Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense have struggled since A.J. Brown left (Getty Images)
Why does Jalen Hurts look lost without A.J. Brown?
Hurts threw two interceptions in the Week 2 win over the Titans and another against the Bears. Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million extension in 2023, and little of it is guaranteed after this season. General manager Howie Roseman said in September that the Eagles do not see 2026 as make-or-break for him. Hurts is 59-27 in the regular season as the starter.
ESPN’s Tim McManus said the Eagles have no offensive identity right now. Still, former Eagles defender Chris Long said on his podcast that Hurts isn’t “as good as people think he is. DeVonta Smith is now the lead receiver, and he is close with Hurts, who was at Smith’s wedding this offseason. Still, a clip from the Bears game went viral, showing Smith seemingly ignoring Hurts on the bench. One clip proves little about a friendship. It did fit the mood of a passing game that has not found its timing. Hurts has also been learning Mannion’s offense at the same time. Against the Rams he threw none, yet the passing game still barely moved. The stakes are not small. Another loss would give that argument more room.