Jalen Hurts Discusses the Arrival of Kellen Moore: How Will QB1 Fit in Philadelphia’s New Offensive Scheme?

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts before kick off Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is no stranger to dealing with changes at offensive coordinator during his playing career. Hurts is heading into his fifth season in the NFL with his fourth different offensive coordinator.

Hurts met with reporters on Wednesday and discussed his desire for stability at offensive coordinator and quarterback coach.

“I think as a player, I definitely yearn for the sustainability and the consistency there,” Hurts said. “As a quarterback, I yearn for those things in a play caller and a quarterback coach because you kind of see how consistency in those areas can breed excellence.”

Jalen Hurts Is Ready To Learn Kellen Moore’s Offense

While Hurts shared his thoughts about the departure of former Eagles offensive coordinator and close friend Brian Johnson, he expressed excitement about the opportunity ahead of him. Hurts understands how knowledgeable Philadelphia’s new offensive coordinator and quarterback coach truly are.

Despite Johnson’s close relationship with Hurts, he just didn’t bring the experience to Philadelphia that Kellen Moore will in 2024. Moore has five years of experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, while Johnson had zero before last season.

After primarily playing out of the shotgun formation in recent years, Moore will likely introduce more formations that will put Hurts under center. While that isn’t something that Hurts has done much in the NFL, he is eager to learn whatever Moore wants to teach him.

“I’m just all ears. I’m a sponge. I think there’s some beauty in that. I’m just in sponge mode,” Hurts said at his press conference on Wednesday. “I’m letting them do what it is they’re going to do, and then we kind of adjust from there.”

Moore won’t be the only new coach that Hurts will depend on in 2024, Eagles quarterback coach Doug Nussmeier will play a key role as well. Hurts actually mentioned his existing relationship with Nussmeier, which dates all the way back to 2015.

Nussmeier was the offensive coordinator of the Florida Gators at the time and attempted to recruit Hurts out of high school. Now Nussmeier will finally have the chance to work with Hurts after waiting nearly a decade for this opportunity.

Hurts is eager to see what Moore and Nussmeier are able to build in Philadelphia, along with ideas from head coach Nick Sirianni. Philadelphia’s starting quarterback stressed the importance of building an offensive foundation this offseason.

“I think the thing that we all have to understand is the importance of a foundation in something,” Hurts said. “So I want the coaches to declare their foundation in terms of what they want something to be, how they want it to look, and then obviously you’re going to adjust from there.”

Hurts Could Be In for a Career Year Under Moore in 2024

After playing in a relatively repetitive and bland offense last season, Moore will likely introduce new ideas in Philadelphia. Sirianni mentioned how Moore’s experience and ideas played a huge role in him landing the offensive coordinator job with the Eagles.

During Moore’s time with the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott took a massive step forward in his career. In both of Prescott’s healthy seasons as a starting quarterback under Moore, he threw 30 or more passing touchdowns and 11 or fewer interceptions.

While Prescott offers some mobility at quarterback, he is nowhere near the runner that Hurts is at the position. It will be intriguing to see how Moore will use Hurts’ legs as a weapon in 2024. Philadelphia will have to find a healthy balance to ensure that Hurts isn’t put at an unnecessary risk of getting injured.

Last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore was dealt a rough hand due to injuries to several of the team’s key starters on offense. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert fractured the index finger on his throwing hand in Week 14, which ended his season early.

Despite the injury and a banged-up supporting cast, Herbert threw 20 passing touchdowns and just seven interceptions in 13 starts last season. It would have been interesting to see what Moore was able to do in Los Angeles with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen healthy for all of 2023.

KEEP READING: NFL Insider Adam Caplan Has the Eagles Selecting Haason Reddick’s Replacement in Latest Mock Draft

Before Mike Williams suffered a torn ACL in Week 3, the dynamic duo totaled 51 receptions for 651 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just three games. Herbert threw for 939 passing yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions in those games as well.

If Moore was able to get that type of production out of Herbert and that wide receiver duo, Hurts is surely excited about the possibilities in Philadelphia. Moore, Nussmeier, and Hurts should be able to create a strong foundation with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith around.

Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s all-new Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls — lone wolf or with your friends!