The early returns on the Jalen Hurts-Sean Mannion partnership are encouraging.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the two have "hit it off," with Hurts buying into the new offensive coordinator's system in a way he hasn't with previous playcallers.
The Big Changes Coming
More Under-Center Snaps: Mannion is expected to ask Hurts to play under center more often, something the quarterback pushed back on under Kevin Patullo in 2025. This time, sources say he won't have the power to overrule the coordinator.
Heavy Play-Action: "It's going to be more under center for Jalen Hurts, more play-action than he had done in the past," Fowler reported. Hurts has historically been efficient off play-action, and this system should create wider throwing windows.
West Coast Philosophy: Mannion spent time in Green Bay learning the Shanahan/McVay system. Expect more motion, crossers, in-breakers, and quick seams that force defenses to defend the entire field.
Why This Could Work
By operating from under center, the Eagles can better disguise their intentions. Saquon Barkley's downhill threat becomes a decoy for play-action boots and slides.
The motion-heavy approach will create "eye candy" that forces defenses into late shifts and checks, something opponents didn't have to worry about enough in 2025.
Hurts Is Buying In
"Our sources have told us that he's at times been reluctant to some of those changes, but right now he's as open as he's ever been," Fowler said.
For an offense that struggled down the stretch in 2025, this reset under Mannion could be exactly what the Eagles needed.
