OTAs yield good vibes about Eagles’ new offense
Saquon Barkley calls Sean Mannion's system ‘refreshing’
Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/y3fbkbra
PHILADELPHIA — With the “Top Gun” theme song blaring over the speakers inside the Eagles’ practice bubble, running back Saquon Barkley took a QB handoff from under center, found an opening and burst through the “danger zone” to the open field during a seven-on-seven drill at voluntary OTAs.
Once he broke through, the play was over. But Barkley kept running all the way to the end zone, semi-dragging a couple of defenders.
No one was in full pads, just shells, but Barkley likes to go all-out on every play.
The Eagles arrived at organized team activities this week with a new offensive coordinator, new terminology and new ideas.
Sean Mannion’s offense is still in its infancy, but the early emphasis has been clear: Build around what already works, then layer in new concepts.
That approach has drawn praise from head coach Nick Sirianni, quarterback Jalen Hurts and Barkley as the Eagles continue their spring work.
“Sean’s done an awesome job thus far,” Sirianni said Wednesday. “I really like the command that he has in front of the room and the conviction that he has in front of the room and the knowledge that he has in front of the room.”
The challenge facing Mannion is unique.
The Eagles are not rebuilding an offense. They are trying to evolve one that has been among the NFL’s most productive units during Hurts’ tenure, but which has stalled and failed to unlock its full potential. That means introducing fresh ideas without losing the foundation that helped deliver a Super Bowl title.
Mannion brings a modern iteration of the West Coast offense. During drills at Jefferson Health Training Complex on Wednesday, there was lots of under-center, lots of pre-snap motion, lots quick slants and crossing routes.
Hurts, now entering his sixth NFL season, has become familiar with change. Mannion is the fifth offensive coordinator he has worked with since arriving in Philadelphia, but the quarterback said he has embraced the opportunity to learn a different approach.
“It’s exciting to be able to learn a new brand of football,” Hurts said. “Understanding the philosophy behind it, understanding why we’re doing things and building those habits from the ground up.”
Hurts’ vibe felt sincere. He didn’t seem like he was just trying to say the right things. He seemed genuinely enthused and confident about Mannion and the new direction.
“One thing that’s really special about Jalen is just how consistent he is with his approach to getting better every single day,” Sirianni said. “Regardless of if we’re calling a concept one thing or if we’re calling a concept another thing or who the play caller is.”
Mannion’s objective is not to replace what has worked. During his introductory press conference last week, he described the offense as a blend of concepts Hurts already excels in and new wrinkles he hopes to add.
Some of those changes were visible Wednesday.
The under-center formations, expanded motion packages and additional outside-zone concepts are staples of the coaching tree that influenced Mannion. Barkley said the offense has already challenged him to think differently.
“It’s refreshing,” Barkley said. “I’ve never seen a system like this.”
For Barkley, the adjustment goes beyond memorizing a playbook. Running from under center changes the timing of a run, the footwork before the handoff and the way a back sees developing lanes.
“It’s definitely different,” Barkley said. “But I like it.”
The learning curve extends throughout the offense, from veteran stars to returning linemen working with a new position coach for the first time in their careers.
Sirianni repeatedly emphasized that the focus of OTAs is not on unveiling scheme. It is on mastering the details that make any offense function.
“You can run any scheme you want,” Sirianni said. “But if you can’t block, if you can’t catch, if you can’t protect the football, it doesn’t really matter.
“OTAs are for building a foundation.”
Along those lines is the developing relationship between Mannion and Hurts.
“Trust is built through hardships together,” Sirianni said. “Trust is built as you go through this with time spent together.”
The Eagles have nearly four months before they open the regular season. Training camp and preseason games will provide a clearer picture of what Mannion’s offense ultimately becomes.
For now, the goal is simpler: Install the system, sharpen the fundamentals and find the right balance between continuity and change. The Eagles believe they’re on their way.
Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.
Are you seeing use of fullback? I know they've been trying to get that working for a while and this offense is good for it. Show me some old school I-formation, baby! Byers and Heath Sherman style!!