Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has observed a distinct change in Jalen Hurts’ performance during the current training camp. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Fangio noted that the quarterback appears notably quicker than in previous stretches. Fangio remarked that while the defense is prohibited from making contact with the quarterback during practice, it has become a frequent talking point among the players.
"Jalen's having a good camp. He looks faster," Fangio stated. "Obviously, we can't touch him during practice. There's always that debate whether you had him or not. There's been a few times where our guys think they had him and they really didn't."
The Eagles are currently testing a retooled offensive scheme under first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, which has reportedly featured a higher frequency of designed quarterback runs. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who arrived at camp approximately 10 pounds lighter, corroborated the defensive staff's observations after attempting to chase Hurts during a play-action rollout. "I don't know what it is, but when I'm watching him when I'm running, it's like a movie. Feels like I'm going slow," Carter said. "He be moving, man. He's been working hard, and he's the one, for sure."
Hurts enters the 2025 season looking to improve upon his 2024 rushing production, which saw him carry the ball 105 times for 421 yards and eight touchdowns—marking his least productive rushing year as a full-time starter. Despite these numbers, he remains one of the most prolific rushing quarterbacks in the league, trailing only Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen in ground production since 2021, a span during which he has accumulated 3,554 rushing yards and 63 touchdowns. The quarterback, who turned 28 on August 7, has downplayed the idea of a major offseason overhaul, insisting he has made no significant changes to his training and does not feel any different than in previous years. He is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $255 million contract.
There's been a few times where our guys think they had him and they really didn't."NFL: Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp – Source: ImagnThe Eagles are running a retooled scheme under first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, and early reports out of camp show a heavier dose of designed quarterback runs than in years past.Meanwhile, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who reported to camp roughly 10 pounds lighter, backed up his coordinator's read after chasing Hurts down on a play-action rollout."I don't know what it is, but when I'm watching him when I'm running, it's like a movie.
He's been working hard, and he's the one, for sure."Also Read: “We watch you be a shell of what you were”: Stephen A.
