As the Philadelphia Eagles kick off their training camp ahead of the new NFL season, all eyes are on quarterback Jalen Hurts. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory that stunned the football world, the team is under immense pressure to repeat its historic run — and Hurts, in particular, is tasked with an even greater challenge: becoming only the ninth quarterback in league history to win back-to-back championships.
But as the early days of training unfold at the NovaCare Complex, Hurts finds himself in unfamiliar territory — struggling to find rhythm and accuracy in a newly tweaked offensive system.
A rocky start for Jalen Hurts
By most accounts, Hurts did not hit the ground running this preseason. Observers at camp noted that the sharpness and poise that defined his Super Bowl-winning campaign were noticeably absent. Instead, the 26-year-old quarterback has had difficulty adjusting to a modified offensive scheme, raising questions about whether the team’s changes are hindering its most important player.
“Overall, it wasn't Hurts' sharpest day of training camp,” reported Eagles insider Dave Zangaro. “He missed a few throws and even threw one pass into the arms of a new piece of equipment this year that gets held up by staffers at the line of scrimmage during 7 on 7s.”
These miscues, while not unusual for an evolving offense, were particularly glaring given the expectations surrounding Jalen Hurts as a leader and playmaker. With a new playbook to master and a target on their backs as reigning champs, the Eagles need their QB at his very best — and quickly.
A.J. Brown shines amid hurts’ early struggles
Not all news out of camp has been concerning. Star wide receiver A.J. Brown has looked like he’s already in midseason form. Brown's precise route running and strong chemistry with the rest of the receiving corps stand in stark contrast to Hurts' current struggles.
The visual contrast was hard to miss — as Brown dazzled, Jalen Hurts appeared visibly frustrated, grappling with off-target passes and timing issues. Still, this is not uncharted territory for the former Alabama and Oklahoma standout.
Betting on grit and growth
If there's one constant in Hurts' journey, it's his resilience. Time and time again, the Eagles signal-caller has turned adversity into opportunity. From college benchings to NFL critics, Hurts has consistently responded with mental toughness and unrelenting work ethic.
With the season still weeks away, there’s ample time for him to recalibrate and regain command of the offense. The new system may pose short-term challenges, but it could also elevate Jalen Hurts’ game to new heights once mastered.
For now, the Eagles will continue to push forward in camp, knowing that their leader thrives under pressure. And if history is any indication, Hurts may just turn these early hiccups into another unforgettable chapter in Philadelphia’s football legacy.