The Blitz is Back to Haunt Jalen Hurts: How Teams are Cracking the Code
Jalen Hurts was once nearly unguardable when blitzed, but that era has long since passed. In fact, it's been weeks since teams started throwing all sorts of pressure at him with mixed results.
Just last year, Hurts was among the top QBs in the NFL in performance against extra-man pressures, boasting a passer rating of over 120 and completion percentage above expectation. However, through the first five weeks of this season, he's regressed significantly, struggling to make plays against blitzed defenses.
The Chicago Bears' recent 24-15 win over the Eagles was a perfect example of how teams are suddenly turning up the heat on Hurts. With gusty winds already affecting both teams, the Bears' coordinator Dennis Allen opted for an unusually high blitz rate of 47.1%, which paid off as Hurts completed just six of 16 passes against the blitz for 60 yards and was picked off for only his second time all season.
The Bears even tried out some Zero blitzes, where all defenders are either blitzing or playing man coverage with no safeties to help. The infamous third-and-eight dropback saw Hurts throw behind DeVonta Smith due to a miscommunication, which didn't end well for him.
While it's possible that teams were just trying to exploit the weather conditions, this storyline has been weeks in the making, and it appears that teams have figured out how to crack the code on Hurts. The Cowboys' Week 12 blitzing was similarly effective, with Hurts completing seven of 11 passes for 96 yards but not throwing a touchdown.
As we head into Monday Night Football against the Chargers, who are known for their stout pass defense and heavy four-man rush, it'll be interesting to see how teams choose to pressure Hurts. One thing is certain: the blitz is back, and Hurts better be ready.
Jalen Hurts was once nearly unguardable when blitzed, but that era has long since passed. In fact, it's been weeks since teams started throwing all sorts of pressure at him with mixed results.
Just last year, Hurts was among the top QBs in the NFL in performance against extra-man pressures, boasting a passer rating of over 120 and completion percentage above expectation. However, through the first five weeks of this season, he's regressed significantly, struggling to make plays against blitzed defenses.
The Chicago Bears' recent 24-15 win over the Eagles was a perfect example of how teams are suddenly turning up the heat on Hurts. With gusty winds already affecting both teams, the Bears' coordinator Dennis Allen opted for an unusually high blitz rate of 47.1%, which paid off as Hurts completed just six of 16 passes against the blitz for 60 yards and was picked off for only his second time all season.
The Bears even tried out some Zero blitzes, where all defenders are either blitzing or playing man coverage with no safeties to help. The infamous third-and-eight dropback saw Hurts throw behind DeVonta Smith due to a miscommunication, which didn't end well for him.
While it's possible that teams were just trying to exploit the weather conditions, this storyline has been weeks in the making, and it appears that teams have figured out how to crack the code on Hurts. The Cowboys' Week 12 blitzing was similarly effective, with Hurts completing seven of 11 passes for 96 yards but not throwing a touchdown.
As we head into Monday Night Football against the Chargers, who are known for their stout pass defense and heavy four-man rush, it'll be interesting to see how teams choose to pressure Hurts. One thing is certain: the blitz is back, and Hurts better be ready.
47.1% blitz rate by the Bears? that's insane 
his regressed significantly against extra-man pressures last year but now teams are putting all sorts of pressure on him 
120+ passer rating vs blitz just last season, now it's like mid-90s 
and I'm thinking what changed? 
was it the offseason coaching changes or the new scheme? 
Chargers' pass defense has been solid all season 
can he make plays against that heavy 4-man rush? 
might be a great opportunity for him to get back on track 
. I mean, he's been riding high on his 'blitz-proof' rep for years now, but it seems like every team has caught up 
. The Bears' win was a great example of how you can still make it work even when the wind is howling and the defense is getting aggressive 
. I'm curious to see if Hurts can find his footing against the Chargers' pass rush this week 
.
. hurts is regressing fast, like his performance against extra-man pressures last year vs this season. i dont know what's changed but teams have figured out how to crack him 
but I think teams are just making adjustments 
He was on fire last year 
They're getting pressure from all angles 
️ and Hurts is having trouble with his reads 
problems so they can create some space for Hurts to make plays 
The Chargers are a tough test 
but maybe this is just what Hurts needs 
a wake-up call 
! I mean, we've seen him have some great games against blitzes last season, but it looks like defenses have tweaked their strategies to keep him off his game. The Chicago Bears' 47.1% blitz rate was insane 
. It'll be interesting to see if the Eagles' coaching staff adapts their strategy and finds ways to counter these new blitzes.
. Back in my day, we used to think it was a great idea to send a guy like Joe Montana or Peyton Manning deep down the field every now and then... boy were we wrong 
! Anyway, I'm not surprised teams are figuring out how to crack the code on Hurts, he's been getting some big checks lately and teams aren't gonna keep giving him easy outs. The problem is, it looks like his confidence has taken a hit, so we'll see how that plays out this week against San Diego. Should be an interesting matchup...
i'm not saying he's bad or anything, but 47.1% blitz from denver allen is just crazy talk! 
. I'm not saying the Eagles were bad or anything, but they just can't seem to get out of their own way when Hurts gets hit by a bunch of defenders 
. The Cowboys also had some success blitzing him in Week 12, so I'm curious to see how he responds against the Chargers' stout pass defense 
. Maybe they'll try to keep it under wraps or maybe they'll go all out and bring the heat 
for monday night against the chargers
. It's like he was untouchable last year, but now it seems like every team is trying to knock him off his game 
, makin it hard for him to breathe 
. Zero blitzes? Whoa, talk about aggressive 
.
, Hurts just couldn't find his rhythm 
. Chargers Monday Night Football? That's gonna be interesting