Sirianni noticing 'big difference' in Hurts ahead of Year 3
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised the work quarterback Jalen Hurts has put in to prepare for the 2022 season.
"I'm noticing a big difference," Sirianni said, according to ESPN's Tim McManus. "What I see is a crisper ball. The accuracy, I've been very pleased with."
Hurts has spent parts of the offseason fine-tuning his release and footwork. Alongside increased familiarity with the Eagles' offensive system ahead of his third season with the club, that's led to a quicker drop back and improved timing on his throws.
"Just being decisive out there on the field, knowing pretty much where I'm going to go with the ball based off the look that they give me. There's a natural maturation there," Hurts said.
Hurts led the Eagles to a postseason appearance during his first year as a full-time starter in 2021. He passed for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, adding 784 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Philadelphia struggled to find its rhythm in a 31-15 NFC wild-card game loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurts threw two interceptions to just one touchdown as the Bucs' defense swarmed him.
Hurts tallied a 61.3 completion percentage for an Eagles offense that averaged 200.2 passing yards per contest last season. The team acquired receiver A.J. Brown to co-headline its receiving group with DeVonta Smith.
After other key additions to the roster during free agency and the draft, expectations for a productive season now rest on Hurts' shoulders.
"It's my job to just go out there and play point guard," Hurts said. "Distribute the ball, get the playmakers the ball, and my plays will come."