Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (L) and quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson (R) talk during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
(Philadelphia, PA) – Since their brutal collapse to complete the 2023 season, rumors have stirred about tensions between Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts – rumors the two have been quick to shut down heading into 2024.
On the first day of training camp a reporter began to ask Hurts, “Jalen, there’s a report that came out that your and Nick’s relationship–” which was promptly cut off by the quarterback.
Hurts proceeded to address the incomplete remark, saying “You go through an offseason, you put a lot of work in, I think all the things we’ve been through last year, all the opportunity we had last year, I know everybody is hungry. Everybody is hungry. There’s a ton of opportunity in front of us this year.” There is no doubt that the Eagles are a team primed to win, an explosive offensive accompanied by a strong defense is poised to compete for the NFC.
The 5th year quarterback then added, “I’m excited to be back, excited to go through this journey and go through the season with everyone here. Everyone. I truly trust Mr. Lurie, I trust Howie, I trust coach Sirianni to lead us in that right direction.”
Hurts acknowledged that there were some shortcomings between him and his coach last season as, “I think if we were maybe on the same page, we would have accomplished the things we would have and we didn’t. But that’s a learning experience.” Entering this year, “I think we’re in a great place.”
Sirianni also diminished the value of the rumors during his press appearance. “The only thing you can judge relations on is your personal interactions with people, not any report that comes out. Jalen and I’s relationship is good. When you hear a report like that, you don’t put much stock into it because, quite frankly, not everybody sees it. We’ve done some pretty special things. I’m really excited for him, he’s worked so hard on his game.”
While there is no knowing the extent of this relationship behind closed doors, it is obvious the two are trying to find common ground publicly in pursuit of a title. Hurts concluded his statements with a quote that proves why he is the leader of the team. “I think to win championships, to be the team you want to be, everyone has to buy into that role and everyone has to be fully committed to doing their part in helping the team.”
2024 is a championship-or-bust season for the birds, and they will need the same firepower they showed through 12 weeks last year to last until the very end.
