PHILADELPHIA -- New Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion spoke in glowing terms about quarterback Jalen Hurts in his long-awaited introductory news conference Thursday, nearly four months after landing the gig.
Mannion, 34, is expected to install an offensive system more in the Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan mold, leaning into elements such as motion and under center setups that haven't always been prominently featured in the Hurts/Nick Sirianni era. Mannion, though, believes Hurts' skill set can be a good fit for the scheme.
"Jalen's been awesome. I really think he can do anything we ask of him," the coordinator said. "He's accurate. He's a great athlete. He really attacks the fundamentals. That's what's been really fun to watch these last two weeks of Phase 2.
"He's always wanting more things to work on, wanting more things regarding fundamentals, timing, understanding the scheme. He's hungry for more. Those are the guys that are really fun to work with."
Best of NFL Nation
• Colts new owner had to grow up quickly • Henry's durability has stabilized Ravens • Cards' Wilson ready to build off big year • Cowboys hope Overshown has 'big' jump • How hands-on NFL owners affect their teams
Mannion is taking over an ultra-talented group that underperformed in 2024, leading to the firing of OC Kevin Patullo. Philadelphia had the most expensive offensive roster in the NFL but finished 19th in points per game (22.3), 24th in total offense (311 yards per game), 23 rd in passing (194 YPG) and first in three-and-outs.
There were myriad reasons for the downturn, from injuries along the offensive front to coaching shortfalls. The offense grew stale. Some of the internal frustration was directed toward Hurts, whose strong preferences for how the operation should look played a part in the offense becoming calcified, sources said.
One team source, though, said Hurts is "as open as he's ever been to changes."
Early signs indicate the Hurts/Mannion collaboration is going well.
"It starts really just connecting with him on a personal level, get to know him, get to know what his interests are, what makes him tick. Then once you start to get to know a guy on a personal level, I think the football connection becomes pretty easy," Mannion said. "It's been a great process with Jalen. He's been a pleasure to work with, and really since I got the job, being able to connect with him on a personal level and then on football has been great."