The Philadelphia Eagles began preparing to defend their Super Bowl title with quarterback Jalen Hurts at the center of an aggressive training camp marked by change and challenge. This offseason, Kevin Patullo was promoted to offensive coordinator, becoming the sixth play-caller Hurts has worked with in as many <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL seasons, bringing both familiarity and fresh demands to the team’s evolving offense.
During practice sessions at the NovaCare Complex, Hurts described Patullo’s approach as focused and resolute.
“He’s been very pointed and clear and has been leading with great conviction,”
Hurts said, highlighting the growing chemistry between them as Patullo, who has been with the Eagles organization before, now fully commands the offense’s direction. This partnership requires Hurts to adjust not just to new calls but to a coordinator who deeply understands the Eagles’ identity.
Patullo is not holding back as he implements complex schemes to push the offense.
“We’re putting the guys in a lot of stressful situations,”
Patullo stated during an Eagles press conference.
“We’re challenging them a lot with formations, different things we’re doing, and concepts.”
The challenges were apparent during a crucial third-down session, where Hurts faced relentless pressure from Vic Fangio’s defense. Despite his efforts, the defense forced four consecutive incompletions, though Hurts did connect on a noteworthy 30-yard pass to A.J. Brown once the defense had dominated.
With most offensive starters returning, the goal is less about raw talent and more about adapting to a complicated system under pressure. Patullo embraces this difficult phase, explaining,
“We’re moving guys around a lot, so when you do that, that kind of stuff can happen. Ultimately, the more we practice, the more that stuff will come down. Once we feel like the whole offense is in a good spot, it’ll shrink.”
Hurts’ performance reflected this designed disorder, with errant throws and near turnovers, including a narrowly avoided interception during 7-on-7 drills and several batted passes in 11-on-11 sessions, some deflected by defensive standout Jordan Davis. Though not his sharpest showing, it is the kind of hard practice Patullo appears to value for long-term improvement.
Mounting Injuries Add to the Pressure on Hurts and Eagles’ Camp
Beyond the offensive adjustments, the Eagles face a mounting crisis as injuries continue to pile up early in the 2025 training camp, threatening the team’s cohesion and momentum. Over a dozen players are either sidelined or limited, including significant starters and key contributors. Head coach Nick Sirianni’s squad now contends with a barrage of physical setbacks that have disrupted the preparation process before the preseason even begins.
Leading the injury report is All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, who has missed three straight practices due to a back contusion. Baun was considered crucial to the defense under coordinator Vic Fangio and his absence represents a serious blow. Alongside Baun are other prominent names such as wide receiver DeVonta Smith, linebacker Nolan Smith, and wide receiver Terrance Marshall, all currently recovering and unable to participate fully in camp drills.
The list extends to tight end EJ Jenkins (hamstring), fullback Ben VanSumeren (ankle), and cornerback Mac McWilliams (quad). Additionally, players like Jihaad Campbell, Jalen Carter, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Andrew Mukuba are on limited workloads as they nurse smaller injuries or recover from recent health issues. Even Sirianni himself has been affected, canceling media appearances due to illness. This unexpected wave of absences not only disrupts chemistry but also leaves questions about the depth and resilience of the roster heading into the season.
The injuries have particular implications for offensive rhythm and timing. For example, DeVonta Smith missed several snaps despite leading the team in touchdowns last year, and those lost repetitions risk dulling his effectiveness in a timing-dependent offense. Meanwhile, Jihaad Campbell’s healing journey from a torn labrum during his college days at Alabama symbolizes the toughness the Eagles hope to channel amidst the adversity. This confluence of injuries and a demanding new offensive system is testing the team’s capacity to withstand early turmoil.
Balancing Disruption and Development as Eagles Hunt for Consistency
Jalen Hurts remains at the heart of the Eagles’ quest to balance offensive innovation with the realities of a shaky roster. His previous Super Bowl experiences and rapid growth suggest he has the resilience to handle the current turmoil. After critics doubted his ability to challenge elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes in the wake of a Super Bowl LVII defeat, Hurts responded by leading the Eagles to a dominant victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, securing the MVP award.
Now tasked with executing Patullo’s demanding and often confusing schemes, Hurts faces perhaps his most complex challenge yet. The chaotic camp atmosphere, exacerbated by significant injuries and lineup shuffling, casts uncertainty over how quickly the team can settle into a rhythm. The level of strain underscores a larger question for the Eagles: is this rigorous process building toward a stronger championship repeat, or a foreshadowing of struggles that could derail the season?
While the intensity and disruption at camp are undeniable, they may also forge the durability and precision necessary to survive the NFL’s long grind. As Patullo’s offense gels and key players recover, Philadelphia’s roster may emerge more prepared for the season’s battles. However, the early stage of this transformation leaves anxious fans pondering whether Hurts and the Eagles can convert pressure into powerful results when the regular season starts.