Jalen Hurts and Nick Siranni will look to replicate Week 1 success vs. 49ers

On3 imageby:Sean Labar09/17/21

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Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni were massive storylines during the offseason, for all the wrong reasons. The Philadelphia Eagles were linked to legitimate trades involving Deshaun Watson, less than a year removed from seemingly handing the offense over to the former Alabama and Oklahoma star QB.

Both local and national media questioned the hiring of Sirianni as Philadelphia’s head coach. He was impressive resurrecting the Indianapolis Colts offense, but had no head coaching experience and a bizarre introductory press conference that ignited an already smoldering fire.

Hurts stayed quiet and prepared behind-the-scenes. Sirianni was at work as well, implementing an offensive system that would capitalize on the strengths of his first-year NFL starting signal caller while winning over his new team.

The result? Sirianni and Hurts, accompanied by a stifling effort from the Philly defense cruised to a 32-6 opening victory on the road against the Falcons.

The Eagles marched into Atlanta like a well-oiled machine and dominated in every facet of the game. The Falcons were listed as a 3-point favorite by most oddsmakers, but like so many offseason doubters, Vegas couldn’t have been more wrong.

Jalen Hurts helped lead the Eagles to a dominating Week 1 performance

Hurts, Eagles offense thrives in Week 1

Against the Falcons, Hurts completed 27 of his 35 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 62 yards on seven rushing attempts. Hurts ended Philadelphia’s first offensive possession with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Devonta Smith in the corner of the endzone, the first catch of Smith’s career.

The first-year starting quarterback said after the game that he went out on the field and did what he was coached to do. Hurts’ all-around performance was impressive, and the Eagles could emerges as a true threat in the NFC East if his early success continues.

“It’s me going out there and doing what I’m coached to do,” Hurts said. “We prepare, we hit it every day. I always talk about executing. I want to execute at a high level. Running the ball, throwing the ball, alignment things, situation things, I just want to execute at a high level.”

The offensive attack was balanced and efficient, but far from perfect. The Eagles racked up an impressive 437 yards (261 passing, 173 rushing) and won time of possession. They will need to get better on third down (6-of-13) and clean up other areas, but it was a fantastic start. The 49ers will present a far greater challenge when they make the east coast trek to Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

The Philly defense is getting overlooked to a certain degree, due to the Sirianni and Hurts storyline. While most experts figured the Falcons will struggle this season, they have plenty of weapons on offense. The Eagles limited Atlanta to 288 total yards and just six points.

Sirianni rocks Jalen Hurts tee in press conference

There’s something to be said about a great relationship between an offensive-minded head coach and his quarterback.

In his Friday presser heading into Sunday’s home opener against San Francisco, Eagles’ first-year head coach Nick Sirianni showed up sporting a Jalen Hurts shirt, a rare but awesome move from a NFL head coach.

This is cool, no matter who you root for. Especially considering the massive image of Hurts’ face and the popular retro colored shades that have made a comeback in 2021.

If the Philadelphia duo can somehow replicate last week’s magic while continuing to improve in key areas, there’s a chance they could beat a solid 49ers team this Sunday.