Jalen Hurts had 'complete control' of Eagles offense in win vs. Falcons

Quarterback Jalen Hurts was very impressive in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 32-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons to begin the season. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni’s first game in Philadelphia could not have gone better, and he thought that Hurts was in “complete control” of the Eagles’ offense in the game, via Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper.

Hurts posted an impressive line in the Eagles win

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 young 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 hope that Hurts can do that throughout the year.

“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 Eagles had 434 total yards and averaged 6.5 yards per play with no turnovers in the season opening victory.

Hurts is entering his first full season as an NFL starter

Hurts starred in college and he played for both Alabama and Oklahoma. In his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa, Hurts threw for 4,861 yards, 40 touchdowns and 1- interceptions. He also rushed for 954 yards and 13 touchdowns in those two seasons. As a junior, Hurts saw his role diminish as Tua Tagovailoa’s increased. In 2018, Hurts attempted just 70 passes, throwing for 765 yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions, and running for two scores.

After the 2018 season, Hurts decided to transfer to Oklahoma. There, he had the best statistical season of his career. With the Sooners, Hurts threw for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions and ran for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns.

The Eagles drafted Hurts 53^rd overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Hurts did not play much last season as an NFL rookie with the Eagles. He did see increased action late in the season. As a rookie, Hurts completed 52 percent of his passes for 1,061 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. He also had 354 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Former Eagles quarterback is now on the Indianapolis Colts, meaning that Hurts is now getting his opportunity to prove that he is a capable starting quarterback in the NFL. Sunday was certainly a good start.