Eagles' Lane Johnson reveals what has changed with Jalen Hurts this offseason

There were several reasons for the Philadelphia Eagles dropping their 10-1 start last fall but one those reasons was due to a connection issue .

That connection issue started up at the front office and trickled down to the coaches and locker room with the players.

But in order to avoid making the same mistake twice, quarterback Jalen Hurts has stepped up in a massive way, according to his teammate Lane Johnson.

“I think just this offseason he’s really done a good job of bonding with his teammates,” Johnson said of Hurts on ”The Rich Eisen Show" this week.

“I feel like the connection has definitely grown, a really big offseason. The work ethic has never been an issue, tremendous worker, but just becoming a more vocal leader. And I think whenever he speaks, guys listen up and him reaching out to guys, creating these bonds in the offseason. He’s having these throwing sessions with receivers now in the offseason, getting work in, but really has gone out of his way to connect with his teammates and we feel that. We’re really excited about this year. Every year is kind of a prove-it year to everybody when you’re in that town, and we all feel it some degree. Jalen is our guy moving forward, we love him, we respect him and nobody puts in more work than he does.”

Johnson added that Hurts been more vocal during breakout sessions, organizing more dinners to get together, and hanging out with teammates on the weekends.

Most recently, Hurts held a private workout with receivers Parris Campbell and rookie Johnny Wilson. It's these kind of extra bonding sessions that will take a team from good to great.

In addition to creating better bonds with his teammates, Hurts has also taken charge of the new offense under Kellen Moore, vocalizing what he likes and dislikes.

The pressure is on for Hurts in 2024, but he's doing everything possible in order to put the Eagles in the best spot come Week 1, and that speaks volume about how this upcoming season will go for the Birds.

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