Hurts Reflects on Eagles’ 6–2 Start: Praises Run Game, Preaches Patience, Promises More to Come

After a dominant Week 8 victory over the New York Giants, Jalen Hurts stood at the podium with the calm confidence of a quarterback who knows his team is just beginning to hit its stride. The Philadelphia Eagles, now sitting at 6–2 heading into their bye week, delivered one of their most complete performances of the season — a 38–20 win that reestablished their offensive identity and silenced any doubt about their direction.
Hurts, who threw for 179 yards and four touchdowns, spoke candidly about the Eagles’ growth, the resurgence of their run game, and why he believes the team’s ceiling remains much higher than what fans have seen so far.
“Definitely a lot of work to do,” Hurts said postgame. “I think the best is yet to come.”
It was a simple statement, but one that carried the weight of leadership — a reminder that while the Eagles are winning, their quarterback refuses to be satisfied.
🦅 A Balanced and Explosive Offense
Sunday’s win was defined by balance. The Eagles’ offense fired on all cylinders, mixing an efficient passing attack with a ground game that finally looked dominant again.
Running backs Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby combined for 254 rushing yards, marking the first time since 2013 that two Eagles backs each surpassed the 100-yard mark in the same game. Barkley’s 65-yard touchdown run on the opening series immediately set the tone.
Hurts was quick to credit his offensive line and running backs for the team’s success.
“When you’re able to run the ball efficiently like that, it gives you a flow,” Hurts explained. “I’m proud of how we ran the ball, how we made plays in the red zone, and how we took advantage of our opportunities.”
The Giants’ defense had no answer for Philadelphia’s ground dominance, as the Eagles averaged 8.4 yards per carry and controlled possession throughout the game. Hurts noted that this kind of performance wasn’t accidental — it was the product of discipline, balance, and execution across the board.
“We just want to have that balance,” Hurts said. “Whether it’s under center, in spread formations, or with different personnel, we want to present multiple looks and be able to build off them.”
🧩 Playing Under Center — Finding a New Rhythm
One of the most notable changes in the Eagles’ Week 8 game plan was how often Hurts lined up under center rather than exclusively in shotgun. It was a subtle but impactful adjustment that gave the offense more versatility in both play-action and downhill running.
Hurts discussed how this approach allows him to see the field differently and helps the offense dictate tempo.
“When you have more variety and different variations of what you do, you can build off of that,” Hurts said. “I enjoy being under center — it helps complement our run game and creates a natural flow.”
He emphasized that it’s not just about where he lines up, but about how the Eagles leverage formations and personnel to maximize their strengths. The ability to blend schemes — mixing spread, pistol, and traditional sets — has made the Eagles more unpredictable and harder to defend.
“It’s about how we’re leveraging the guys,” Hurts added. “What spots we’re putting them in, and how we’re taking advantage of what they do best.”
That tactical flexibility was evident on Sunday, as the Eagles found success both pounding the ball and spreading it out through the air — a formula that Hurts believes will be key as the season progresses.
💬 Adapting Without A.J. Brown
Playing without star wide receiver A.J. Brown might have spelled trouble for the Eagles in previous weeks, but against the Giants, it was an opportunity for others to step up.
Hurts praised the performance of DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, John Metchie, and Darius Cooper, who all contributed to a passing game that stayed efficient and opportunistic.
“All those guys came in and made big plays,” Hurts said. “Dotson kind of put the dagger in late, Metchie was playing hard, and Smitty [Smith] did his thing. When we run the ball the way we did, it creates balance and freedom in how we attack.”
It was a textbook example of the “next man up” mentality that head coach Nick Sirianni has preached since his arrival in Philadelphia.
🧠 Embracing Change and Growth
Hurts has worked with multiple offensive coordinators in his young career, and 2025 brought another adjustment with Kevin Patullo taking over play-calling duties. For many quarterbacks, that constant turnover could be disruptive. But Hurts views it as part of his evolution.
“There’s always a period of adjustment,” Hurts acknowledged. “But I’ve accepted that throughout my career. It’s about having a relentless mentality and staying persistent in the process.”
He praised Patullo’s growing confidence as a play-caller, noting that both quarterback and coordinator are learning how to complement each other.
“He’s gained confidence in what he sees and believes,” Hurts said. “For us as players, it’s about helping him — playing clean football, avoiding penalties, mastering the little things that help him find rhythm.”
It’s a mature perspective — one that reflects how Hurts continues to grow not just as a player, but as a leader capable of steering the entire offense through transition.
🔥 On Dallas Goedert and the Red Zone Attack
Tight end Dallas Goedert had one of his best outings of the year, serving as a reliable target in crucial moments. Hurts was effusive in his praise for the veteran.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Hurts said. “He does a lot of dirty work in this offense, and he’s due. We know what he brings — he’s a big-time target, especially in the red zone.”
The Eagles were notably more efficient inside the 20-yard line, converting opportunities into touchdowns — an area that had plagued them earlier in the season.
⚡ The Mindset Moving Forward
Despite the strong performance, Hurts made it clear that the team’s mindset remains focused on growth.
“The reality is we’re always in the process of becoming something,” Hurts said. “The goal is to be playing our best ball at the end of the season.”
He emphasized the importance of embracing challenges — whether it’s injuries, scheme changes, or tougher opponents — as part of the team’s evolution.
“You saw a lot of guys step up today and play in roles they’re not used to,” Hurts added. “That’s what it’s about — playing clean, playing together, and finding our flow.”
The quarterback’s tone was reflective, not boastful. Even after a game in which he accounted for four touchdowns and orchestrated the most balanced offensive effort of the season, Hurts’ focus was on what comes next, not what’s already been achieved.
🏁 Looking Ahead
At 6–2, the Eagles enter their bye week with momentum — and more importantly, with clarity. The run game is back, the passing attack looks adaptable, and the offensive line has reestablished its dominance.
But in Hurts’ eyes, this is just the beginning.
“There’s nothing we can’t do,” he said. “It’s just a matter of whether we’re working toward it the right way.”
It’s the kind of statement that encapsulates who Jalen Hurts is — grounded, determined, and always chasing the next level.
For the Eagles, that mindset might be exactly what turns a good team into a great one.
Final Record: 6–2.
Mood: Focused, not finished.
Hurts’ message: “The best is yet to come.” 🦅