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Jalen Hurts is basically a walking contradiction in a green jersey. If you look at the box scores from the 2025 season, you see a guy who just set a career-high with 25 passing touchdowns. That sounds like progress, right? But if you ask anyone in South Philly who actually watched the games, they'll tell you the offense felt like it was stuck in a mud pit for half the year.
It’s weird.
The Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has become the ultimate "eye test" vs. "analytics" debate. On one hand, he’s one of only three quarterbacks to put up 25+ total touchdowns in four straight seasons—joining guys named Mahomes and Allen. On the other hand, the Eagles just got bounced in the Wild Card round by the Niners in a 23-19 slog where the offense looked, honestly, kind of broken.
The 10-Year Coordinator Carousel
Here is a stat that is actually insane: Jalen Hurts has had 10 different offensive coordinators in the last 10 years. Think about that for a second. Since his freshman year at Alabama, through the Oklahoma transfer, and now into his sixth year with the Birds, he has never had the same play-caller for two seasons in a row, except for that 2021-2022 stretch with Shane Steichen.
And we all remember how 2022 ended.
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Earlier this week, the Eagles parted ways with Kevin Patullo after just one season. So, heading into 2026, the Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has to learn a whole new "language" yet again. It’s hard to build a foundation when the architect keeps getting fired or hired away. Fans love to scream about Hurts bailing on clean pockets—and yeah, he does that—but it’s tough to have "anticipation" when the playbook changes more often than most people change their oil.
Changing the Way He Runs
One thing people keep getting wrong is the "running" narrative. Everyone wants the 2021 version of Jalen who would tuck it and run for 700+ yards. But look at the 2025 data. He only rushed for 421 yards. That is a massive drop from his early days.
Why?
- Self-preservation: He actually stayed off the injury report for the first time in his starting career.
- Scheme shift: The team limited designed runs to a career-low 1.7 per game.
- The "Pocket" Mandate: There's clearly been a push to make him a stationary passer, which is a bit like trying to turn a Ferrari into a minivan.
He’s protecting himself, which is smart when you’re on a $255 million contract, but the Eagles lost some of that "X-factor" that made them terrifying in the red zone. They still have the "Brotherly Shove" (or Tush Push, whatever you want to call it), but the explosive 20-yard scrambles have mostly vanished.
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The Contract Reality Check
Speaking of that money, Howie Roseman really did some cap gymnastics here. Even though the deal was huge, Hurts only cost the team about $21.8 million against the cap in 2025. That’s roughly 7.5% of the total cap. Compare that to the 17% someone like Mahomes takes up, and you realize the Eagles still have a massive window to win.
But the bill is coming due. In 2026, that cap hit jumps to nearly $32 million. By 2029, we're looking at a $97 million void year situation that will basically force another extension or a massive restructure.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Leadership
People call Jalen "robotic" because of his press conferences. "Keep the main thing the main thing," and all that. But talk to A.J. Brown or Dallas Goedert, and they’ll tell you he’s the reason the locker room didn't implode during the 2025 mid-season slump. He’s the first one in the building and the last one out.
The "Jalen-isms" aren't just for the media; they're how he actually lives. He’s his own harshest critic. After the loss to the Niners, he didn't blame the play-calling or the drops. He just talked about "quantifying his worth."
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Why 2026 is the True Pivot Point
The Eagles are at a crossroads. Nick Sirianni is sticking around, but he’s basically a "CEO" coach now. The next OC hire will determine if the Eagles QB Jalen Hurts can actually become a top-tier pocket passer or if the team needs to lean back into the RPO-heavy style that won them Super Bowl LIX.
You can't keep asking a guy to reinvent himself every twelve months. At some point, the team needs to pick a lane and stay in it.
Actionable Insights for Eagles Fans
If you’re tracking Jalen's progress heading into the 2026 season, stop looking at the total touchdowns. Instead, watch these three things:
- Pocket Breadth: Does he stay in the tackle box on 3rd and long, or does he immediately drift right?
- Target Distribution: In 2025, there was a lot of "Hero Ball" to A.J. Brown. A healthy offense needs to get Saquon Barkley and the tight ends involved in the quick passing game.
- The New OC Hire: If the Eagles hire another "outside the building" name with a completely different philosophy, expect a slow start in September as they find their rhythm again.
The talent is there. The contract is manageable for now. But the clock is ticking on the "consistency" factor. Jalen Hurts doesn't need to be perfect; he just needs a system that doesn't change every time he gets comfortable.