Donovan McNabb, the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, recently shared insights with mentee Jalen Hurts as the 2024 NFL season approaches.
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During a chat with John Robinson IV and Doug McKain from LA Sports Report, McNabb expressed high hopes for Hurts, who is entering his fourth season in the league. “I’ve been mentoring him since he was drafted. He’s matured through various coordinators in college and has shown success at both Alabama and Oklahoma,” said McNabb.
McNabb praised Hurts for his development as a pocket passer, noting that he performed well enough to be a second-round pick. “Last season, they had a solid start at 10-1 and reached the Super Bowl. I’m expecting even better performances this year,” he added.
Despite high expectations last season, the Eagles stumbled in the Wild Card Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, losing 32-9. Hurts faced challenges towards the end of the season, throwing the most interceptions against blitzes and maintaining a low touchdown rate.
“He needs to focus on consistency and refine his footwork,” advised McNabb. “He was a bit off last season.”
Fortunately, Hurts has a talented team around him, including new addition Saquon Barkley, along with playmakers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. McNabb suggests that finding balance is key to success, urging Hurts to utilize the RPO strategy effectively and distribute the ball efficiently.
“In the RPO game, it’s crucial to hand off to Barkley and not force plays,” he advised. “Getting back to a balanced offense will be essential.”
Handling the pressures of being the Eagles quarterback can be daunting, and McNabb emphasized the importance of focus. “Stay concentrated on the task at hand, ignore outside noise, and learn from mistakes,” he added. “What matters is how you bounce back from challenges.”
With his extensive experience in Philadelphia, McNabb knows how passionate the fans are for another Super Bowl win, and he’s confident in Hurts’ potential to lead the team there.
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