Tag: Jalen Hurts

Highlights from Eagles’ open practice at Lincoln Financial Field

The drive for a return to the Super Bowl has officially started in Philadelphia, as over 50,000+ fans packed Lincoln Financial Field for the Eagles’ one open practice of the summer. Saquon Barkley, Bruce Huff, Quinyon Mitchell, and many others have …

The drive for a return to the Super Bowl has officially started in Philadelphia, as over 50,000+ fans packed Lincoln Financial Field for the Eagles’ one open practice of the summer.

Saquon Barkley, Bruce Huff, Quinyon Mitchell, and many others have made their debut, while Brandon Graham took part in his final open practice as a player after he announced he’d retire at season’s end.

Philadelphia hit the field for an intense but efficient session, and here are highlights from that practice, courtesy of media and Eagles content creators.

Eagles OC Kellen Moore on biggest difference in Jalen Hurts: He’s utilizing his toolbox

Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore says the biggest difference in Jalen Hurts is that hee’s utilizing his toolbox

Kellen Moore arrived in Philadelphia this spring, tasked with making Jalen Hurts a more efficient quarterback while getting the most out of an explosive but vanilla Eagles offense.

In 2024, the Birds will no longer line up and attempt to physically defeat opponents. Instead, they’ll debut a more refined and versatile offensive system that’s predicated on Hurts taking what the defense gives him while utilizing the running backs in a more serviceable manner.

During a recent sitdown after Eagles practice, Kellen Moore talked about the most significant difference in his quarterback.

I think just his comfort level, utilizing his toolbox, and I think he’s doing an excellent job leading this offense.

Taking command of the huddle, the operation. I think when they feel the confidence that Jalen comes to the huddle with and at the line of scrimmage, I think it’s critical. I just can’t say enough good things about the operation that he’s been creating.

Hurts was named to his second Pro Bowl last after starting 17 regular-season games. He completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 3,858 yards and a career-high 23 touchdowns. He also added 15 rushing touchdowns, setting a new NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season, matching Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

With Kellen Moore emphasizing Hurts become more efficient with check-downs to the running backs, his completion percentage could rise to over 70% in 2024.

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Kellen Moore says Jalen Hurts has been really smooth with his operation of Eagles offense

Philadelphia offensive coordinator Kellen Moore says Jalen Hurts has been really smooth with his operation of Eagles offense

Jalen Hurts has had the best training camp of his five-year NFL career, and after addressing his relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles quarterback has been lights out during four practices at the NovaCare Complex.

Kellen Moore was tasked with refining Hurts’ skillets after Philadelphia fired Brian Johnson. Through one week of camp, the new offensive coordinator says his quarterback has been smooth under center.

“Yeah, Jalen’s been really smooth the first couple days. He’s been excellent, just his operation.” “You can just tell he’s in command, he’s in control; he’s doing an excellent job at the line of scrimmage with the little nuances, little adjustments that he has at his disposal, and so it’s been really good.”

Moore will look to help Hurts become even more efficient after a turnover-filled 2023 season that saw the quarterback deal with injuries and inconsistent play down the stretch.

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Grant Calcaterra could earn the Eagles backup tight end job

Third year tight end Grant Calcaterra could win the backup job to star pass catcher Dallas Goedert

The Eagles are loaded at the offensive skill player positions, and there’s only one football to go around. Still, with Dallas Goedert missing multiple games over the past two seasons, the backup tight end job could prove very lucrative.

Kellen Moore likes to employ two tight end sets, and former SMU pass catcher Grant Calcaterra has an opportunity for critical snaps if he can show the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator that he’s versatile and a willing run blocker.

During his first training camp sitdown with the media, Moore had high praise for the former Oklahoma and SMU tight end.

“Grant [Calcaterra] has really done an excellent job to be the second tight end currently.” “His consistency throughout OTAs, early in training camp.” “He has a great awareness and understanding of the game.”

“He teams up with Dallas [Goedert] really, really well, and so we’re excited about that and hopefully continues to build.”

Calcaterra has started three games in his NFL career and logged nine career receptions for 120 receiving yards.

Calcaterra was ineffective in the three games that Goedert missed last season. He played a combined 25 snaps and wasn’t targeted while being inactive for one contest.

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WATCH: Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts is No. 15 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list for 2024

Philadelphia Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts lands ahead of Dak Prescott at No. 15 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list for 2024

Jalen Hurts receives a lot of criticism from experts and pundits around the league, but it’s clear that his NFL peers respect him, and he’s once again among the top 100 players.

After finishing at No. 3 one year ago, Hurts slid a bit, landing at No. 15 on the list, ahead of Dallas Cowboys’s star quarterback Dak Prescott.

In 17 regular season games last season, Hurts completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 3,858 yards and a career-high 23 touchdowns. He also added 15 rushing touchdowns, setting a new NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season, matching Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Hurts also broke multiple franchise records – establishing team records in total yards (4,463) and total touchdowns (38) while finishing second in the league in total scores behind Allen (42).

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Fantasy Football: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels named top QB value

Will Jayden Daniels be an immediate fantasy superstar?

The best way to win your fantasy football league these days is to find a quarterback who can do everything. Think Josh Allen (Bills) or Lamar Jackson (Ravens), and, to a lesser degree, Jalen Hurts (Eagles).

Six quarterbacks went in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, including the top three picks. All could be considered dual-threat quarterbacks, but one stands clearly above the rest: Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.

As fantasy drafts take place across the country, players are formulating their strategies.

Where does Daniels rank among fantasy quarterbacks?

According to Marcas Grant of NFL.com, Daniels is going in the 12th round or later of fantasy drafts, which sounds crazy, considering the upside.

