Why the Heck Are the Eagles Sticking with Matt Patricia?
I know the Philadelphia Eagles are a bit of a sore subject right now. I mean, we’re lucky to have made it into the playoffs, the way the Eagles have been playing lately. What went wrong? A lot. One notable change happened in mid-December of last year, when Matt Patricia took over the defensive play-calling ahead of the Eagles’ game against the Seattle Seahawks. I realize this was a reaction to the fact the Eagles had been struggling. But, did it work? The Eagles lost that game to Seattle, and they’ve been falling ever since. So, why the heck are the Eagles sticking with Matt Patricia?
It’s a good question. I’m not sure if anyone has a good answer. As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, I feel your pain, Philadelphia. Really. The second I heard the Eagles were stepping Patricia up, I was like, “This is going to be bad.” That probably sounds really harsh. I’m sure Patricia doesn’t care what I think, but if he’s reading this and for some reason does, I’m sure you’re a nice guy, Matt. And I believe he’s a talented coach with the right team. He’s a smart guy, too. But, Patricia’s time with the Lions was dismal, and I can’t help but think he’s the wrong guy to head up Philadelphia’s defense.
Now, the Eagles are heading into a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Wild Card playoffs. The Eagles beat Tampa back in September, 25-11, and it was a great game for Philly. This time around, Sean Desai, who started the year as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. won’t be calling defensive plays. In a press conference this week, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said he will not be having Patricia step down from his play calling duties. He also said he won’t give those play calling duties back to Desai. While the Eagles had some bad performances against the 49ers and Cowboys under Desai, those are two good teams.
Now, the defense has performed worse under Patricia, and that includes losing to teams that aren’t as good as the Eagles. We talk about Patricia and the Eagles on the latest episode of my podcast, “The Squad with Anne Erickson,” which you can listen to below and wherever you listen to podcasts. Reach out to me here.
10 Fun Facts About the Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts
Where is Jalen Hurts from?
Jalen Hurts was born in Houston, Texas on Aug. 7, 1998. His parents are Pamela and Averion Hurts. He went to Channelview High School in Harris County, Texas.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
What's Jalen Hurts' net worth?
Jalen Hurts is reported to have a net worth of $30 million dollars, as of June 2023. His net worth went up significantly after signing his new contract with the Eagles. I’m glad we paid up to keep him happy!
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
His salary raises are incredible
Talk about getting a raise. Back in 2020, Hurts’ annual salary was $610,000. In 2021, it went up to $883,000. In 2022, it was $1 million. Now, in 2023 it’s $4.2 million, and in 2024, it’s $50 million. That’s according to CelebrityNetWorth.com.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 08: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after his team’s 22-16 win against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on January 08, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
He wasn't a super high draft pick
You never know when you’re going to get a gem. Jalen Hurst was the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was going to be the team’s third-string quarterback but became the second-string very quickly.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 24: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts while coming of the field after their loss against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
He supports women in sports
According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, “Hurts has been an advocate for women in sports, and he employs an all-female management team including his social media, communications, marketing, and sports agent team members.” That’s such a great thing for someone in his position to do.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
He has a girlfriend
Jalen Hurts introduced his girlfriend to the world after the Eagles’ NFC Championship win when he was spotted walking across the field with a woman. His girlfriends is Bryonna “Bry” Burrows, and the two met at the University of Alabama. She has an MBA.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the George Halas Trophy with A.J. Brown #11 after defeating the San Francisco 49ers to win the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 31 to 7. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
He came close to winning the Heisman
Jalen Hurts didn’t win the Heisman Trophy but came close. He was a finalist and had a great season with the Oklahoma Sooners. But, that year, the trophy went to quarterback Joe Burrow.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 27: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on while playing the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 27, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
He's a Christian
How many times have you seen a NFL football player thank God after a game? Many times. NFL players are rarely shy when it comes to expressing their faith and religion. Hurts is no exception, and he’s been open about is Christianity in interviews.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after defeating the Washington Commanders at FedExField on September 25, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
He has siblings
Jalen Hurts is a middle child. He has a younger sister, Kynnedy, and an older brother, Averion. Jalen’s older brother is also a football player. Keep it in the family!
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 21: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after defeating the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on December 21, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
He can weight lift more than you
According to NFL-Therapy.com, Jalen Hurts can deadlift 656 pounds. That’s beyond impressive. He also has a video of his time at OU squatting 585-pounds. No wonder he’s so incredible on the field.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against Nick Bolton #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
