Jalen Hurts will be in the same offense for the third straight year, and making things even more exciting, he’s known his new play-caller for over 20 years.
During his first training camp press conference, the Philly Tribune’s OJ Spivey asked Philadelphia’s All-Pro quarterback about the transition from Shane Steichen to Brian Johnson as the offensive coordinator.
Hurts leaned on the fact that he’s known the former Utah quarterback since he was four years old, a significant asset for the transition.
I asked Jalen Hurts today if it's been a smooth transition with Brian Johnson as offensive coordinator. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/aCCLXEbRvh
— O.J. Spivey (@OJPhilly) July 27, 2023
As the primary quarterback’s coach for the Eagles over the past two seasons, Johnson is most responsible for Hurts’ passer rating jumping from 22nd in 2021 to fourth last season. Hurts’ yards-per-attempt average jumped from 15th to third, his interception percentage from 12th to fifth, and his touchdowns-to-interceptions differential from plus-seven to plus-16.
He finished third in rushing first downs.
A former college quarterback at Utah who has known the Hurts family for years, Johnson joined the Eagles after serving as the offensive coordinator for the University of Florida, helping get Kyle Trask and Kyle Pitts to the NFL.
Before that, Johnson was crucial in Dak Prescott earning All-SEC honors at Mississippi State.
Philadelphia’s new offensive coordinator met the media on Tuesday morning, and here are takeaways from the media interaction.
Johnson on Hurts daily journey
Johnson has known the Eagles quarterback since he was four, so the work ethic and similar quotes should be no surprise.
Johnson obviously learned some Jalen Hurtsisms over the years. 😂😂😂 https://t.co/tK59cpDHIt
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) August 1, 2023
Johnson on creating issues for opposing defense
The Eagles did a great job of keeping the opposing defense off balance in 2022, and they’ll look to take that to another level this season.
“You want to create as many issues as you can for the defense,” says new OC Brian Johnson. pic.twitter.com/vrJlnUUECB
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) August 1, 2023
Brian Johnson on Quez Watkins
Watkins has been the talk of training camp and the Eagles offensive coordinator discussed his first four practices.
Brian Johnson on Quez Watkins and how he’s looked this far. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/1FBxKE7EU5
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 1, 2023
Brian Johnson will increase running back usage
Eagles running backs have talked about their excitement about a bigger route tree, and Johnson’s past suggest that all five guys could see an increase in targets.
Love seeing this. I looked at Brian Johnson's history (which we only have 2020 at UF to go on) but he significantly upped the use of RBs in the passing game while still having Pitts and Toney.
Not only more targets, but they were used out in routes more.#Eagles #EaglesCamp https://t.co/3uZSLapm88 pic.twitter.com/nX1Ww3cXta
— Greg – PhillyCoverCorner (@greghartpa) August 1, 2023
Brian Johnson on evolving
A new-look offense for the #Eagles.
What wrinkles does new OC Brian Johnson have in store? pic.twitter.com/O0D6G1uIVn
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 1, 2023
Dallas Goedert talked about Johnson adding new wrinkles to the Eagles offense and through four days, he’s working to keep the system evolving.
#Eagles OC Brian Johnson: “We’re always looking for ways to do something better, to evolve … to not be static.” pic.twitter.com/R4qqo0u9a9
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) August 1, 2023
