There’s good news for Jalen Reagor
Doug Pederson admitted this week that with Jalen Hurts starting, they would need to lead on their playmakers. That means getting the run game going, including more screens and getting the ball out of Hurts’ hands. This must have come as music to Reagor’s ears — although most of us question why this couldn’t have happened with Carson under center.
Doug has always loved a good screen, but we’ve seen more of an adherence to RB or TE screens than screens to wideouts. That may change, but what is more likely is that Greg Ward and Jalen Reagor become bigger features in the quick passing game.
If you want an idea of what that will look like, think DeSean Jackson against Washington last season.
Sure, the short passes may not be exciting unless Jalen can break one for a big game, however, what is does do, in conjunction with a stronger showing from the run game and some sporadic screens, is keep the defensive line guessing, the linebackers close to the line of scrimmage and cornerbacks on their heels looking to jump into the action.
All these parts working together should open up some deep routes over top. We saw some of that on a deep completion from Jalen to Jalen against a fairly lax Green Bay defense.
One thing that can be said about the switch from Wentz to Hurts is that the rookie has a much quicker release. That minor mechanical difference could show up in a major way for an offense that has seemingly been out of sync all season.
Another factor that may play a role in the offense, is that with Doug Pederson feeling the heat after an incredibly disappointing season, he may be forced to get creative to remain current. Whether fighting for his job in Philadelphia or elsewhere, front offices will want to see that he is still a sharp offensive mind.
Creativity will be the best friend of Jalen Reagor
The first issue at hand pertains more to play calling and the offensive coaching staff than to the quarterback switch. However, Hurts himself may be able to bring a spark to the offense and particularly a jolt to Reagor’s play.
There have been a lot of frustrating aspects to Carson Wentz’ 2020 decline. What has been most disappointing is watching his creativity and improvisation seemingly disappear. Granted, a dissipated offensive line and blasé play design did him no favors. Still, it is clear that some of the creative juices that helped us fall in love with Carson’s play have evaporated this season.
Enter Jalen Hurts. Until watching him against the Packers, I didn’t truly realize how much faster he is than Wentz. It’s tangible. He isn’t afraid to make plays outside the pocket and looked very comfortable escaping pressure. He also is more of a threat to run the football than Wentz at this stage in his career.
The added threat of Hurts on the run can also compensate for the truly uninspired play calling. If Doug Pederson sticks to his word and simplifies the playbook, or scramble will be the epilogue of every play design. The Eagles’ offensive line is young and inexperienced, but the one thing they are not is un-athletic. Hopefully, Pederson does what he refused to do with Wentz and moves the pocket for Hurts. If not, I’m sure the rookie will find ways to do it on his own.
Jalen Reagor has a unique opportunity to take advantage of this. He’s an incredibly fast straight-line runner, but where he truly separates himself is with his quickness and change of direction. This lends itself beautifully to the inevitable scramble drills Hurts will create over the coming weeks. We saw Greg Ward capitalize against the Packers. As long as Hurts and Reagor are on the same page, there will be plenty of opportunities.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
