
When asked if he had ever called an opposing defensive coach, Hurts did not provide any information.
Two years ago, Hurts spoke with former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, now head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, to get his perspective on certain issues.
He has also developed a similar relationship with Vic Fangio, who was hired as the Eagles’ new defensive coordinator in the offseason.
“I think I joked with coach (Fangio) about the competition between the two of us,” Hurts said. “But having those conversations with him and seeing what certain techniques the defensive backs are using, what his intentions are behind each play, what he wants to take away, where he’s vulnerable – all of that is just an additional tool for me and my development and understanding where the gaps are so I can play better football.”
No matter how he does it, the Eagles need to improve Hurts in 2024. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the league in 2022 before declining last season.
Thank you for relying on us to provide journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Cayden Steele can be reached at [email protected]
