Jalen Hurts' Unstoppable Run: The Eagles Quarterback's Dominant 2022 Season

The Philadelphia Eagles' 2022 season was marked by an unforgettable performance from their young quarterback, Jalen Hurts. The second-year signal-caller's ability to run with the ball has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, leading the team to a surprising playoff appearance. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Hurts' impressive rushing abilities and explore what makes him such a formidable force on the field.

Hurts' rapid rise to prominence began during his time at the University of Alabama, where he showcased his exceptional speed and agility. As a senior, he led the Crimson Tide to a national championship and was subsequently drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Although his role in the Eagles' offense was initially limited, Hurts quickly adapted to the pros and began to make a significant impact.

One of the key factors contributing to Hurts' success is his exceptional speed and elusiveness. He possesses a rare combination of quickness, agility, and power, allowing him to break tackles and gain significant yardage after contact. According to Pro Football Focus, Hurts led the NFL in yards gained after contact in 2022, with an impressive 1,141. His ability to extend plays with his feet has made him a valuable asset to the Eagles' offense.

The Art of Extension Plays

Hurts' extension plays have been a staple of the Eagles' offense this season. He has a knack for finding open lanes and exploiting them, often leaving defenders grasping at air. This ability to extend plays has not only allowed Hurts to gain significant yardage but also kept the defense off balance and guessing.

Several key factors contribute to Hurts' success on extension plays. First and foremost, his exceptional speed and agility enable him to quickly change direction and find open spaces. Additionally, his strong footwork and ability to sell the fake allow him to convincingly pretend to hand the ball off to his running back, drawing defenders into the trap.

Case Study: Hurts' 99-Yard Run Against the Washington Commanders

One of the most memorable extension plays of Hurts' career came in a Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders. With the Eagles trailing by 10 points, Hurts led a 9-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a 99-yard touchdown run. The play was a masterclass in extension, as Hurts used his speed and agility to dance around defenders and gain significant yardage.

• The play began with Hurts dropping back to pass, but he quickly realized that the defense was expecting a handoff. He faked the handoff to Miles Sanders, selling the defenders on the fake, and then immediately turned upfield.
• As he approached the 50-yard line, Hurts accelerated, using his quickness to evade the first would-be tackler.
• With defenders closing in, Hurts continued to accelerate, using his power to burst through the hole and gain significant yardage.
• The final defender, a determined linebacker, was unable to bring Hurts down, and he emerged from the hole with the ball, finding the end zone for the touchdown.

The Evolution of Hurts' Play-Calling

As the 2022 season progressed, the Eagles' coaching staff began to recognize Hurts' exceptional rushing abilities and started to incorporate more play-action passes and fakes into their game plan. This evolution in play-calling has allowed Hurts to take advantage of his speed and agility, exploiting defensive weaknesses and making big plays.

The Impact of Play-Action Fakes

Play-action fakes have been a key component of the Eagles' offense this season. By using Hurts' exceptional speed and agility to fake the handoff, the team has been able to deceive the defense and gain significant yardage. According to data from Next Gen Stats, the Eagles have seen a significant increase in yards gained on play-action fakes since Hurts' promotion to starter.

• The Eagles have used a variety of play-action fakes, including the " QB Sneak" and the "Flood Concept".
• The "QB Sneak" involves Hurts faking the handoff and then quickly taking the snap and handing it off to Sanders, who then turns upfield.
• The "Flood Concept" involves Hurts faking the handoff and then quickly taking the snap and dropping back to pass, releasing the ball to a receiver deep down the field.

The Future of Hurts' Rushing Game

As the 2022 season comes to a close, there is much excitement surrounding the future of Hurts' rushing game. With the Eagles expected to make significant changes to their roster, Hurts will have the opportunity to solidify his position as the team's top running back.

Key Takeaways from the 2022 Season

• Hurts' exceptional speed and agility make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
• His ability to extend plays with his feet has made him a valuable asset to the Eagles' offense.
• The Eagles' coaching staff has recognized Hurts' exceptional rushing abilities and started to incorporate more play-action passes and fakes into their game plan.

Conclusion

Jalen Hurts' unstoppable run has been a highlight of the 2022 season for the Philadelphia Eagles. His exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness have made him a formidable force on the field, and his ability to extend plays with his feet has kept the defense off balance and guessing. As the Eagles look to the future, it will be exciting to see how Hurts' rushing game continues to evolve and grow.