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The secret weapon who’s made a huge difference for Jalen Hurts originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
What’s changed since last year for Jalen Hurts?
He’s more accurate, for starters, completing 69 percent of his passes after just 65 percent last year.
And he’s cut his interceptions nearly in half – one every 36 attempts last year to one every 71 this year.
And he’s increased his yards per pass attempt nearly a yard per pass, from a career-low 7.2 last year to a career-high 8.1 this year.
What else has changed?
His coach.
Doug Nussmeier is in his first year as the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach, and he’s the third position coach Hurts has had in the last three years.
Hurts is enjoying the finest stretch of his career, and by all accounts Nussmeier’s arrival has a lot to do with it.
“Just being around him, knowing his background, where he comes from, and the experience,” Hurts said Wednesday. “There’s tons of value in that, and just the conversations that we’re able to have.”
Nussmeier, like offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, is a former NFL backup. He was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round in 1994 and spent time backing up Jim Everett as well as Heath Shuler. After bouncing around training camps and the CFL, he moved on to coaching in 2001. He and Moore first worked together on Jason Garrett’s Cowboys staff in 2018, and when Moore left for the Chargers in 2023 he brought Nussmeier with him. And then brought him to Philly as well.
So far, so good.
“Obviously, his handprint, footprint (is) on this system, and being alongside Kellen for some years now,” Hurts said. “So just another great mind, being able to learn the game from Doug and from Kellen, as well. I think it’s always a tool. I just want to use those. Use the people that I share time with and take advantage of it.”
How much of a difference Nussmeier has made is impossible to quantify. The whole structure of the offense has changed with Moore replacing Brian Johnson and Nick…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/secret-weapon-whos-made-huge-145543472.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-12-19 17:18:00
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