Eagles reportedly urged QB Jalen Hurts to be a more 'outward' leader in the locker room

On a team that replaced its defensive coordinator more than halfway through a winning season, much of the criticism during the Philadelphia Eagles' three-game losing streak has fallen on quarterback Jalen Hurts. 

Like the team over the past few weeks, Hurts hasn't played his best. He's shown accountability and said all the right things, but according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, a source says the team wants to see a change in how he influences the locker room. 

"The Eagles want him to be authentic to himself, but they also need him to not isolate himself as much when a more outward leadership style is necessary, especially when the going gets tough," McLane said on the unCovering the Birds podcast.

It's unclear whether the message encourages Hurts to yell and scream more or simply connect with his teammates better. Hurts is known for his stoic and focused demeanor. He never gets too high or too low. It's sometimes hard to decipher whether the Eagles won or lost when he speaks with reporters after games. It is who he is. So, it may be unwise to ask a QB who has already had massive success to change his ways after only three losses.

No one's delighted over a three-game losing skid, but McLane's source close to the team says the Eagles weren't that happy even while boasting the best record in the NFL. 

According to McLane, they described the Eagles as "the most miserable 10-1 team." 

While the leaks come at a suspicious time, they're not hard to believe. When the Eagles were riding high atop the standings, they were winning, but not decidedly. There were apparent weaknesses and concerns, though winning overshadowed them for the most part. Those warts are beginning to show in the loss column while frustration mounts. 

Something needs to change in Philly, but pressing the panic button and altering how proven leaders lead might not be the best approach to getting back to winning.