Lane Johnson: Jalen Hurts steps up as a “more vocal leader”

The 2023 Eagles season ended on a disappointing note, sparking conversations about what went wrong for the NFC East team. One of the topics brought up was quarterback Jalen Hurts’s leadership style. While he was praised for his steadiness during the previous year’s run to the NFC title, Hurts’s style came under scrutiny as the Eagles struggled following a strong start to the season. Although there were no public criticisms of Hurts’s approach from within the organization, right tackle Lane Johnson mentioned on The Rich Eisen Show that he has noticed a change in the quarterback.

Johnson stated that Hurts has made a conscious effort to connect with his teammates in a more vocal manner than before. He emphasized that during the offseason, Hurts has been bonding with his teammates more effectively, leading to stronger connections. Johnson acknowledged Hurts’s outstanding work ethic, but highlighted his growth as a more vocal leader, noting that his teammates now listen when he speaks.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Eagles will need to make a strong rebound to silence speculation about the future of head coach Nick Sirianni and others. Hurts will likely be part of that discussion, but Johnson expressed confidence in the young quarterback. He emphasized Hurts being the team’s leader going forward, stating that the team loves and respects him, highlighting his unmatched work ethic.

As the Eagles head into the new season, all eyes will be on Hurts and his performance, with hopes for a successful turnaround in Philadelphia.