Drew Brees didn’t want to see Jalen Hurts play it safe.
The former Saints legend criticized Hurts during Fox’s broadcast of the Eagles’ Week 2 matchup against the Titans on Sunday as the Super Bowl winner slid just short of a first down rather than taking on multiple defenders.
“I was hyping up Jalen Hurts, and now, I’m going to get on him,” Brees said. “Lower your shoulder and go get the first down.”
Notably, Hurts scrambled on 3rd and 6 in the second quarter and appeared to have a chance to fight for the extra yardage, but instead gave it up well short of the mark, forcing a 4th-and-3.
That didn’t sit particularly well with Brees.
“They’re going to mark the ball at the start of the slide, not where you end the slide,” Brees said as the Fox broadcast left the replay and returned to action on the field.
He continued, “It’s not a 4th and 1, it’s a 4th and 3.”
It was a notable criticism of a quarterback who has built much of his success on his ability to scramble, but has also been cited for his conservative style of play.
Last season, former Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil spoke about Hurts’ supposed lack of aggression on the field.
“I would say be who you are and not restrict him from running, because defensive line pressure can create good quarterback draws,” he said of Hurts last season, later adding, “I really believe the more time he touches it, the less man-to-man coverage you get the next time around.”
Hurts finished the contest with late-game heroics, finding receiver Darius Cooper in the final seconds of a 24-20 come-from-behind win against the underdog Titans.
Hurts finished a busy day behind center, going 26 of 37 passing for 264 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Additionally, Hurts rushed for 16 yards on five carries in Philly’s first road win of the season, bumping their record to 2-0 on the young season.
