Jalen Hurts dropped a bomb on NFL Network, calling out Darius Cooper by name, totally unprompted, during an interview with Mike Garafolo and Brian Baldinger. This wasn’t a forced answer, this was QB1 going out of his way to hype his guy, and honestly, that tells you a whole lot about what’s brewing in training camp.
Cooper Is Primed To Explode
Hurts was asked about the receiver room beyond DeVonta Smith, and who’s really stepping up. While he gave a nod to the veterans like Dontayvion Wicks, who’s got that “cheat code” from knowing the offense, it was Cooper who got the direct, repeated shoutout. Hurts said, “I think Darius Cooper has done a really good job. I think Darius Cooper has done a really good job.” He talked about Cooper always being a “big body, physical, strong hands guy,” but it’s that Year 2 transition that has Hurts genuinely excited. You don’t get that kind of specific, double praise for no reason. This kid is putting in the work, and his quarterback sees it clear as day. This is the kind of early camp buzz that turns into real production when the games start counting.
Hurts Is Dialed In, Defense Is Getting NASTY
Speaking of Hurts, the man himself looked sharp as a tack in 7-on-7 drills today. He was completing every single attempt, save for one dropped pass by tight end E.J. Jenkins that should’ve been caught. Hurts slung a perfect ball to Dallas Goedert right over the middle, placing it so precisely it cleared a simulated defensive lineman. Then he hit Dontayvion Wicks with a gorgeous, anticipated pass into a super tight window on the left sideline. What’s even better? He’s staying put. Unlike earlier in his career, Hurts isn’t bailing out and running in these pure passing drills, which is exactly what you want to see. It means he’s focused on honing his arm talent, not taking pointless reps scrambling.
And the defense? Y’all, Jalyx Hunt is a problem. The EDGE rusher, who flashed in limited time last season, is absolutely asserting himself right now. He’s reportedly blowing past that stout offensive line in practice and looking every bit like a “double-digit sack guy.” That’s massive news, especially after losing Jaelan Phillips in free agency. Plus, Coach Vic Fangio is loving what he’s seeing from Andrew Mukuba mentally. Fangio said Mukuba’s “thought process” is speeding up, he’s got more “comfortability with the defense,” and he’s even in “better shape.” Experience and knowledge are making a real difference for him in Year 2.
The energy coming out of camp is undeniable. With Hurts looking laser-focused, Cooper emerging as a legitimate threat, and young guns like Hunt and Mukuba ready to make a name for themselves, this team is setting itself up for something special. Keep your eyes peeled as these guys continue to push each other, because what’s happening now is laying the groundwork for a monster season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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