Jalen Hurts Embraces the Challenge of Being No. 1: "We’re Focused on Winning for Our Fans and This City"
As the Philadelphia Eagles sit atop the NFL standings, quarterback Jalen Hurts is speaking candidly about what it means to lead the league's best team. The Eagles’ current No. 1 ranking in the power rankings is a testament to their incredible start to the season, but for Hurts, it’s just the beginning of a much larger journey.
In a recent interview, Hurts acknowledged that while reaching the top is a privilege, staying there is an even greater challenge. "Being at the top is a privilege, but it’s also a challenge. Every week is a new test," Hurts said. "We’ve got a long way to go, and we’re all in this together. We’re focused on winning, not just for ourselves, but for our fans and this city."
The Eagles have been dominant this season, with Hurts leading the offense with his dynamic playmaking ability, both in the air and on the ground. His leadership and determination have been on full display, guiding his team through tough games and closing out victories with precision and poise. But despite the success, Hurts remains focused on the bigger picture.
As Hurts said, the team’s goal isn’t just to stay at the top; it’s about maintaining consistency and continuing to perform week in and week out. "We’ve been in this position before," Hurts noted. "But being in the lead means that we have a target on our backs. We can’t take our foot off the gas. We’ve got to keep pushing, keep working, and keep improving. I know this team is capable of achieving something special, but we have to stay grounded."
What sets Hurts apart is not just his play on the field, but his mentality off of it. His leadership is not about accolades or personal glory—it’s about the team, the city of Philadelphia, and the fans who have supported the Eagles through thick and thin. Hurts is acutely aware of the role he plays in representing not just the Eagles, but the entire fanbase that bleeds midnight green.
"Every time we step on the field, we know we’re not just playing for ourselves," Hurts continued. "We’re playing for every fan who’s cheering us on, for the city that’s supported us, and for everyone who believes in what we’re doing here. That’s what motivates me every day."
Hurts’ focus on the collective effort is why he has quickly become the heart and soul of the Eagles’ success. His leadership isn’t just about leading by example—it’s about inspiring everyone around him to reach new heights. His ability to remain humble despite his success is a testament to his character and his drive to keep pushing forward, not just for his own legacy but for the Eagles' place in history.
As the season progresses, the challenge for the Eagles will be to maintain their dominance and to handle the pressure that comes with being No. 1. But with Hurts at the helm, it’s clear that the Eagles are ready for whatever lies ahead.
With the support of the city and his teammates, Hurts is confident that the best is yet to come. And as he continues to lead by example, the Eagles are focused on one thing above all: winning—for the fans, for the city, and for each other.
49ers’ Robert Saleh explains heated Liam Coen incident
49ers DC Robert Saleh clarifies the 'legal sign-stealing' comments he made about the Jaguars, which led to NSFW Liam Coen exchange
The San Francisco 49ers (3-1) played sloppy in a 26-21 home loss versus the Jacksonville Jaguars and now have just a few days to prepare for a Thursday Night Football face-off with the dangerous Los Angeles Rams (3-1), so there is little time to focus on anything else besides cleaning up mistakes. Though, it is hard to look fully ahead when fans and the media are still processing a viral exchange at the end of Sunday's game.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen cursed at 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh while players and coaches were convening on the field. He took issue with comments the latter made about Jacksonville's “legal sign-stealing.” Tempers flared, and both men had to be held back. Saleh clarified his remarks on Tuesday, insisting that his intentions were pure.
“It's all good, whatever happened on Sunday doesn't change how I feel,” the former New York Jets HC told reporters, per The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. “In my heart, I genuinely was trying to give a compliment. I own the fact that I probably used the wrong choice of words, but however you want to word it, they're really, really good at putting their players in position to be successful.
“As coaches, we're always chasing leverage. They're trying to have winning leverage, we're trying to take leverage away. Everyone in the league is trying to find every avenue they can…. Every team does it. Some do it better than others. And it was my way of acknowledging that these guys are really, really good at it. … I think Liam is doing a hell of a job. I really do.”
49ers will face another tricky offense this week
Saleh's thoughtful response will ideally allow both San Francisco and Jacksonville to move forward to their respective Week 5 matchups without distractions. Many squads will work tirelessly to find any edge they can use against their opponents, with some even opting to push the boundaries as far as possible.
Obviously, Coen took offense to what he interpreted as an accusation of unethical practices. Now that Saleh has elaborated on his original comment, perhaps all the tension will dissipate. Coen already downplayed the incident and has no intention of touching on the heated postgame interaction.
And that is perfectly fine with the 49ers. They must get themselves mentally and physically prepared for a meeting in SoFi Stadium this Thursday. Rams head coach Sean McVay, like Liam Coen, is praised for the ingenuity he employs on offense. Robert Saleh will have to get creative in order to limit an impactful unit that includes quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
If the Niners can execute the game plan to perfection, then the DC should be amped-up for much better reasons after this showdown.
