Film Study: How Eagles’ Cam Jurgens is DESTROYING Defenses
When people talk about the Philadelphia Eagles’ resurgence and dominance in recent seasons, they often mention stars like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and the dynamic defensive players such as Fletcher Cox and Haason Reddick. However, one player who has been quietly, but overwhelmingly, impacting the Eagles’ success this season is second-year center Cam Jurgens. As the focal point of one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Jurgens is playing at an elite level and helping the Eagles’ offense dominate both in the run game and the passing attack. Let’s break down how Cam Jurgens is completely destroying defenses with his play and why his development has been a crucial element to the Eagles’ offensive line.
A Glimpse into Cam Jurgens’ Rise
Cam Jurgens was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Eagles with the idea that he would eventually replace the legendary Jason Kelce as the team’s starting center. After spending his rookie year learning from Kelce—widely regarded as one of the best centers in NFL history—Jurgens had big shoes to fill. However, it’s clear that he has made the transition with remarkable speed and has elevated his play to an elite level far faster than most expected.
Jurgens has quickly proven himself as one of the most dominant young offensive linemen in the league, excelling in a system that places heavy demands on its offensive line, especially in terms of mobility, agility, and communication. As the Eagles continue to soar through the NFC, a lot of their offensive success can be attributed to Jurgens’ development as a center who can both dominate at the point of attack and protect quarterback Jalen Hurts with precision and poise.
Jurgens’ Role in the Eagles’ Offensive Line
To understand the full extent of Jurgens’ impact, it’s crucial to look at his role within the Eagles’ offense. The Eagles’ offensive line is one of the most formidable in the NFL, and Jurgens is at the center of it. Head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland have emphasized a system built on a mobile, versatile line that can block in both pass protection and the run game, with an emphasis on keeping Jalen Hurts clean and paving the way for a dominant rushing attack.
Jurgens excels in both areas. The Eagles’ offense is predicated on balance—mixing power runs with a passing attack that stretches the field—and Jurgens has been a major asset in executing that vision.
Incredible Mobility: Dominating in the Run Game
What really sets Cam Jurgens apart from many other centers is his exceptional mobility. While most offensive linemen excel in blocking in a confined space, Jurgens takes it a step further with his ability to move fluidly, especially in zone blocking schemes. His mobility allows him to pull across the formation, reach the second level, and take on linebackers and defensive backs with ease. This skill is particularly crucial for the Eagles’ outside zone runs and inside zone schemes, which rely heavily on linemen getting to the second level and creating running lanes.
Jurgens’ quickness is most evident when the Eagles run plays that involve pulling guards or tackles, where Jurgens is tasked with leading the play and engaging defenders in space. His speed and fluidity in getting to the second level make him one of the toughest linemen to stop when he’s tasked with clearing a path for running backs.
A prime example of this can be seen on plays where Jurgens and the offensive line create running lanes for Miles Sanders or Kenneth Gainwell. On these plays, Jurgens is able to block both at the point of attack and get out into space to lead the ball carrier, whether it’s down the field or toward the sideline. His excellent vision and quick reaction time allow him to take advantage of defenders over-committing or getting out of position, and he frequently makes key blocks that spring big runs.
Elite Pass Protection: Keeping Hurts Clean
While the Eagles’ run game is impressive, Jurgens’ contribution to pass protection is equally, if not more, vital. Jalen Hurts’ ability to move in the pocket and make plays with his arm and legs is a direct result of the protection he receives from Jurgens and the rest of the offensive line. Jurgens has been instrumental in keeping Hurts safe from interior pressure, which is crucial because the Eagles often deploy quick-hitting passing concepts or deep shots downfield that rely on Hurts having time to make reads.
Jurgens’ ability to anchor in pass protection and his quick reflexes in responding to interior rushers make him a standout. He’s often tasked with picking up blitzes or engaging defensive tackles who can be a threat up the middle. His combination of strength, technique, and awareness has been essential in maintaining a clean pocket for Hurts to step up and make throws.
On film, it’s easy to see how Jurgens consistently keeps defenders off Hurts by using excellent hand placement and leveraging his mobility to stay between the rusher and the quarterback. He’s particularly good at mirroring defensive linemen and redirecting them away from the quarterback’s throwing lanes.
Jurgens’ Impact in Situational Football
One of the areas where Jurgens shines is in high-leverage moments, particularly on third down and in the red zone. The Eagles often face tight situations where they need to rely on power running, quick throws, or a mix of both to get first downs. Jurgens plays an instrumental role in those situations by creating push in the middle of the line and establishing solid protection for both the quarterback and the running backs.
In the red zone, where defenses are often stacked near the line of scrimmage, Jurgens’ ability to push defenders back and sustain blocks is critical. His awareness in these moments allows him to effectively work in tandem with his guards and tackles to move defenders off the ball and give the Eagles a consistent option for both passing and running plays. Whether it’s setting up a quick pass to the outside or providing a pocket for Hurts to step up into, Jurgens makes sure that the offense stays on track and executes without a hitch.
Film Study: A Game-Changer for the Eagles’ Success
Breaking down the film, it’s clear that Cam Jurgens’ development as the Eagles’ starting center has been a game-changer. His skill set is a perfect fit for the system the Eagles run, and his ability to impact the game in both the run and pass game has elevated the entire offensive line. Jurgens’ play is a direct reason for the success of the Eagles’ offense, whether it’s opening running lanes for the backs, protecting Hurts in the pocket, or excelling in clutch situations.
When watching Jurgens, it’s evident that his physical tools—his speed, strength, and agility—make him one of the best young centers in the NFL. But it’s his football IQ and understanding of the game that sets him apart. His ability to quickly diagnose defensive schemes, adjust blocking assignments on the fly, and work cohesively with the other linemen shows just how much he’s grown since his rookie year.
Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of the Eagles’ Offensive Line
While players like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Lane Johnson often get the spotlight, Cam Jurgens is quietly emerging as one of the most important figures on the Eagles’ offensive line. His ability to dominate defenders both in the run and pass game, his elite mobility, and his impact in critical situations are making him a force to be reckoned with.
As the Eagles continue to dominate the NFC, Jurgens’ play will only become more vital. And if this level of performance continues, there’s no doubt that Jurgens will be considered one of the best centers in the NFL, paving the way for the Eagles’ continued success on both sides of the ball
