The Philadelphia Eagles seem to be at a crossroads with a lot of dysfunction behind the scenes surrounding their quarterback.
The Philadelphia Eagles made it to the NFC Wild Card round last season, just one year after their Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Yet, it feels like the sky is about to fall following an 11-6 finish. The discontent last season was often aimed at quarterback Jalen Hurts. Despite a 57-25 record and a Super Bowl MVP award, he didn’t look like a signal caller of that caliber last season. The offense has the talent, but according to ESPN, anonymous sources pointed to Hurts’ rigidity playing a role and his inability to be coached.
Hurts led a passing attack that went from No. 8 in offensive yardage in 2024 to No. 24. With Hurts also falling below the mark in his rushing touchdowns, it led to a reliance on Saquon Barkley, and a stagnant offense that eventually got offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo fired after one season. Sean Mannion will be Hurts’ sixth playcaller in as many years. ESPN’s reporting focuses on Hurts’ pushing back on changes, like going under center, and his changing of plays at an unrestricted rate, including in a pivotal moment that led to the Eagles’ playoff exit against the San Francisco 49ers.
Per ESPN's Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler, that was the Four Verts play on fourth down; one source said that Hurts came up with it, while another said that he simply suggested it when asked his preference for the play. Either way, the info shared by sources at all is clearly showing that there are disgruntled feelings inside Philadelphia’s building.
Here is the full story from Eagles Roundtable writer Ashish Mathur on the major reporting and how Philly can fix things.
The hope is that the new OC can, as he brings over a more motion-based, under-center offense with an emphasis on play action in the style of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan. But, if the sources are correct, will Hurts be able to adapt? That might be what defines their 2026 campaign.