Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb gave advice to mentee Jalen Hurts ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
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In an interview with John Robinson IV and Doug McKain of LA Sports Report, McNabb shared he expects big things from the fourth-year signal-caller.
“I’ve been mentoring him since he was drafted,” McNabb said. “I explained to everyone that he was a grown man in the room, going through many coordinators in college, transitioning from Alabama to Oklahoma, and having college success.
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“He developed as a pocket passer, earning a second-round pick,” McNabb continued. He integrated himself into the offense and performed well. [I’m] expecting more improvement and success. They were 10-1 last year, coming off the Super Bowl. This season, I expect great things from him and the Eagles.”
The Eagles were slated to reach the Super Bowl again last season but crumbled in the NFL Wild Card Round. The Eagles fell 32-9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hurts struggled down the stretch in 2023. He threw the most interceptions in the league against the blitz (8) and finished with a 2.7% touchdown rate.
“Consistency. He needs to get back to basics, clean up his footwork in the pocket,” McNabb said. “He was floating a bit last season.”
Hurts is surrounded by all the right pieces to make a deep playoff run in 2024. Philadelphia added Saquon Barkley in the offseason and still have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in the offensive arsenal.
“In the RPO [run-pass option] game, hand the ball off to Saquon Barkley and run screen or check down,” McNabb. “Read his keys, get the ball to Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown. Offense got stagnant trying to force the ball to A.J. Brown. Getting back to a balanced offense will be crucial.”
Being the signal-caller in Philadelphia is no easy task. McNabb encouraged Hurts to remain focused on the big picture.
“He needs to have short-term memory and keep blinders on. Don’t focus on outside noise from radio and TV shows,” McNabb added. “Stay prepared, know what you’re seeing, react, and overcome adversity. Turnovers happen; it’s about how you handle them afterward.”
McNabb spent over a decade in Philadelphia, which has given him plenty of experience with the fanbase and the franchise. The Eagles are the crown jewel of the city and fans are desperate for another Super Bowl title.