The Eagles still want to use Jalen Hurts as a runner, trying to get him to play in a rhythm

Nick Sirianni has been very specific on what the Philadelphia Eagles have been working on with Jalen Hurts throughout training camp. Footwork has been the driving force behind the coaching staff as the Eagles believe the Hurts will be more consistent with proper technique – and deliver better shots as a result.

The Eagles aren’t trying to make the Hurts a pocket passer, but they want him to be better in the pocket. What makes Hurts a starting NFL quarterback is his ability to extend the game with his legs, an aspect of his game that Sirianni has not forgotten.

“Again, it’s like the wise man is avoiding all extremes,” Sirianni said ahead of the Eagles’ camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. “You can’t just say, ‘Everything has to be rhythmic’ or, ‘Everything has to be a race. We try to get him to play at a certain pace while using his running skills.

“It’s just putting it on – again, it’s calling out the games and ongoing games that we think he has a chance of being successful in. So at the moment, he’s still figuring out where to go. Does he like the stuff in the middle? Does he like the? Does he like the stuff above the ball? Does he like to be on the move?

“Again, it’s just a matter of figuring out what those pieces are and continuing to represent them.”

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Hurts used his legs frequently on his starts last year, often taking off after the first reading wasn’t there. The flaw in his game was revealed when the defenses began to cheat him in the second half of games, making sure the primary target was covered so Hurts was forced to find another option. It never materialized, which is what Sirianni is focusing on at camp.

Footwork plays a major role here. The Eagles want the Hurts to take off, but also want the full package in their quarterback.

“When we look at a quarterback, we look at their decision making. We look at their accuracy. We look at their ability to create and we look at their leadership abilities, to name just four things,” said Sirianni. “And arm strength, we always look at that, the fundamentals and stuff like that. But those four things are essential.

“So we know that in order to be a full package as a quarterback you have to have all of these things, and I’m glad he has that ability to run because not everyone has that.”