Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts steps into the 2026 NFL season surrounded by more uncertainty than ever before, according to Sky Sports NFL analyst Neil Reynolds. The Eagles relied heavily on Vic Fangio’s high‑profile defensive unit while a sputtering offense, led by Hurts, carried them to the NFC East crown last year. That season ended in a playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers and the dismissal of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. In the offseason, disgruntled wide receiver AJ Brown left the team after what appeared to be a breakdown in his relationship with Hurts both on and off the field.
"Only Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have accounted for more offensive touchdowns than Jalen Hurts in the last five years," Reynolds noted on the Inside the Huddle podcast. "He’s a Super Bowl MVP, yet the chatter about his offensive impact, his chemistry with teammates, and his overall limitations has grown louder than ever this offseason.
People are questioning how he runs an offense, what he can do, and where his weaknesses lie." Hurts earned the Super Bowl MVP award after delivering a dominant performance that helped the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs two years ago, thwarting Andy Reid’s bid for a historic three‑peat. Despite that accolade, doubts about his abilities resurfaced during a laborious 2025 campaign. "It’s tough, because he can be a polarizing figure at times – he’s almost stoic, showing very little emotion, and fans want to see him get excited or frustrated," said Sky Sports NFL’s Phoebe Schecter. "People project their own expectations onto him, critiquing his running game, his passing, and even the receivers he targets.
And playing in Philadelphia is never easy; the fan base is intense and unforgiving." Schecter continued, "The Eagles have always felt the weight of external pressure, whether they’re winning or losing. It sometimes seems the coaching staff bends to that noise, adjusting play‑calling based on what fans or analysts think they should do. That can create a chaotic environment for a quarterback who prefers consistency." She added, "Jalen essentially shuts out that noise.
Even after spending a lot of time with him this offseason, he remains the same – calm, composed, and rarely overtly excited. The real question now is how the offense will evolve after the departure of AJ Brown.
What will the new scheme look like without his presence?" The Eagles open their season against another quarterback under scrutiny: Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels. Daniels missed ten games last season due to injury, preventing him from building on his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Reynolds remarked, "He told me over the summer that he was going to learn to fight for every down.
I’ll believe it when I see it on the field. There are many questions about Daniels, especially if he stays healthy. Remember, two seasons ago Washington reached the NFC Championship game against the Eagles." Schecter offered additional insight, "Jayden Daniels is fascinating because his slender frame can be a liability, yet his speed and athleticism have produced big plays, both in the pocket and when scrambling.
He also puts in extra work off the field—morning meetings, play‑script reviews, even virtual‑reality sessions—something not all quarterbacks do. The key for him will be getting enough protection from his offensive line against a ferocious Eagles defense, which is known for its aggressive pass rush." Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL season will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, featuring every playoff game and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. Fans can watch via Sky Sports subscription or stream for free with NOW.
The upcoming year promises to be a pivotal chapter for Jalen Hurts, the Eagles, and the broader narrative of a quarterback trying to silence critics while navigating the relentless scrutiny of Philadelphia’s passionate fan base.