PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles and their quarterbacks were right back on the NovaCare Complex field Monday after taking a scheduled day off.
Before practice, offensive coordinator Shane Steichen said he had been impressed with how Jalen Hurts has played so far during training camp. Steichen said that despite Hurts’ ability to use his legs to extend plays and evade defenders, it was the use of the deep ball that had caught his eye.
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“He hit DeVonta Smith the other day on this field for a big deep ball, and he hit Zach Ertz the other day down the sideline, too,” Steichen said. “To be able to throw the deep ball and hit guys in stride, that’s an 80-yard touchdown instead of a 60-yard gain. I’m really impressed with how he throws the deep ball right now.”
The Eagles were tied for fifth last season with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers in passing plays of more than 40 yards (9), three of which came during the last four games of the season when Hurts was the starter.
One reason Hurts has been doing well with his deep passes is his ability to transfer his weight off of his plant foot (his right foot) and place his left foot down to step into the throws. He is also not excessively winding up, which would slow down his release. Given the speed the wide receivers have, if they can avoid being jammed at the line and get a step on defenders, it would give Hurts a chance to make some plays downfield.
With that in mind, it is time to break down Monday’s practice. Here is the Day 5 report card for the three quarterbacks on the Eagles’ roster:
Jalen Hurts
Accuracy
Monday is another mixture of throws for Hurts. Hurts started off practice well. Hurts did not miss a throw when the team split up into separate 11-on-11 sessions, completing the short-yardage routes. Hurts threaded a pass to tight end Richard Rodgers, getting the ball in between linebacker Shaun Bradley and defensive end Joe Ostman, who dropped back into coverage.
When it came time to seven-on-seven and a later 11-on-11 session, Hurts missed a few throws high. One pass was targeted for Jalen Reagor, who used a nice stutter-step move to get open before moving up the sideline.
Decision-Making
Hurts once again made the decisions when it came to deciding when to run. When facing pressure up the middle from the defensive line, Hurts rolled out to his right to pick up some yards.
Favorite Target
With Smith out with a knee sprain, Hurts found Miles Sanders coming out of the backfield on quick swing passes and used him as an outlet when nothing was developing down the field. Hurts looked Sanders’ way three times Monday.
Play of the Day
Previously speaking about the deep pass, Hurts completed one to wide receiver Quez Watkins for a touchdown. Watkins beat cornerback Steve Nelson and used his speed to get separation. Hurts arced the ball down the right sideline and hit Watkins in stride for the long touchdown.
Overall Grade
One other thing that noticed on Monday was Hurts continuing to carry out his fakes, which may appear minor on the surface but become very important because it can create opportunities for this offense.
Hurts’ ability to run the ball is well documented, and when he carries out the ball fakes on zone read and run plays, he can take a defender or two with him, further opening a crease or whole for the running backs. In a way, if Hurts carries out his fakes, he can become another blocker without having to touch a defender.
The deep pass to Wakins looked good, he did not turn the ball over, and his short passing game was effective. Hurts has to be more consistent on his release point and follow through with those passes that went high.
Grade: B
Accuracy
Flacco continued to succeed in the short and intermediate pass game, once again finding the running backs and tight ends in between the hashmark and the running backs flaring out the backfield.
Decision-making
Flacco did not force any passes into precarious situations, and his use of the short routes and quick release meant that he did not face much pressure, keeping things simple.
Favorite Target
Flacco and tight end Tyree Jackson seem to be on the same page when it comes to where to break off routes and where the soft spot in the zones will be. Flacco targeted Jackson three times on Monday.
Play of the Day
On one of his targets to Jackson, Flacco hit the big tight end on what looked like a skinny post for an almost 20-yard gain. Flacco put the ball right in the vicinity of Jackson’s numbers, and Jackson hauled the pass in with his hands to make the play.
Overall Grade
Flacco has strung together good practices, building off Saturday’s performance. The way he has been throwing looks reminiscent of what coaches that used to run the true West Coast offense wanted: Get the ball out quickly on short, timed routes so the receivers can make a play.
Grade: B
Accuracy
Rookie cornerback Zech McPhearson picked off Mullens in a late 11-on-11 session. Mullens’ pass was underthrown, and McPhearson was able to turn around and grab the interception. Mullens also missed high on two passes, one to tight end Hakeem Butler and another to running back Elijah Holyfield.
Decision-Making
Mullens’ decisions on whom to target looked solid. Mullens refrained from doing something that many quarterbacks would be tempted to do. When Mullens was scrambling to his right during the red zone drill, Butler started to get open in the middle of the field. Mullens refrained from throwing across his body to try to hit Butler. Instead, Mullens elected to throw the ball to Jackson for a high percentage completion.
There was no need to force that ball because it is very tough to complete, and there are more defenders in that area, all of whom are flowing in the direction that Mullens was running. It was a good decision by him.
Favorite Target
Rookie running back Kenny Gainwell was targeted three times by Mullens, with Jhamon Ausbon coming in second with two. One of Gainwell’s targets proved that camp has been physical, even without pads. During the split 11-on-11 drills, Gainwell caught one of Mullens’ passes.
As Gainwell turned around, cornerback Obi Melifonwu tried to slow up and even hold Gainwell up, but Gainwell had already bounced off of Melifonwu and ended up on the ground. It did not look intentional, but just another example of how physical things have been in training camp.
Play of the Day
Mullens hit Wakins on a wide receiver screen that went for a touchdown. Mullens took the snap, turned his feet, and got the ball out quickly to Watkins, who did the rest. It was a good ball, and the play was executed as designed.
Overall Grade
While Flacco has strung together two good practices in a row, Mullens has gone in the opposite direction. Also, in addition to the McPhearson interception, Mullens fumbled a snap.
Everything has not fallen squarely on Mullens’ shoulders because he has been working with the third team. However, when he has had chances to make plays, they have not developed. The team will practice in pads Tuesday, and Mullens will have the chance to bounce back once again.
Grade: C
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.