Eagles' QB Jalen Hurts is embracing Sean Mannion's offensive vision

[ASFN Admin]

The Sean Mannion era is underway in Philadelphia. Nick Sirianni is the head coach, but the Eagles' future fortunes and Jalen Hurts literal fortunes will rest on the creativity of a former NFL quarterback and a fast-rising coach. A 2015 third-round pick, Mannion, 33, played four seasons with the Rams, three seasons with the Vikings, and one season in Seattle with the Seahawks as a backup quarterback. Mannion is widely credited with playing an instrumental role in Malik Willis's development, who went from a bust in Tennessee to a $67.5 million contract with the Dolphins. During his NFL combine media session, GM Howie Roseman spoke on Mannion's arrival and what it could mean for Jalen Hurts.

Recently asked about Mannion while on tour for his new book Better Than a Touchdown, Hurts stated, "He's amazing. I'm excited for what's to come." On Sunday afternoon, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler provided more insight:

“I’m hearing the two have hit it off, and Jalen Hurts likes how Sean Mannion structures the offense…” “It’s going to be more under center for Jalen Hurts, more play-action than he had done in the past..”

“Our sources have told us that he's at times been reluctant to some of those changes but right he's as open as he's ever been to some of those. He's also been throwing offsite with some of his receivers, DeVonta Smith, who's his new No. 1, new veteran Elijah Moore. He's been getting after it, trying to get ready for this new offense. Eagles are going to look a lot different in 2026.”

For all of Jalen Hurts' early NFL success, one issue continues to follow him: his production against zone coverage. ESPN published a scathing article calling out the quarterback for "pushing back on changes that would diversify the scheme," including going under center more often. Hurts's also reportedly diverts from the game plan to what some in the organization feel is "an excessive degree."

The quarterback's struggles against zone coverage were also highlighted, and that will be priority No. 1 for Mannion and pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard. According to ESPN stats, Hurts faced zone on over 56% of offensive plays—one of the highest rates of his career. While his completion percentage remained solid, the impact plays dropped significantly. Against man coverage, Hurts threw 19 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Against zone, that number drastically fell to six touchdowns and three interceptions.

Hurts threw for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, six interceptions, with 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.

Mannion will coordinate and build the Eagles' new offense and should thrive, having been a career backup quarterback who'll fully understand what Hurts is experiencing under center. Mannion has seen everything in the NFL, every system, every offense, and every defense that works to counter explosive offensive units. The 33-year-old played quarterback under several of today's top coaches during his journeyman career, including Sean McVay, Kevin Stefanski, Kevin O'Connell, and Klint Kubiak.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' offense is changing under Sean Mannion and Jalen Hurts

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