Thursday, October 1, 2026
73 ° Clear
73 ° Clear
Throughout last season, down to the final seconds waning off the clock at Lincoln Financial Field in the disappointing 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Jalen Hurts received criticism for his play. Some of it deserved while some of it was aimed at the unhealthy offensive line and predictable bland play calling.
Earlier in the offseason, an anonymous source questioned QB1’s ability to be coached.
As expected in his first media session since the end of last season, Hurts was barraged with questions regarding his comfortability with the new offense being implemented by first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, his seventh different playcaller in his NFL career.
“It’s been a really good process so far,” Hurts said on Wednesday after the team’s OTA session.
“He’s [Mannion] very clear, giving good direction. You can definitely see the vision. He’s been able to answer all of my questions. It’s been a very enjoyable journey so far.”
Hurts mentioning that he could see the vision of where Mannion wants to take this offense stood out in the 27-year-old’s answer. A line that should have perked the ears of fans listening as well.
Last season under Kevin Patullo, there seemed to be little to no vision of what the offense was leaning on as the foundation and identity on that side of the ball. Were they a run first team? A pass first team? Nobody knew.
Now of course, we don’t know exactly how this offense will look like under Mannion, but it’s speculated that with his previous mentors, the first-year playcaller will look to run more plays and formations under center, featuring play action and concepts that don’t solely rely on the offensive weapons winning their one-on-one battles. Something that Nick Sirianni initially preached when becoming the head coach.
“From a pass game standpoint as things evolved, we were very one on one dependent trying to find the matchup instead of the full flow West Coast style offense,” Hurts said.
Despite another new voice calling out the plays to Hurts this season, the Super Bowl MVP says that doesn’t change his preparation.
“My process hasn’t changed since college. I learn as much as I can,” Hurts said.
“Build with the coach, see what his direction and vision is. Ask the right questions. I’ve learned a lot on the journey, but I do really want to become an expert at the position and grow within the position. It’s obviously hard to do with it always changing, but that’s not going to stop me from trying to be the best I can be. Just trying to grow, take in the coaching I can and be the best I can be for the team.”
Hurts on A.J. Brown situation
With the changes on offense from a schematic standpoint, Hurts will likely have to find a new top target to throw to with A.J. Brown destined to be moved. Hurts has not spoken about his relationship with the wideout since the end of last season, he remained steadfast that the team is focused on learning the new offense, but mentioned the success the duo enjoyed.
“There’s an if, but obviously it’s been a lingering thing. Nothing can replace all the greatness we achieved together,” Hurts said.
The quarterback also stated that his relationship with Brown has not changed since the end of last season and mentioned how beautiful Brown’s wedding was and Hurts was happy and excited for Brown and his wife.
With Brown’s expected departure, DeVonta Smith will assume the WR1 role and see a larger workload, something Hurts believes he is ready for.
“There was a time where DeVonta was the guy coming in. I know everyone has a lot of confidence in him.”
There is still a lot to be implemented and digested by the offense, but Hurts seems confident in what he sees from Mannion during the early stages of the offseason as he continues to get “hip to hip” with his new offensive coordinator.
“I have a lot of trust to be hopeful of what’s to come,” Hurts said.
