Eagles Top Brass Not Criticizing Jalen Hurts Enough ‘Frustrates’ Teammates

With the Philadelphia Eagles struggling to find creativity on offense, the first head has rolled as Jalen Hurts and his teammates head into the offseason knowing more change could come.

Firing Kevin Patullo was the obvious first choice, as not only analysts, but passionate Philly fans wanted the same. His lack of creativity was heralded as the primary reason for the inability of such a superstar-laden offense to fall flat.

Next is AJ Brown‘s mindset. Either the team has to work with the star wide receiver to understand what he needs in order to bring his focus back. Or, he needs to leave the team via trade.

In the midst of this, quarterback Jalen Hurts has been generally off the hook. The Athletic’s Michael Silver spoke to quite a few sources who are in and around the team and came to this conclusion.

A sense inside the locker room that the Eagles’ powerbrokers (Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie) are reluctant to criticize Hurts.

Michael Silver wrote

The journalist went on to add that this has become a matter of ‘internal frustration’ within the locker room as the star quarterback does not get the same treatment as others. Jalen Hurts tends to model himself after the great Michael Jordan. Silver believes that imitating the NBA GOAT’s attitude, who tends to push his teammates away, could end up negatively impacting the Eagles.

Jalen Hurts playing in his comfort zone affected Eagles’ offense

Although much has been made about Kevin Patullo’s lack of creativity, making the offense predictable, Michael Silver believes that the offensive coordinator not pushing Jalen Hurts hurt them more.

When (Kellen) Moore was the Eagles’ coordinator in 2024, according to team and league sources, he made little effort to cater to Hurts’ preferences, tuning out internal politics and resolutely presiding over the offense. That approach proved to be successful.

Michael Silver wrote

The journalist pointed out Saquon Barkley‘s exceptional season to prove that Kellen Moore‘s disinterest in catering to the QB’s desires helped the team win Super Bowl LIX. On the other hand, Patullo agreeing to allow Hurts to do certain things this season that he generally dislikes, stopped the offense from truly going off.

Whereas, during their Super Bowl-winning run, the 27-year-old was forced to get out of his comfort zone, and play more under center, run the ball more, and make quick pre-snap reads.

This season, Jalen Hurts was mostly looking for short or long passes and avoiding the intermediary routes. Maybe that could be the reason for AJ Brown’s frustrations.

Howie Roseman might be planning for Jalen Hurts’ replacement

Michael Silver remarked that the last time the Eagles had a quarterback who was not ‘connected’ with his teammates, and wanted to run the offense his way, GM Howie Roseman eventually made him expendable.

To move Carson Wentz out of the team, arguably the NFL’s best GM drafted Jalen Hurts in the second round. Silver believes history is about to repeat itself.

Some NFL sources familiar with the Eagles’ organizational mindset believe they might draft a quarterback this spring; backup Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round selection, is also highly regarded within the building.

Michael Silver wrote

If there is any traction to this possibility, the Eagles could end up using one of their picks to select a quarterback. Then, it could be a matter of time before either the rookie or Tanner McKee eventually takes over Hurts’ job.

With the Eagles still on the hook for $117 million of Jalen Hurts’ $255 million contract, it is unlikely that the change will come soon. However, another run of poor performances could change that.

Also Read:

• Amon-Ra St. Brown Undermines Caleb Williams’ Historic Comeback Against the Packers
• George Kittle Injury Fuels Washington Post’s Viral 49ers Practice Field Theory

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW