Opinion: Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts have opposite relationships with their coaches

If you take a deep dive into the chemistry behind most NFL rosters, the most relationship is about the quarterback and the coach. It links the most important player on the field with his on-field management equivalent, and it cuts to the heart of how offensive and defensive strategies get done.

Which is why the relationships that Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts have with their respective coaches is so fascinating. Mahomes has Andy Reid, who is basically coach-as-soulmate. Hurts, meanwhile has to deal with Nick Sirianni, who has swapped out coordinators on both sides of the ball in the hopes that he can right the ship in Philly after last year's epic collapse and and save his job in the process.

Photo byDave AdamsononUnsplash

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are football soulmates

When it comes to quarterback/coach pairings, Mahomes and Reid represent the gold standard, to the point where they may even be more compatible than the Brady/Belichick combination that produced six titles in New England.

The difference is that they're both offensive guys. Brady pushed back against Belichick's relentless focus on defense as the last few years of his career played out, but Mahomes is the ultimate risk taker, and man does Reid love his motion and gadget plays. There's nothing they won't try together, although the risk factor for Mahomes is occasionally off the charts.

Defense, you say? What about defense? Initially the Chiefs were content to let Mahomes run track meet games, but as Kansas City continued to evolve they've relied on a more balanced roster, with GM Brett Veach doing the roster construction honors.

They've kept key guys like Chris Jones around to make plays as teams have tried various things to stymie the Chiefs offense, but speedy rookie Xavier Worthy clearly added another dimension to the Kansas City offense against Baltimore.

Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni: the trust is gone

Meanwhile, if you wanted to start with a solid QB/coach relationship and design a scenario that would send it south, the Philadelphia Eagles have a blueprint for you. After scuffling in his rookie year, Hurts found his footing in Philly with offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. But Steichen left to take a head coaching job of his own, and he's currently immersed in trying to turn Anthony Richardson into a real NFL quarterback in Indianapolis.

When Steichen left, the results were predictable. Hurts lost his guy, and he also lost his health when some of this risky running plays and scrambles started to produce injuries. The Eagles had all sorts of weapons for him--they still do, actually--but there still doesn't seem to be a solid answer to any of this.

The issues were clearly on display in Philly's 34-29 win over Green Bay in Brazil. Hurts was shaky, to say the least--his first throw was an interception, there was a botched shotgun snap with new center Cam Jurgens, and yet another fumble on a "tush push" play, and another pick was part of the final tally.

Hurts threw for almost 300 yards when it was all said and done, but nothing about the Eagles offense convinced anyone that this unit could be consistent going forward.

Fortunately, the Eagles have Saquon Barkley. The former Giant running back came to Hurts rescue in a big way, scoring three touchdowns while producing over 100 yards on the ground and another 18 as a receiver. It was enough to make Philly fans daydream about Barkley running the wildcat; he really was that good.

Nick Sirianni is alone out on a ledge in this one. New OC Kellen Moore clearly knows what to do with Barkley, but Hurts remains a puzzle going forward. It looks like the Eagles season is going to be a roller coaster ride, with a home Monday nighter against Atlanta coming as the next curve.

This article was originally written by Bob McCullough