FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2017, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles' Chris Long (56), Malcolm Jenkins (27) and Rodney McLeod (23) gesture during the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Philadelphia. Baltimore’s Ben Watson and Philadelphia’s Malcolm Jenkins have strong views toward anthem protests and those who oppose them, based on their religious beliefs. But even pastors can’t agree on the controversial topic that has enveloped the NFL this season. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Following his chosen words to characterize the Eagles’ slide, Jalen Hurts sends a strong message.
Jalen Hurts might have started this week’s firestorm with a few comments.
It would have worked if he had highlighted the work, pride, or integrity he demands from his staff.
Instead, the frequently philosophical quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles talked about their devotion.
Hurts stated, “We’ve been talking about execution all year,” on Monday night following the Eagles’ third consecutive defeat, a 20-17 setback to the Seattle Seahawks. staying in agreement. We failed to carry out.
“I don’t believe we all gave it enough of our all.”
The Eagles’ season “starts with the little things, how committed we are to doing what we’re doing,” he would repeat a few minutes later.
Then, Hurts added the overlooked part of his Monday remarks that became the rallying cry of his Thursday news conference: “That starts with me.”
Context and nuance are unpopular in much of society today, so the NFL world ran with Hurts’ use of a term that challenges not ability but willingness. Many seized on his use of the plural “we,” some even seeming to interpret it as a subject that did not include himself.
Talking heads wonder: Was the always-intentional Hurts sending a public message to his team? Was he shifting blame from himself and doubling down when he declined to elaborate what he meant by “commitment”?
“I don’t have a dictionary on me now,” Hurts said when asked to expound. “Excuse me. I don’t know how else to say that.”
The out-of-character response (from a player whose physical illness had cast in doubt his availability and triggered a separate flight from teammates, mind you) fueled flames even more.
And yet: Hurts had already declared, “I didn’t do my job good enough,” prior to making his initial statement that his 10-4 team needed to take its commitment into consideration.
Let’s go over that again: “I performed my job inadequately.”
After a night with two interceptions and a 40.1 passer rating, Jalen Hurts was the main target of Hurts’ criticism.
(Hurts did make up for his 143 yards and 0 touchdowns passing with two touchdowns and 82 yards rushing.)
Hurts silenced any doubts regarding his public statements on Thursday, even though they persisted during the Eagles’ eastward trip.
