Philadelphia Eagles fans have been closely watching the team’s OTA (Organized Team Activities) sessions, and recent reports have given them much to talk about. According to Ed Kracz of Eagles Today, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett has been a standout performer, even surpassing starting quarterback Jalen Hurts in certain drills.
Kracz noted in his “overreactions” column, “The backup quarterback looked sharp, sharper than Jalen Hurts, to be honest. Hurts was on the money on his first two seven-on-seven throws, hitting A.J. Brown on a quick inside slant then following up with a nice sideline throw about 15 yards downfield. Pickett, though, was consistently on target. The Eagles can win games with him if something happens to Hurts.”
Jalen Hurts’ Struggles Raise Concerns
While Pickett’s performance was promising, Jalen Hurts‘ struggles have been a cause for concern. Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reported that Hurts has not been in top form during the practices open to the media. Kubena highlighted that Hurts hasn’t completed “an explosive pass of significance” during these sessions.
“In addition to the pick-six Hurts threw to Rodgers, Hurts was intercepted one other time during Thursday’s drills. He tried to force a crosser to A.J. Brown into a crowded middle.
The ball was expectedly batted by several defenders until linebacker Zach Baun corralled it for an interception,” Kubena wrote. This inconsistency is troubling for a quarterback who was once in the MVP conversation.
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Kenny Pickett’s Performance Dips
Despite his early success, Kenny Pickett also faced challenges. Kubena mentioned that Pickett struggled during a media-open practice, noting that he overthrew tight end Albert Okwuegbunam on a short out to the right sideline. This inconsistency reminds fans and analysts alike that Pickett is still developing.
Philadelphia Eagles Defense Dominates
One silver lining for the Eagles is the strong performance of their defense. The defensive unit has been creating turnovers and making life difficult for the quarterbacks. This could be a sign of a dominant defense heading into the season, which would provide much-needed support for whichever quarterback is under center.
Philadelphia Eagles Looking Ahead to the Season
The Eagles have invested heavily in Jalen Hurts, with a $51 million per year contract reflecting their belief in his abilities. However, his recent performances have left fans uneasy. OTAs are just the beginning of the offseason, and there is still time for Hurts to find his rhythm before the regular season kicks off.
Eagles fans can find some solace in knowing that Kenny Pickett has shown potential as a reliable backup. If Hurts continues to struggle, Pickett’s presence could be a crucial factor in the team’s success.
Philadelphia Eagles Final Thoughts
Philadelphia Eagles OTA sessions have provided a mixed bag of performances, with Kenny Pickett outshining Jalen Hurts in some areas while struggling in others. The defense’s strong showing is a positive takeaway, but Hurts’ inconsistency is a concern that needs to be addressed before the season begins.
Eagles fans will be watching closely as the offseason progresses, hoping to see improvement from their starting quarterback and more flashes of brilliance from their backup. The road to the NFL season is long, and there is still plenty of time for adjustments and growth.
Source: yardbarker
