PHILADELPHIA — Following reports of dissatisfaction among players and coaches regarding quarterback Jalen Hurts, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni publicly defended his player during a radio interview on Tuesday. The comments came in response to claims made by NFL broadcaster Derrick Gunn and journalist Dianna Russini from The Athletic, who suggested that frustrations are mounting due to Hurts’ performance in recent games.
“I’m not frustrated with him,” Sirianni stated during his appearance on 94.1 WIP, the team’s FM radio partner. He emphasized that Hurts consistently performs his duties well, contributing significantly to the team’s competitive edge. “He goes out there and does his job each week and does a great job of putting us in position to win games, and that’s the name of the game,” he added.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo echoed Sirianni’s sentiments while addressing reporters at the NovaCare Complex. He commended Hurts for his performance in the Eagles’ recent 16-9 victory over the Detroit Lions, describing it as a challenging game. “I thought Jalen played well,” said Patullo. “He took care of the ball, and that’s a major priority for us.” He noted that the offense faced difficulties, particularly in the red zone where they had to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns, which could have changed the game’s dynamics.
Russini’s report indicated that several offensive players have expressed frustration with Hurts’ approach, particularly his hesitancy against zone coverage. She suggested that Hurts tends to favor checkdowns or scrambles rather than taking risks to throw deeper passes. This sentiment was echoed by Gunn, who mentioned on a podcast hosted by former Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner that Hurts often plays “his game” instead of adhering to the strategies discussed in practice.
“Those things that get dissected on film… have been constantly discussed all season long,” Gunn remarked. He characterized Hurts’ playing style as a source of frustration for both coaches and players, highlighting that they often recognize missed opportunities during film reviews. He compared the current situation to the tenure of former quarterback Carson Wentz, suggesting that Hurts has yet to fully embrace the offensive game plan.
Despite these criticisms, Hurts remains the reigning Super Bowl MVP, and his ability to perform under pressure has been established. However, his passing statistics this season have raised eyebrows, with the Eagles currently ranking 30th in pass attempts. The lack of opportunities for receivers has reportedly led to discontent among those who feel overlooked in the offensive scheme.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown has openly discussed his frustration with the offensive strategy, while running back Saquon Barkley emphasized the need for the team to “get on the same page.” As the rookie offensive coordinator, Patullo faces scrutiny as well, and the recent reports may signal a call to action for Hurts to adjust his approach and fully execute the designed plays.
Injury Update on Lane Johnson
In addition to the quarterback discussions, Sirianni provided insights into the status of All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson, who is dealing with a Lisfranc foot injury that may require him to be placed on injured reserve. This injury could sideline him for four to six weeks. “We’ll see with Lane,” Sirianni stated. “I know that he’ll do everything he can do to get back as quickly as possible.”
Sirianni refrained from providing a timeline but noted that further updates would be available as the week progresses. In Johnson’s absence, tackles Fred Johnson and Matt Pryor are likely to step in, with Pryor potentially being utilized in various offensive line configurations.
As the Eagles navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that both the coaching staff and players can align on a cohesive strategy moving forward. The upcoming games will be critical in determining how the team adapts to these ongoing issues as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
