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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts reportedly weren’t on the same page last season, which may have contributed to the team’s collapse down the stretch.
According to ESPN’s Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler, multiple sources said the relationship between Sirianni and Hurts was strained with one calling it “fractured” and “unhealthy.”
The Eagles started last season 10-1, but they lost five of their final six games to finish 11-6 and fell short of an NFC East title. They were also crushed 32-9 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Another source suggested that Hurts had a “lack of full respect for Sirianni’s X’s and O’s chops,” which could have played a role in them not being on the same page.
Hurts reportedly hoped to have more autonomy over the offense in 2023, especially after Brian Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator, as Johnson played under Hurts’ father in high school.
Instead, Sirianni reportedly took an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach since the team made the Super Bowl in 2022, and he continued to push his offensive ideas.
With the hiring of Kellen Moore as the team’s new offensive coordinator, there is reportedly hope within the organization that the former Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers OC will be able to “bridge the gap” between Sirianni and Hurts.
In 2022, the Eagles essentially fired on all cylinders throughout the season, going 14-3 and cruising to the Super Bowl where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in a classic.
Hurts finished second in the NFL MVP voting that season, completing 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, while also rushing for 760 yards and 13 scores in 15 games.
He started all 17 games last season and completed 65.4 percent of his passing attempts for 3,858 yards and 23 touchdowns, along with rushing for 605 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The biggest difference was that Hurts through 15 interceptions, which topped his previous career high of nine set in 2021.
A source told McManus and Fowler that Hurts “absolutely” tuned Sirianni out at times last season, and that he will have to learn this season to not shut people out when frustrated.
On paper, it can be argued that the Eagles have one of the most talented teams in the NFL, especially after adding star running back Saquon Barkley and pass-rusher Bryce Huff in free agency.
Talent wasn’t enough to prevent a collapse last season, but if Hurts, Sirianni and everyone else can get back in sync like they were in 2022, the Eagles may have the pieces to go on another deep run.
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