The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense ranks among the NFL’s least productive units through five games, and first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion said Tuesday that increasing designed runs for quarterback Jalen Hurts is not a simple solution to the problems.
The Eagles are 31st in the league in total yards at 1,311, or 262.2 per game. They sit 28th in net passing yards per game at 170.6, 23rd in rushing yards per game at 91.6 and 29th in points per game at 18.4. They have scored just 11 offensive touchdowns.
Those numbers have left the 2-3 Eagles searching for answers after a 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday. The team managed only 232 yards and 22 rushing yards in the game.
Hurts has rushed for 107 yards on 23 carries this season with one touchdown. He gained just two yards on two carries against the Jaguars after posting higher totals in the opening weeks.
Mannion addressed the limited designed quarterback runs during his weekly media session.
“I think we’re always looking for ways to integrate him into the run game,” Mannion said. “Some of it’s dependent on the opponent and the fronts they’re giving us, the looks you’re getting.
“But like I’ve said in here before, it’s a unique trait that he has that makes him dangerous. Some of them are designed, some of them are kind of the off-schedule plays. I think he’s had a good feel for that in terms of when to take off and run. He had some big plays early in the year, first few weeks, of using his legs in the pass game, kind of those off-schedule scrambles. So, there’s a place for both of them. I think he’s found a nice balance of that.”
Reporters asked whether the Jaguars’ defensive approach specifically limited the calls for Hurts as a runner. Mannion said no.
“No, I think each week presents a different challenge, and we’re going to do whatever we can each week to go and win the game. We felt like this week we were a little bit more pass-oriented. Some of that is intentional. Some of it’s just how the game plays out and the adjustments you’re making in-game,” Mannion said.
“We want to be an offense that is balanced and can attack you in the run game and the pass game. Then, within the game, within the week, the opponent that you’re facing, your personnel, there can be little tweaks along the way that lead to a different end result in terms of your run-pass balance.”
The Jaguars entered the game with the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 63.8 yards per game, while ranking near the bottom against the pass.Injuries have also shaped the offense. Running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith missed the London contest, and the offensive line has dealt with multiple absences.
Mannion said the staff continues to evaluate how to better integrate Hurts’ mobility while building a balanced attack. The Eagles next face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
The team’s low rankings across major offensive categories have intensified scrutiny of the scheme Mannion installed this season after arriving from the Green Bay Packers.
Through five weeks, the Eagles have converted third downs at a rate that places them in the lower half of the league, further limiting opportunities to sustain drives.
Hurts completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown against Jacksonville. His season totals stand at 933 passing yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.
Mannion’s comments Tuesday underscored that any increase in designed runs will depend on weekly matchups and defensive looks rather than a fixed plan to feature Hurts on the ground more often.
The Eagles have won only their first two games and dropped three straight, with the offense producing limited yardage and points in the recent losses.
