The New Kellen Moore Offense Can’t Be An Excuse for Hurts
During the mandatory Eagles mini-camp in early June, the players on the offensive side of the ball got their first glimpse of the Kellen Moore playbook. They had gotten to study it before convening, but this was the beginning of the implementation.
Jalen Hurts when quizzed was somewhat enthusiastic but commented once again about how this was different. He has certainly faced a lot of change in his college and professional career, but as they say “change can be a good thing”. Should we expect this to be a learning curve season? Should Jalen be expected to slowly grow in this offense? If history is any indicator, if Jalen Hurts struggles in this transition that will be completely on him. In other words, there should not be any excuses!
Here is how other “first-time” Quarterbacks in a Kellen Moore system handled the transition to his offense. It will tell you that there should be no reason to expect anything but huge success. This isn’t a Brian Johnson experiment. This is a proven system with tangible results.
How did Dak Prescott do in his first season under Kellen Moore?
The comparison to Dak Prescott is actually a completely logical and fair analysis. Kellen Moore became Dak’s offensive coordinator after his third full season as a starting quarterback. That is exactly where Jalen Hurts is in his professional career. It’s an apples-to-apples comparison.
Let’s look at that 2019 season
Dak Prescott had his best season in every statistical category in Year 4 as a starter in Dallas under Moore. Here are some of the statistical highlights.
Career Highs were set in the following
Passing yards 4,902 (up over 1,000 from his previous best season)
Touchdowns 30 (up 8 from his previous career high of 22)
Passed for 45 more first downs than his previous best
Yards per attempt 8.4 (up 1 from his previous best)
Yards per game 306 (up 64 per game from his previous best)
How did Justin Herbert do in his transition season under Kellen Moore?
Herbert did not require a long build-up period to passing game success.
Here are some of the highlights.
Herbert passed for over 3,100 yards in 12 starts 20 TDs 6 INT’s
Herbert passed for an average of 315 yards in his first 3 games / 6 TD’s 0 INT’s
Kellen Moore should see improvements immediately with Jalen Hurts
Two other starting quarterbacks had no issue grasping and executing the new concepts immediately. There should be nothing keeping Jalen Hurts, with a superior situation, from doing the same. If it doesn’t happen or he struggles the questions should be directed at Hurts.
Watch Kincade & Salciunas on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page for discussion about the latest breaking sports news in Philadelphia.
Latest 2024 NFL Power Rankings
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Experts have so many differing opinions on the Bengals. Some think they’ll go to the Super Bowl this year. Some don’t think they’ll be in play at all. I’m somewhere in between. But, Joe Burrow is strong, so he could push them to victory.
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
9. Green Bay Packers
As a Detroit Lions fan, it pains me to admit that the Green Bay Packers, once again, will be strong in 2024. They were strong last year. Jordan Love is on his way to being one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Watch out for these guys.
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
8. Dallas Cowboys
No offense to Dallas Cowboys fans, but they can be pretty annoying. But, I won’t let that cloud my thoughts on this year’s team. While the Cowboys haven’t spent much in the offseason, they’re still a strong team, and Dak Prescott is a strong quarterback. They’ll be a contender.
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
7. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have rebuilt faster than any team I can remember. They were surprisingly stellar last season. I mean, experts thought they would be good, but they were better than good. C.J. Stroud is a superstar.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
6. Philadelphia Eagles
What happened to the Philadelphia Eagles last season? It was a dismal end to what started out as a strong season. I’m sure Eagles fans would like to forget about it. But, the Eagles have spent a lot in this offseason, and they’re determined to fly back.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
5. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are hot or cold. But, Josh Allen is a stellar quarterback, and he still has a lot to prove with this team. He’s great, but he hasn’t been able to lead the Bills to a Super Bowl yet. This could be his year.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
4. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, hands down. That’s not up for debate. But, the Ravens fell in the AFC championship game last season, and it was a surprise to many. Will Jackson bring the guys back to win it all? It’s a strong possibility.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
3. San Francisco 49ers
I’ve noticed that some NFL experts have the 49ers as the best team in the league next year. I just don’t get it. Sure, Brock Purdy is a great quarterback. But, I don’t see this team really being the best in the league. They almost lost to the Lions in the NFC Championship game last season and ultimately made it to the Big Game but fell short. But, they are always solid.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
2. Detroit Lions
Full discloser: I’m a Detroit Lions fan. As a Michigan native, I’m for all the Detroit teams, especially the Lions and Pistons. But, that’s not why I have them at No. 2 on my 2024 NFL Power Rankings tally. I really think they’re that good. The Lions have spent the most money in the NFL during the offseason, both to secure current talent, such as superstar quarterback Jared Goff, and add new talent. They also came within inches of making it to the Super Bowl last season. I think this is their year.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Will it be three in a row for the Kansas City Chiefs? Maybe. The guys have won two Super Bowls in a row now, and they’re still strong. They could do it again, but I think one of the teams on this roster will get in the way. Still, I believe they’re the strongest, most complete team going into the 2024 NFL season.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
