What's Happening?
Jalen Hurts, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has shown significant improvement in his performance against zone defenses this season. However, a new challenge has emerged as he struggles against blitzes. According to ESPN's Aaron Schatz, Hurts ranks 20th in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) against blitzes this season, and his performance drops to 30th when considering games since Week 10, with only 6.0 net yards per play. Despite these challenges, the Eagles have a slight advantage as most NFC playoff teams, except the Buccaneers, are not particularly blitz-heavy. This could provide some relief for Hurts as the team heads into the playoffs.
Why It's Important?
The performance of Jalen Hurts is crucial for the Philadelphia Eagles as they aim
to make a deep playoff run. His ability to handle blitzes effectively will be a determining factor in the team's success. The Eagles' offensive strategy may need to adapt to protect Hurts and exploit his strengths against less blitz-heavy teams. If Hurts can overcome this challenge, the Eagles could become a formidable opponent in the playoffs. Conversely, continued struggles could limit their offensive capabilities and impact their chances of advancing.
What's Next?
As the Eagles prepare for the playoffs, they will likely focus on improving their offensive line's ability to protect Hurts from blitzes. The coaching staff may also work on developing quick-release plays and other strategies to mitigate the impact of blitz-heavy defenses. The team's success in addressing these issues will be critical in determining their playoff performance. Additionally, opposing teams may adjust their defensive strategies to exploit Hurts' current weakness, making it imperative for the Eagles to find effective solutions.
