Jalen Hurts Calls Out Media Over Persistent Quarterback Questions
Jalen Hurts called out the media over persistent quarterback questions this past week. The Philadelphia Eagles backup is tired of people wondering if he will ultimately play something other than quarterback in the NFL.
The 21-year-old’s frustration was on full display this past Tuesday, when he was once again forced to answer the same sort of questions he had answered several times already.
“Is your expectation that you will have a role in the offense even if you are not the starting quarterback?” a reporter asked him.
After letting out a deep sigh, Hurts denied that he had any desire to play something other than quarterback.
“I don’t look into the expectations,” he replied.
“I don’t worry about those things. I’m worried about just getting better as a quarterback every day. That’s all I’m worried about.”
Then came the follow-up.
“How willing, how open and how comfortable would you be doing things other than quarterback?” he was asked again.
Hurts sighed loudly once again.
“I mean, I don’t want to get into the semantics of those things. I’m just worried about improving. I’ve said it three times and I don’t want to come off or come across any way, I’m just trying to improve every day. I’m trying to be the best quarterback I can be every day for this team.”
One would think that line of questioning would stop there – but it did not.
“What can you do besides play quarterback? What other positions can you play or are you prepared to play?” he was asked yet again.
Hurts took it in stride, as best he could.
“I’ve played quarterback my whole entire life and I’m here just trying to grow at that position. Trying to take steps and be the best quarterback I can be for this team.”
Hurts Has An Impressive Quarterbacking Track Record
Hurts was one of the most impressive collegiate quarterbacks in the nation last year with Oklahoma. Prior to that, he was immensely productive in a starting role for Alabama, before ultimately getting beaten out by Tua Tagovailoa.
Over the last three seasons, he has recorded 57 touchdown passes and only 11 picks. In the process, he amassed a 38-4 record and a 176 passer rating.
Hurts is a legit quarterback in every possible sense.
Is he talented as a runner, too? Sure. He rushed for 20 touchdowns with the Sooners in 2019. But that doesn’t warrant persistent questions regarding when, not if, he will ultimately give up on playing quarterback in favor of some other position.
Jalen Hurts going behind the back to avoid fumbling is still insane 😳 @JalenHurts @Eagles @OU_Football
(via @CBSSportsHQ) pic.twitter.com/TuwUUR0lTH
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) July 29, 2020
Philadelphia Needs Hurts To Play Quarterback
The Eagles drafted Hurts to serve as the team’s back-up quarterback to the oft-injured Carson Wentz. They have not done anything to indicate thus far they have an intention to play him in any other capacity.
To keep asking him about a scenario that will likely not pan out is not only unnecessary, it is plain annoying.
For the time being Hurts has handled the situation with patience and class. But it would certainly not be all that surprising to see him finally snap at some point if he is constantly forced to answer the same ridiculous question, presented multiple times over the course of a single press conference no less, every time he steps up to the microphone.
There is no guarantee Hurts will be a successful quarterback in the NFL, but one way or the other – he will succeed or fail in that position, not any other.
Related: Joey Bosa Contract Signing Leaves Chargers Star In Tears
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
