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 previous year, the Eagles relied heavily on Vic Fangio’s high‑profile defensive unit while a sputtering offense, led by Hurts, managed to secure the NFC East crown.
That success, however, was short‑lived. The team fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs, prompting the dismissal of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
In the offseason, disgruntled wide receiver AJ Brown left the organization after a perceived breakdown in chemistry with Hurts both on the field and off it. "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 murmurs about his offensive impact, his relationships with teammates, and his overall limitations have grown louder than ever during this offseason. People are questioning how he runs an offense, what he can do, and where his ceiling lies." Hurts earned the Super Bowl MVP honor after delivering a dominant performance that helped the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs two seasons ago, denying Andy Reid’s squad a historic three‑peat. Despite that high point, lingering doubts about his abilities resurfaced during a laborious 2025 campaign. "It’s difficult because he can be a polarizing figure at times," said Sky Sports NFL’s Phoebe Schecter.
"He’s stoic, almost unemotional, and fans want to see him show more joy or frustration. Instead, they project their own expectations onto him, critiquing his rushing game, his passing accuracy, and the receivers he targets. Philadelphia isn’t an easy market, and the external pressure from the fan base is relentless, whether the team is winning or losing." Schecter continued, "The organization often seems to bend to outside noise, with coordinators possibly adjusting game plans based on what they think the crowd wants—‘they think we should throw to this guy, they think we should run more.’ It feels like the doors need to be shut on that chatter, which may be why Hurts remains so composed.
Even after spending time with him this offseason, his demeanor hasn’t changed; he stays calm and rarely shows overt excitement." One of the biggest questions now is how the offense will adapt after AJ Brown’s departure. "It will be fascinating to see if the team improves by subtracting a piece of the puzzle," Schecter mused, referring to the potential reshaping of the passing attack. The Eagles open their season against another quarterback under a cloud of scrutiny: Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels.
Daniels missed ten games last season due to injury and struggled to build on his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Reynolds added, "He told me over the summer he was going to learn to live and fight another down. I’ll believe it when I see it on the field. There are many questions surrounding Daniels, especially if he stays healthy.
Remember, two seasons ago Washington faced the Eagles in the NFC Championship game." Schecter offered her perspective on Daniels: "He’s a fascinating case because his slender frame can be a liability, yet his speed and athleticism have produced big plays—whether evading defenders in the pocket or scrambling for yards. Moreover, his off‑field preparation is impressive.
He spends mornings reviewing the playbook, using virtual reality to study defenses, and doing extra film sessions—habits not all quarterbacks adopt." She emphasized the importance of protection: "All of that preparation only matters if his offensive line can hold off an aggressive Eagles defense, especially a defensive front known for its relentless pass rush." Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL season promises to be a test of resilience for both Hurts and Daniels. For Hurts, the challenge lies in proving that his stoic leadership can translate into consistent offensive production without the need for a marquee receiver like Brown.
For Daniels, the task is to stay healthy and demonstrate that his athletic gifts and diligent study habits can elevate the Commanders past the Eagles’ formidable defense. Fans can tune in to watch every moment of the 2026 season on Sky Sports, including full playoff coverage and Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027. Subscriptions to Sky Sports or the contract‑free NOW streaming service provide access to all live action.