Jalen Hurts remains a starter
The Eagles held their annual end-of-season press conferences and unlike the 2021 version, we will head into the offseason with certainty from the quarterback, head coach and all offensive coaches.
Jonathan Gannon could land a head coaching job, but other than that, Philadelphia will enter the 2022 offseason with continuity, active plans and a clear plan to improve around Jalen Hurts.
Here are 11 takeaways and notes from the presser.
January 16, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks to pass the ball in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFC Wild Card playoff soccer game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA TODAY Sports
It’s the most logical and allows the young quarterback to proceed with the same offensive staff for the first time in his career dating back to high school.
“I’m happy with how he’s developed as a passer, as a quarterback.” – Coach Sirianni on @JalenHurts pic.twitter.com/nRrPB5Zl18
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2022
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports
Graham can still rush the passer and Howie Roseman has made it clear that the 34-year-old will have a role in Philadelphia.
“We see a role for him in the future and we are delighted to have him back next year. He is an integral part of our football team.” –Howie Roseman on @brandongraham55 pic.twitter.com/JOwaHC1UWX
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2022
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
“We want more production from Jalen Reagor. He has all the talent to be in this position to make plays. It’s our job as coaches to put him in a position to succeed. And Jalen has to make the bets when the opportunity arises. – Nick Sirianni
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) January 19, 2022
Reagor will return in 2022 and it looks like the team will be doing their best to make sure he has the tools to continue his development.
Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni have both said former first-rounder Jalen Reagor knows where he needs to improve.
the #Eagles HC also said he was happy with the WR group as a whole, describing DeVonta Smith as a true No. 1 and Quez Watkins as a good No. 2.
—Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 19, 2022
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
The right guard’s future with the team is uncertain, but he has not retired and is in good health.
Howie Roseman said the Eagles wanted Brandon Brooks to finish his offseason healthy and had no conversations with him beyond health.
Re: Brandon Graham – Roseman said he was happy to have him back.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) January 19, 2022
(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni did an excellent job at this press conference by saying nothing to create controversy. It was their goal. Not telling anyone their real plans. They achieved their goal.#Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) January 19, 2022
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
“JJ did a great job as an enforcer and helped pave the way to becoming the No. 1 offense in the league.” – Nick Sirianni on…. Yes…. Arcega Whiteside
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) January 19, 2022
January 2, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) attempts to catch a pass as Washington Football Team outside linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) defends during the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
The former sixth-round pick goes up.
September 27, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj – USA TODAY Sports
“He can always win 1v1, he can make plays with the ball in his hands, he catches everything. There aren’t many true number 1 wide receivers in the NFL and we have one and he’s going to keep getting better. – Nick Sirianni on Devonta Smith
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) January 19, 2022
July 28, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman talks to the media during training camp at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports
Eagles fans aren’t going to like this take on Howie Roseman who could continue to shy away from the best and most dynamic player available.
Howie Roseman on his approach to the 2022 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/HEC4S1Atig
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2022
December 21, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (R) and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon (L) before action against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports
Unless Jonathan Gannon leaves, Nick Sirianni will not be making any personnel changes.
Coach Sirianni in the coaching staff pic.twitter.com/Qlvg8p5akF
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2022
(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Any hopes of a free agent splash might have been snuffed out, as Howie Roseman spoke like a man looking to build through the draft and rebuild that roster organically.
Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni takeaways
* “Yes”, Jalen Hurts is our 2022 starter.
* The team is still in the “building” phase, not looking for a shortcut to SB contention.
* No coaching staff changes to be announced, but “still being evaluated”.
* Open to acquisition of 2023 choices if the board requires it. pic.twitter.com/KXzy1LggAU— Bo Wulf (@Bo_Wulf) January 19, 2022
That could well include pushing back a first-round pick to 2023.
