The Evolution of Jalen Hurts: Part 3 - Deep Shots

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This is the third of a series of posts, breaking down how Jalen Hurts has dramatically improved his game since he joined the league. Each category focuses on a specific type of mistake he used to make—and how he’s grown past it. The whole series will be linked to an episode of my podcast, which you can find here. I have a huge thank you to James Foster (one of the best analysts out there) for providing me with old Hurts’ film and for helping with this series. Go and follow him and subscribe to his YouTube

channel.

Previously: Part 1 / Part 2

Part 3 - Deep Shots - Mastering the Vertical Sideline Shot

We got pretty technical in Parts 1 and 2, so let’s keep this one simple: Jalen Hurts is now one of the NFL’s best deep ball throwers. Even his harshest critics would struggle to argue otherwise. But it’s easy to forget just how far he’s come in this area. Rewatching his 2020 and 2021 film, you see a very different quarterback—one whose deep balls often died in the air, lacking the velocity or placement to consistently hit receivers downfield. It wasn’t just a mechanical issue; the throws simply didn’t have the juice or precision they do today. Arm strength is one of those areas that we don’t expect to improve significantly. However, by improving the fundamentals of quarterback play, it is possible to improve, as Hurts has shown.

Take a look at part 1 of the clips below. Warning: They are pretty brutal.

Jalen Hurts improvement - vertical sideline shots - footage from 2020-21 vs. 2023-24. https://t.co/dptt24bzmn pic.twitter.com/VyMg6kX2zm

— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) July 3, 2025

One of the first things that jumps out from the early clips is Hurts’ inability to manipulate safeties with his eyes. Look at the first play against the Giants. He’s staring that down the entire play. Early in his career, Hurts struggled badly in this area. He would often lock onto his first option and stare down the route, allowing safeties to rotate over and make plays on the ball. It’s pretty basic stuff in all honesty. There is a reason why I doubted him after his first couple of seasons!

His deep shots frequently floated and died in the air, allowing defenders to recover. It was a combination of a lack of arm strength and an inability to look off the safety. Some of his early deep balls looked like hopeful arm punts.

But fast forward to the second set of clips, and the difference is staggering. He looks like a different quarterback.

Jalen Hurts improvement - vertical sideline shots - footage from 2020-21 vs. 2023-24. https://t.co/dptt24bzmn pic.twitter.com/VyMg6kX2zm

— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) July 3, 2025

Just look at the difference in the very first clip! Hurts immediately looks off the safety before delivering a dime. He now actively manipulates safeties with his eyes, holding them in place or pulling them away from his intended target. This is the result of hard work and a willingness to be coached and improve. Of course, looking off the safety is one thing, but the ability to deliver the perfect throw down the field is the more difficult part. Hurts accuracy down the field has been exceptionally good the past couple of years.

The clips just get better and better the more you watch them. Obviously, the arrival of A.J. Brown gave him a high-level vertical threat, but Hurts’ improvement in ball placement and decision-making is independent of the weapons around him. It’s too simplistic to credit AJ Brown with Hurts’ improvement. Those in the media who have never rated Hurts may have you believe this, but I think it is incredibly unfair. Just look at his deep throws. His throws now have both the velocity and touch to split defenders and drop in over the outside shoulder. Crucially, Hurts is much more aware of post-snap safety rotations. That’s not just because of AJ Brown.

We all know Jalen Hurts is a fantastic deep ball thrower now, but it’s easy to forget just how far he’s come. His growth in this area has been nothing short of remarkable. This area also ties back to what we covered in part two. The better touch throws, combined with more arm talent and the ability to manipulate safeties, all come together to give Hurts the confidence and precision needed to deliver these vertical sideline shots. It’s a great example of how his development across multiple facets of his game has built the quarterback we see today.

Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here.

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