Breaking: NFL Coach Reveals How Jalen Hurts Can Answer Eagles’ Biggest Question

This offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles invested heavily in improving the supporting cast surrounding quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Aside from signing A.J. Brown to a contract extension that resets the wide receiver market, extending DeVonta Smith, tackle Jordan Mailata, and guard Landon Dickerson, the Eagles added All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley in free agency and bolstering receiver depth with the additions of veterans Devante Parker and Parris Campbell.

Now, after regressing slightly in 2023 from a 2022 season in which Hurts played his way into the MVP debate while leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, the 25-year-old must prove that last season was an outlier.

“Jalen’s footwork was sloppy at times last year,” a rival quarterback coach told Heavy, when asked where Hurts needs to improve the most this season. “But, the scheme and entire offense were so bland last season, [former Eagles offensive coordinator] Brian Johnson really struggled, too.”

Hurts increased his interception total to 15 in 2023 from six in 2022, while passing for 3,858 yards and a career-high 23 touchdowns.

Still, Hurts and the Eagles’ offense never found its groove in 2023, and they couldn’t turn the tide during a terrible 1-6 finish that resulted in a 32-9 blowout defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card round.

Perhaps the most difficult challenge for Hurts is to reduce the turnovers that occurred last season, when the veteran quarterback lost four fumbles in addition to his increased interception total.

“I think this year has taught me so much in terms of the many blessings and lessons that have come with it,” Hurts stated on the team’s official website. “The first thing you do is look in the mirror and think about what you could have done better, how you could have led better, how you could have executed better, and those are the things that light a fire within of me.

“You have challenges ahead of you. You do all in your power to reflect on, control, and learn from your experiences. That’s my number one goal: to learn from everything and be the best I can be for everyone in this locker room and facility as we move forward.”

Will Kellen Moore Fix Jalen Hurts, Eagles’ Offense?

Perhaps the most significant alteration the Eagles have made around Hurts is the replacement of Johnson with incoming offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

Moore joins the Chargers as offensive coordinator in 2023, following a five-year run with the Dallas Cowboys.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano compiled a list of the most pressing problems facing every quarterback room in the NFL, including how Moore will impact Hurts.

“The extent to which Shane Steichen’s departure following the 2022 season affected Hurts in 2023 is a fair subject for debate,” Graziano writes in ESPN. “Given Steichen’s success with backup quarterbacks in his first year with the Colts and how the Eagles’ offense struggled without him last season, it’s reasonable to believe it did impact. Moore will take over as Hurts’ offensive coordinator for the second year in a row.

“This season, the attacking plan is likely to shift even more. Moore’s reputation stems in part from his ability to make life simpler for his quarterback by removing distractions from the QB’s plate, allowing him to focus more on what the passer does well. If that reputation holds true, Hurts’ situation should improve in 2024, and he may return to his 2022 Super Bowl form. It would also assist if Hurts could stay as healthy as he was last season, and the team thinks the addition of running back Saquon Barkley will aid. (Of course, the biggest change for the Eagles’ offense could be the departure of longtime center Jason Kelce.)”

Moore’s quarterback-friendly system resulted in an offense that finished 18th in total offense last season, but it is worth noting that standout quarterback Justin Herbert was only available for 13 games.

Still, there is a conviction across the league that Moore could be just what Hurts needs to recover.

“He’s a very quarterback-friendly coach,” an NFL defensive coach who has coached against Moore before told Heavy shortly after Moore’s hiring. “Kellen complements Jalen Hurts’ skill set very nicely. Perhaps more significantly, he will understand how to get the most out of Philadelphia’s skill players, given the talent pool is quite comparable to what he had in Dallas.