Jalen Hurts Shows Increased Speed at Eagles Camp Under New OC Sean Mannion

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is displaying improved mobility at training camp after recording 421 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns last season.

PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts enters the 2026 NFL season coming off career lows in rushing attempts (105), yards (421), and touchdowns (8). Despite these statistics from the previous campaign, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, who turned 28 on August 7, is drawing significant attention for his mobility during summer practices. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who reported to camp 10 pounds lighter, noted that chasing the signal-caller feels "like a movie" where the defender appears to be moving in slow motion.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio observed that the quarterback looks faster than in previous years. During non-contact drills, Fangio noted that defenders frequently believe they have secured a sack, only for the quarterback to evade the pressure. The defense, which is considered a top-tier unit, has provided a rigorous test for the offense as they transition to a new system under coordinator Sean Mannion. This scheme utilizes more under-center operations while maintaining a high volume of designed quarterback runs.

Statistical Trends and Scheme Changes

Over his six-year NFL career, Hurts has accumulated 3,554 rushing yards and 63 touchdowns on the ground. The 2021 season marked his emergence as the full-time starter, yet the 2025 season saw his lowest production in key rushing categories. The current training camp serves as the introduction to Mannion’s playbook, which Fangio describes as a significant departure from the offensive structures Philadelphia utilized in recent years. While Hurts has worked with multiple coordinators, the defensive chief suggested previous iterations were largely similar, whereas the current installation represents a distinct shift.

Jalen Carter emphasized the difficulty of containing QB1, stating that the quarterback has been working hard and remains a primary threat. The defensive tackle’s inability to catch the quarterback, despite his own weight loss, highlights the physical condition Hurts has maintained. The quarterback himself reported that he did not implement notable changes to his offseason training regimen and maintains that he does not feel physically different than in previous seasons.

Training Camp Performance Reviews

The transition to Mannion’s offense has resulted in both successes and failures against the Eagles' defensive starters. Fangio praised the quarterback's navigation of the new scheme, noting that he is moving well and handling the adjusted responsibilities effectively. These reviews come as the team integrates more under-center snaps, a change from the shotgun-heavy approaches of the past.

Tim McManus, who has covered the team since 2010 and joined ESPN in 2016, reported these developments as the team prepares for the upcoming schedule. The coaching staff's decision to dial up designed runs indicates that the quarterback's legs will remain a central component of the Philadelphia attack. Despite the quarterback's modest rushing totals last year, the current camp activity suggests a return to a more mobile-centric offensive philosophy. The 28-year-old continues to lead the first-team unit as they refine the timing of these new designed run plays against a defense that is prohibited from making physical contact with the passer during these sessions.