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Darius Slay explains why Jalen Hurts can thrive under Sean Mannion
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- Darius Slay explains why Jalen Hurts can thrive under Sean Mannion
Darius Slay knows the Philadelphia Eagles' locker room, Jalen Hurts , and A.J. Brown better than most people discussing the team from the outside. That made Slay's national television debut on ESPN's NFL Live notable, especially when the former Eagles cornerback was asked about the public conversation surrounding Hurts, Brown, and Philadelphia's evolving offense. Slay, who spent five seasons with the Eagles, defended both players while offering insight into the personalities that helped shape one of the NFL's most talented locker rooms.
"I've been in the locker room for a long time, five years there," Slay said. "I got a great history with these guys, man. Both of these guys as well. They both great people. A.J.'s a great teammate, one of the best teammates. Hurts is the same way. He's a great leader. They both leads in different ways."
Slay described Brown as more reserved and Hurts as more vocal because of his role as the quarterback. He also pushed back against the idea that Brown's individual ambition should be viewed as a negative, saying elite players are naturally driven by both team success and personal accomplishments.
"A.J., for sure, is a win-first guy," Slay said. "But as you're a player playing this game, you do want to have your own individual goals. I don't ever got to know a guy that's that elite that just don't want his accomplishments to be acknowledged."
That part of Slay's appearance mattered because Brown is no longer on the Eagles' roster, and Philadelphia has moved into a new phase offensively. Jeremy Fowler reported during the segment that the Eagles are expected to have more of an "equal opportunity" passing offense with Brown gone, with DeVonta Smith comfortable operating as a No. 1 wide receiver. Fowler also pointed to Smith's chemistry with Hurts from their Alabama days and mentioned Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers as young options who could help replace production.
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Still, Fowler said none of it matters if the Eagles do not rediscover the rushing explosiveness they had in 2024. He noted that Saquon Barkley had 17 runs of 20 or more yards in 2024, compared to four such runs last season, and said restoring those big plays would open up the passing game for Hurts.
That led to the most important part of the conversation.
Slay was asked whether Hurts can thrive under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion if the Eagles get back to more quarterback-under-center looks, play-action concepts, and throws over the middle of the field. Slay did not hesitate to back his former quarterback.
"That's a goal for him," Slay said. "One thing I know about Hurts, he's been having different coordinators for the whole career, so he's very good at adjusting. But one thing Hurts, he going to find a way to make him comfortable."
Slay acknowledged that playing more under center could create a new challenge for Hurts, especially with the quarterback turning his back to the defense on play-action concepts and seeing a different picture when he resets his eyes downfield.
"With him being under the center, I think it will be a new test for him," Slay said. "Turning his back to the defense and seeing a different picture from when he seen it from under the center to when he turned his back. So, it's going to be a good challenge for him."
Then came the line that summed up Slay's confidence in Hurts.
"One thing about Hurts, he loves a challenge," Slay said. "He like to see them challenges. So, I'm looking forward to the season. I'm rooting for my guys to do their thing. I need them to go ahead and win the NFC East."
Slay's comments are important because Hurts is entering another transition. Mannion is taking over as offensive coordinator, Brown is gone, and the Eagles have reshaped their passing-game personnel around Smith, Lemon, Hollywood Brown , Dontayvion Wicks , Elijah Moore , Dallas Goedert , and Barkley.
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The challenge for Hurts is not simply learning another offense. It is mastering a system that may ask him to play with more rhythm from under center, turn his back to defenses, attack the middle of the field, and create explosive plays through structure as much as improvisation. Those details will matter if Philadelphia wants to become more efficient and less predictable.
Slay's perspective carries weight because it comes from inside the building. He saw Hurts' preparation, leadership, and ability to absorb change across multiple seasons. He also saw the relationship between Hurts and Brown up close, making his comments about both players more meaningful than outside speculation.
The Eagles' offense will look different in 2026, but Slay does not appear concerned about Hurts handling another adjustment. If anything, he believes the challenge may bring out exactly what has always driven Philadelphia's quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Darius Slay explains why Jalen Hurts can thrive under Sean Mannion
