Emmanuel Acho didn’t mince words when he sized up Jalen Hurts’ latest practice turnover.
On Tuesday’s episode of “Speakeasy,” the former Eagles linebacker said Hurts was testing the edges of what he can currently do, after a throw in practice ended up in an interception.
“In my mind, this is a pass that Jalen Hurts wouldn't have attempted under Kevin Patullo. No. 1, because he was handcuffed, and No. 2, probably because he didn't have that confidence instilled in him throughout the weeks of practice under Kevin Patullo,” Acho said.
He went a step further, arguing that the growing pains are part of the process if Hurts is going to expand his game.
“So, seeing Jalen Hurts attempt passes that he otherwise would not have attempted should be encouraging because you might now start to see Jalen Hurts push the ball down the field in ways he hasn't pushed the ball down the field previously. But just like a newborn, when they start to walk, will eventually fall on their face, you will see Jalen Hurts, when he starts to push the ball down the field, will eventually make mistakes because he is stretching his abilities beyond his ability.”
Acho described the moment as “problematic,” and pointed to Sean Mannion’s role in what he believes is a more aggressive direction for the offense.
That practice session at Lincoln Financial Field was a rough one for Hurts. He was picked off twice by cornerback Riq Woolen, including a pick-6 that finished off a two-minute drill. Woolen also broke up a pass intended for rookie receiver Makai Lemon earlier in the workout.
The turnover count has piled up throughout camp, too. Hurts has reportedly thrown 13 interceptions across 16 training camp practices this summer.
Philadelphia brought in Sean Mannion, a former NFL quarterback, this offseason to give the offense a different look. The goal was to modernize a unit that had grown stale, with more work under center and heavier play-action built in.
The Eagles also traded longtime top target A.J. Brown, who had 32 touchdowns and 5,034 receiving yards over four seasons with the team.
Mannion said after joint practices against the New England Patriots that the issues with turnovers are being hammered home constantly.
“We talk about the ball relentlessly,” he said.
Hurts, meanwhile, has already had his share of interceptions in recent seasons, throwing five during Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning 2024 campaign and six last year.
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