Eagles Offseason Drama: Jalen Hurts Under Fire as Fans Rally Behind Their Quarterback
The Philadelphia Eagles have barely begun their offseason, yet drama has already engulfed the organization. The expected departure of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, renewed rumors about AJ Brown potentially being traded, and now criticism of quarterback Jalen Hurts have created a perfect storm of controversy. A recent report from The Athletic’s Mike Silver has particularly ignited debate among fans and analysts alike. Silver’s deep dive into the Eagles’ offensive struggles included some eyebrow-raising quotes suggesting that the organization’s leadership—head coach Nick Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman, and owner Jeffrey Lurie—are “reluctant to criticize Hurts” despite apparent “internal frustration” from teammates and others within the organization.
Eagles fans have quickly rallied to defend their quarterback against what many perceive as unwarranted criticism. The report claims that despite Hurts’ accomplishments, including “two standout performances on the sport’s biggest stage”—one of which earned him Super Bowl MVP honors—there remains significant frustration with his performance behind closed doors. However, the Eagles faithful aren’t buying this narrative. Social media has been flooded with supporters questioning the legitimacy of these claims, with many expressing skepticism about the idea that team leadership would be afraid to communicate with their franchise quarterback. As one fan pointed out, “The owner of a football team will NEVER feel reluctant to speak to their QB. If your head coach is too afraid to speak to his quarterback, he isn’t meant to be a head coach.”
What’s particularly interesting about the fan response is how nuanced it appears to be. Eagles supporters aren’t blindly defending Hurts without acknowledging that improvements are needed; rather, they’re questioning the timing and nature of the criticism. Many have noted a pattern where criticism of Sirianni often seems to be followed by negative stories about Hurts, suggesting a possible attempt to shift blame. Others have pointed out what they see as a double standard in the coverage, with one fan asking, “Why am I seeing a SB MVP getting more criticism than the highest paid QB in the league who only has 2 playoff wins in 10yrs?” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among the fanbase about the seemingly disproportionate scrutiny Hurts faces compared to other NFL quarterbacks with similar or less impressive résumés.
The situation in Philadelphia highlights the complex relationship between a franchise quarterback and organizational leadership. If there is indeed hesitation among the “powerbrokers” to directly criticize Hurts, this might not necessarily indicate a problem with the quarterback himself but rather a strategic approach to managing their most valuable asset. Most NFL teams are careful about how they handle communication with their franchise quarterbacks, understanding that maintaining a positive relationship is crucial for on-field success. The Eagles’ leadership might simply be practicing good management by choosing their words carefully rather than being “afraid” of Hurts, as the report seems to suggest. This would be particularly understandable given Hurts’ accomplishments, including leading the team to its most recent Super Bowl victory.
What’s clear is that the Eagles face substantial challenges heading into the next season. The offense underperformed in 2023, and responsibility for that extends beyond just the quarterback. Coach Sirianni, the now-departed offensive coordinator Patullo, star receiver AJ Brown, and certainly Hurts himself all bear some portion of the blame for the team’s struggles. The Eagles organization needs to address these issues comprehensively rather than focusing criticism on any single individual. The fact that fans recognize this holistic reality—acknowledging that Hurts has room for improvement while still supporting him against what they perceive as unfair criticism—speaks to the sophisticated understanding many have of the team’s situation.
As the Eagles navigate this tumultuous offseason, the relationship between Hurts and the organization will be crucial to watch. Despite the criticism and reported internal frustrations, Hurts remains the franchise quarterback who led Philadelphia to Super Bowl glory. The Eagles’ leadership, coaching staff, and players will need to find common ground and effective communication strategies if they hope to return to championship form. Fan support for Hurts appears strong despite acknowledgment of needed improvements, suggesting that the Philadelphia faithful haven’t lost faith in their quarterback’s ability to lead the team forward. Whether the reported tensions are overblown media narratives or genuine organizational challenges, the Eagles have work to do—and that work extends to everyone from the owner’s box to the playing field.
