Eagles OC Sean Mannion makes revealing claim about Jalen Hurts after alarming reports

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been the subject of numerous unflattering stories over the past few years, the most recent of which suggested he was the main reason the Eagles' passing attack fell "into deep ruts over" the last several seasons. 

Former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion is now serving as Philadelphia's offensive coordinator following the Eagles' one-and-done playoff trip. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Mannion made it clear he is hyped to work with Hurts. 

Jalen Hurts has thus far "been awesome" with new Eagles OC

"Jalen's been awesome," Mannion said, per Nick Shook of the NFL's website. "I really think he can do anything we ask of him. He's accurate. He's a great athlete. He really attacks the fundamentals. That's what's been really fun to watch these last two weeks of Phase 2 (of the offseason program). He's always coming, wanting more things to work on, wanting more things regarding fundamentals, timing, understanding the scheme. He's hungry for more. Those are the guys that are always fun to work with."

Reporters and even some NFL executives seem to believe that Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman could have some difficult conversations this coming winter if Hurts doesn't thrive while playing in Mannion's offense. Hurts signed a five-year contract extension reportedly worth up to $255M with $179.3M guaranteed back in 2023, but the Eagles theoretically could afford to escape that deal next offseason. 

"In terms of his skill set, though, he has great arm strength, he has great accuracy, obviously a tremendous athlete, and he really attacks the game. He has a great process in the meetings," Mannion added about Hurts. "He always asks really thought-provoking questions. He's detailed and attacks his fundamentals."

What kind of offense Jalen Hurts will play in under Sean Mannion

Also on Thursday, Mannion insisted that his offense is "constantly going to evolve" and will largely be about "maximizing" the strengths of players such as Hurts and star running back Saquon Barkley. It's assumed that Mannion is installing his offense while knowing that wide receiver A.J. Brown won't be part of it, as the Eagles are expected to trade Brown to the New England Patriots at some point after May wraps up. 

Hurts has earned Super Bowl MVP Award honors when at his best on the biggest of stages. He may now have to show such outings weren't one-off performances to remain atop the Eagles' depth chart through at least 2027.