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Hurts' Middle Field Passes: A Crisis or Opportunity?
29 Apr
Summary
- Hurts' 2023 middle-field pass attempts were a career-high 28.
- He ranks 28th in the NFL in middle-field attempts since 2022.
- New receivers are poised to increase middle-field targets in 2026.

Jalen Hurts' passing game in the middle of the field has become a significant talking point, with only 28 attempts between the hashmarks in 2023, a career high that placed him 28th in the NFL. Since 2022, his 99 attempts lag behind many peers, even those who were rookies last season. Despite this low volume, Hurts has been highly effective when throwing inside, boasting a 77.9% completion rate for 855 yards and a 123.7 passer rating.
The Eagles' offense has historically been risk-averse, contributing to Hurts' conservative approach. However, the team's recent acquisitions in 2026, including slot receiver Makai Lemon and playmakers like Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown, are specifically suited for routes between the hashmarks. Tight ends Eli Stowers and Dallas Goedert also excel in this area, as does DeVonta Smith.