A recent leak from the Philadelphia Eagles locker room to the Philadelphia Inquirer criticizes quarterback Jalen Hurts for his calm manner in the midst of adversity for the defending NFC Champions.
Last week, reports surfaced that there was “finger-pointing” among Eagles teammates while the club was 10-3. Things aren’t getting any better after the Eagles lost a third-quarter lead against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 15.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Hurts’ teammates are dissatisfied with how he has handled locker room leadership this season:
“Clearly, Hurts possesses many of the intangibles required to be an elite quarterback: passing and running abilities, a genuine work ethic, and a willingness to go above and beyond to be the best.” However, team insiders say the Eagles want their franchise quarterback to be more transparent in the locker room.
Hurts is well-liked and respected by his teammates. The squad does not need to be concerned about him off the field. The Eagles want him to be true to himself, but they also want him to not isolate himself as much when a more outward leadership approach is required, particularly when times are rough.”
The timing of the news is a touch strange, given how Hurts battled illness to play against the Seahawks on Monday night. However, whoever leaked this report to McLane clearly believes Hurts is not providing the Eagles enough.
Players aren’t going to be pleased unless they win, so the Eagles’ unhappiness is reasonable. The Eagles also have a sour taste in their mouth after losing the Super Bowl last year. However, the locker room attitude lately disclosed to the public is concerning if they wish to avenge their February setback.
Hurts aren’t the issue in Philadelphia. The problem is any Eagles player who need Hurts to be more outspoken in order to be heard. Nick Sirianni needs to get these whiners under control as soon as possible.