Here’s his analysis:

If you’re living in the dynasty streets, it’s hard to argue against Caleb Williams being the top rookie signal-caller. If you’re looking for the first-year Pick to Click in redraft leagues, it’s Daniels.

Why? Rushing upside. It’s the reason fantasy folks were so high on Anthony Richardson last year. It’s the reason people are still taking late-round dart throws at Justin Fields this year — y’know, just in case. Daniels rushed for more than 2,700 yards over his final three college seasons, including more than 1,100 in his final year at LSU. He’s a more polished passer than those other two quarterbacks were when entering the league. Plus, he’ll have Terry McLaurin getting downfield in Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense. That’s enough to believe he can far outperform his QB20 average draft position (ADP).

You could make the case that Daniels is the better dynasty option, too. Sure, the Bears have more immediate weapons for Williams, but Daniels’ supporting cast is vastly underrated.

Daniels has looked phenomenal in training camp. Sure, that doesn’t mean anything until the games begin, but it’s better to be early than late when it comes to drafting Daniels in fantasy football.

 

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts partners with Lincoln Financial Group to promoting financial wellness in community

Lincoln Financial Group Teams Up With Star Quarterback Jalen Hurts on a Dynamic Brand and Community Engagement Partnership, With a Focus on Financial Wellness

After launching the Jalen Hurts Foundation to kick off the 2024 training camp, the Eagles star wants to elevate financial literacy in his community.

Lincoln Financial Group announced its partnership with Hurts, focusing on promoting financial wellness through brand content and community engagement. Lincoln Financial has had a more than 20-year partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles, with exclusive naming rights to Lincoln Financial Field.

“Lincoln Financial has played an important role in my career so far, since I call Lincoln Financial Field my home field Jalen Hurts said. Lincoln is also a trusted brand for helping people achieve their financial goals, no matter their circumstance. This is a mission that I believe in and, through my Jalen Hurts Foundation in partnership with Lincoln’s Foundation, hope to bring to more communities in need.”

Hurts has long aimed to strengthen communities by serving, mentoring, and advancing youth. He recently donated over 200 air conditioners to Philadelphia schools.

Headquartered in Radnor, Pa., Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates. Learn more at LincolnFinancial.com.

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CeeDee Lamb ranked 3rd best wide receiver by Madden NFL 25

Lamb was a star in three seasons at OU, before his time with the Dallas Cowboys.

Former Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver [autotag]CeeDee Lamb[/autotag] is one of the best players at his position in the National Football League.

Since being drafted in 2020, he’s been spectacular for the Dallas Cowboys. He caught 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns in a career-best season in 2023. EA Sports has rewarded the young wideout with a very high ranking in their new video game, Madden NFL 25.

The game releases worldwide August 16, but until then, EA Sports is rolling out their player rankings for different positions. On Monday, wide receivers and safeties had their overall ratings revealed, and Lamb fared very well with the evaluators, earning his highest career rating.

Lamb ranked third among all wide receivers, trailing only Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson. He was given a 96 overall rating. Lamb’s route running abilities were highlighted by the evaluators, as he earned 90-plus marks for short, medium, and deep route running.

Lamb was a three-year starter from 2017 to 2019 for the Sooners, slowly improving each year before becoming a star in his final season. He teamed with [autotag]Jalen Hurts[/autotag] to give OU one of the best QB-WR duos in all of college football. He caught 62 passes for 1,327 yards and a ridiculous 14 touchdowns in his final season at the collegiate level. Lamb won three straight conference championships and played in the [autotag]College Football Playoff[/autotag] each year of his college career.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

Eagles OC Kellen Moore likes the advantages gained from using Jalen Hurts in the run game

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore plans to take advantage of using Jalen Hurts in the run game

Jalen Hurts is one of the most accomplished rushing quarterbacks in NFL history through year five in the league, and Kellen Moore won’t discount that unique dual-threat talent. Hurst is still incredibly influential in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator recently discussed the advantages of using Hurts in the running game.

“Yeah, certainly it’s been an excellent factor that Jalen has been able to utilize just being an extra guy in the run game. Certainly, something we want to continue to build off of.” “I think there is an element of just finding the games, finding the situations that are right to best suit when we utilize that.”

“But it’s a great strength of Jalen.” “He does an excellent job, and he’s a brilliant runner.” “I think that’s a critical factor to that, that he’s smart with the ball, he’s smart with when to make those decisions, and I think he protects himself pretty well.”

According to Reuben Frank, over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Hurts had the 6th-most 10-yard runs in the league (55) and 20-yard runs (14).

Last year, he ranked 34th with just 11 yards of at least 10 yards and 53rd with one 20-yard carry.

With Hurts now healthy after nursing a knee injury in 2023, his dual-threat ability, coupled with Saquon Barkley’s explosive running ability, should free up more one-on-one opportunities on the outside for A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert.

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WATCH: Jalen Hurts is building a rapport with Parris Campbell in Eagles passing game

Philadelphia’s star QBJalen Hurts is quickly building a rapport with WR Parris Campbell in Eagles passing game

Philadelphia has two of the NFL’s top 15 wide receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the most significant position battle this summer could come at the third wide receiver spot. Parris Campbell, John Ross, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson are all competing for that coveted role, with the former Ohio State wide receiver quickly jumping out to a lead for the starting spot.

The biggest reason for Campbell’s rebirth is his growing rapport with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and the budding chemistry can be seen in this hookup during Saturday’s practice.

Campbell was inactive for the last five games of the 2023 season with the Giants, landing as a healthy scratch in what he’s described to NJ.com as a low point in his career.

A 2019 second-round pick out of Ohio State, Campbell caught 20 of 27 targets for just 104 yards while adding 191 yards as a kick returner.

Campbell’s most productive season came in 2022 with the Colts, as he logged 63 catches for 623 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

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