It was only a year ago that Jalen Hurts was standing on a podium, confetti stuck to his jersey, holding a Super Bowl LIX MVP trophy. Fast forward to January 2026, and the vibe in Philadelphia feels like a total 180. If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the frantic searches and the "what happened to Jalen Hurts" chatter hitting a fever pitch.
The short version? The Eagles just got bounced from the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers in a 23-19 heartbreaker.
But the long version is way more complicated. It’s a mix of a "Super Bowl hangover" that actually turned out to be real, some weird locker room friction, and a season that ended with the star QB watching from the sidelines in Week 18—not because he was hurt, but because the team was basically trying to wrap him in bubble wrap before the postseason.
The Playoff Exit That Stung
Honestly, the loss to the Niners on January 11, 2026, was a tough watch. The Eagles offense, which looked like an absolute juggernaut on paper with Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown, only managed to put up 19 points. People are pointing fingers everywhere. Some are blaming the play-calling of Kevin Patullo, who had just been promoted to offensive coordinator. Others are looking at Jalen.
LeSean McCoy, a guy who never holds back his opinion, recently went on a tear saying he’s heard whispers that Hurts might be "limiting" the offense because he isn't comfortable with more advanced, motion-heavy schemes. Is that true? Who knows. But when a legend like Shady talks, people listen.
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Hurts, being the stoic guy he is, basically shrugged it off after the game. "I think I'm always growing," he told reporters. He’s not the type to throw his coaches under the bus, even if the scheme felt a bit stale toward the end.
What Happened to Jalen Hurts in Week 18?
If you tuned in for the regular-season finale against the Commanders and didn’t see #1 on the field, don't panic. He wasn't injured.
The Eagles had already locked up a playoff spot. Nick Sirianni made the call to rest his starters, including Hurts, Barkley, and the "Big Two" receivers. It was purely a business decision. They didn’t want a repeat of past years where a fluke injury in a meaningless game ruined a deep run. Tanner McKee took the snaps instead, which sparked its own mini-debate among Philly fans who—let's be real—love a good backup quarterback controversy.
The 2025 Stat Line
When you actually look at the numbers, Jalen didn't have a "bad" year. He just didn't have a "superhuman" year.
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- Passing Yards: Over 3,200.
- Touchdowns: 25 passing, 8 rushing.
- Interceptions: Only 6.
He was efficient. He was safe. But the explosive "Dual-Threat Jalen" we saw in the 2024 Super Bowl run felt a little more grounded this season. Maybe it was the scheme, or maybe it was just the natural evolution of a quarterback trying to stay healthy for a long career.
The Drama Behind the Scenes
There’s been some noise about "internal frustration" in the locker room. Reports from guys like Stephen Holder and others have hinted that while the "powerbrokers" (Lurie, Roseman, Sirianni) are all-in on Jalen, some teammates have been frustrated with the lack of offensive rhythm.
And then there’s the A.J. Brown factor. We all saw the heated exchange between Brown and Sirianni on the sidelines during the playoff loss. Sirianni says it was just about a substitution. Fans aren't so sure. When the offense stalls, the stars get cranky. It’s just how it goes in Philly.
Why Jason Kelce Isn't Worried
If there's one person whose opinion matters more than most in Philadelphia, it's Jason Kelce. Even in retirement, he’s been the biggest defender of Jalen’s "DNA."
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Kelce recently went on 94WIP and basically told everyone to calm down. He pointed out that Jalen has had about nine different offensive coordinators in ten years if you count his college days. Think about that. Every time the guy gets comfortable, the playbook changes. Kelce is convinced that Jalen is "going into the bunker" this offseason to come back swinging.
What’s Next for Jalen and the Eagles?
The 2026 offseason is going to be a massive crossroads for this franchise. Here is what we know is coming:
- A New Play-Caller? There are massive rumors that the Eagles might move on from Kevin Patullo to find someone who can better marry the "Tush Push" era with a modern, motion-heavy passing game.
- The Roster Shakeup: With Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown still in their prime, the window is open, but the defense needs a facelift.
- Jalen’s Evolution: He’s 27 now. He’s the franchise. The focus this summer will likely be on his "post-snap processing"—basically, how fast he can find the second and third options when the primary look is covered.
Basically, Jalen Hurts didn't "fall off." He just hit a plateau after a mountain-top season. For most QBs, an 11-6 record and a playoff berth is a dream. In Philly, after a Super Bowl ring, it’s a "what went wrong?" situation.
If you want to keep an eye on his recovery and offseason progress, watch for the early OTAs in May. That's usually when we see if he's tweaked his throwing motion or if the team is actually installing the "advanced" stuff the critics claim he can't run.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fantasy manager or just a die-hard fan, don't sell your Hurts stock yet. The "adversity" Kelce talked about usually brings out the best in him. Watch for the coaching staff announcements in February; that’s the real signal for what Jalen’s 2026 will look like.