Why Vic Fangio isn't worried about Jalen Hurts camp interceptions
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says Jalen Hurts' elevated training-camp interceptions stem from learning Sean Mannion's new offense—testing reads and probing what works—not from a worrisome long-term trend. Fangio told reporters it helps Philadelphia's defense in practice and does not expect those picks to carry into the regular season.
After the Eagles' final training-camp practice on Wednesday, Fangio addressed why Hurts has been picked off more often than usual this summer. The quarterback is installing a new scheme under Mannion while facing one of the NFL's strongest defenses and working through absences from key starters.
Key Takeaways
- Fangio said Hurts is learning a new offense, trying options, and seeing what is and is not available in practice.
- The defensive coordinator is not worried about camp interceptions carrying over to the regular season.
- Hurts said he is in a good spot with his command of Mannion's offense and described the process as calibrating.
- The Eagles remain widespread in their playbook install and have not yet defined a final offensive identity.
- Camp picks have also given Philadelphia's defense valuable reps, including interceptions by cornerback Riq Woolen.
Why is Jalen Hurts throwing more interceptions in camp?
Fangio offered a straightforward explanation when asked about Hurts' turnover spike before the Eagles' last camp session at the Jefferson Health Training Complex on Aug. 27. He pointed to experimentation in a new system rather than reckless play.
"[Jalen Hurts is] learning a new offense. He's trying things, seeing what's available and what isn't available," Fangio said, according to Bleeding Green Nation. "I don't think that's going to carry over [to the regular season]."
NBC Sports Philadelphia noted that Hurts has generally protected the football well in his NFL career, but he was intercepted far more than usual over the final weeks of camp. The outlet also cited a tougher defensive environment, joint practices with New England, and missed time from DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, and Lane Johnson as contributing factors.
What does Hurts say about his command of the new offense?
Hurts struck a confident tone after Day 17 of camp. "I feel like I'm in a good spot," he said, adding that the offense has been widespread while Mannion's system is installed. He told reporters the group must reflect on experiences, grow from them, and apply lessons before honing in on an identity.
The quarterback has repeatedly used the term "calibrating" to describe the install phase. In the Philadelphia Inquirer, Hurts said, "When we can hone it down and see who we are, establish what exactly the identity is for us, it'll come together. So, still very early."
Hollywood Brown told NBC Sports Philadelphia that Hurts has taken strong command in the huddle, at the line, and when helping teammates with assignments. Hurts also said every rep—including mistakes—feeds a mental process about how aggressively to play once the regular season begins.
Will the Eagles' offensive identity be clear before Week 1?
Not yet, based on comments from Hurts and the reporting around camp's end. Mannion is blending his philosophy with staples that worked under Nick Sirianni, making it hard to preview exactly what Philadelphia will look like on Sept. 13.
Hurts acknowledged past success while admitting the 2026 offense still lacks a fixed label. He expects the playbook to narrow once coaches game-plan weekly and personnel strengths become clearer. For readers tracking broader sports and market headlines, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub.
Fangio, meanwhile, said the joint practices against the Patriots were among the Eagles' most valuable sessions of camp. Extra live reps against a different offensive style gave his unit meaningful work—even when that meant picking off Hurts in the process.