Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Discusses Sean Mannion, A.J. Brown and More

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been a target of criticism this offseason following the team’s early departure in the playoffs last season. Philadelphia’s QB1 took the podium for the first time following an offseason full of skepticism, changes and more. Wednesday afternoon marked the first chance for the media to ask Hurts about the arrival of Sean Mannion and the likely departure of A.J. Brown.

After an anonymous source questioned the 27-year old’s ability to be coachable earlier this offseason, Hurts was peppered with questions about his experience with first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion thus far. While Hurts has refrained from praising previous offensive coordinators (and even teammates, at times), he was incredibly upbeat and positive about working with Mannion.

“It’s been a really good process so far,” Hurts started. “He’s very clear, giving good direction. You can definitely see the vision. Been able to answer all of my questions…it’s been a very enjoyable journey so far.”

One line in Hurts’ response immediately stuck out to me and that was “You can definitely see the vision.” When Kevin Patullo was the team’s offensive coordinator, it felt like there was no rhyme or reason to what the team was doing on the field. That concern was only heightened once Patullo publicly stated that the Eagles would sometimes run it just to run it. Yet that seemingly won’t be the case with Mannion now calling the shots in Philadelphia.

I’ve mentioned before that Hurts wants to know the why for everything that he’s asked to do. He essentially echoed the same sentiment during his press conference earlier today. But he already admitted that the team can see the vision with Mannion’s offense, which is incredibly important after last season’s experience with Patullo at the helm.

“He’s been very instructive,” Hurts said regarding Mannion’s approach. “He’s been very intentional about what he’s doing and why he’s doing it, marrying things.”

There have been many that said Hurts could struggle to operate from under center or throw over the middle, yet QB1 is embracing the challenge of a new offense.

“It’s exciting to be able to learn a new brand of football,” Hurts said. “Get a new perspective and just grow.”

Following Mannion’s arrival, many have assumed that the Eagles would be implementing a west coast offense that draws inspiration from the Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay offensive schemes. But Hurts was able to confirm those theories and appears to be excited about pivoting away from the stagnant offense that Philadelphia resorted to in recent years.

“From a pass game standpoint, as things have evolved, we were very one-on-one dependent,” Hurts admitted. “You know, trying to find a matchup instead of full flow, west coast style offense.”

Well now the Eagles will be embracing a full flow, west coast style offense under Mannion. Yet Philadelphia’s offense will likely be without one familiar face moving forward in All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown. For the first time since the end of last season, Hurts was asked about Brown and his potential departure from the team.

While Hurts first stated that the team is focused on learning the offense and that their approach doesn’t change after being questioned about Brown’s situation, he did admit that “there’s an if.” He stated that Brown potentially being traded has “obviously been a lingering thing.” Yet Hurts also wanted to reflect on what the dynamic duo did together.

“Nothing can replace all of the greatness that achieved together,” Hurts stated.

The former Super Bowl MVP was then asked about his personal relationship with Brown and where they’re at after last season.

“Nothing’s changed since we last spoke at the end of the season,” Hurts said. “We’re really good and I saw how beautiful the pictures came out at his wedding and I’m very happy for him and his wife and his family. It’s a beautiful thing to step into covenants so I was very excited and congratulatory towards that.”

While Hurts handled the questions about Brown well, it’s clear (in my opinion) that they don’t share the same friendship that they once did. If they were as close as they were back in 2022, my guess is that Hurts would’ve talked to Brown more recently than the end of last season. Yet luckily we won’t have to speculate or hear about this situation for much longer as Brown will likely be traded in the next week or so.