The Eagles are in the final phase of training camp and have just one preseason game left to play. Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion spoke to reporters on Monday about the the offense’s growth from week-to-week as they approach the season. He also gave new OL coach Chris Kuper a lot of credit for the development we’re seeing from the young offensive lineman.
Mannion said he isn’t sure yet whether he’ll call Friday’s preseason game against the Bengals from the sideline or up in the booth, but he appreciated
the chance to try both options over the past two weeks. He admitted that there are differences in the two approaches, but he feels really comfortable with both.
Here’s what the OC had to say:
On the QB2 battle
When choosing who will be QB2, Mannion said that they evaluate the entire body of work, especially knowing that they’re playing in preseason games with different parts of the depth chart. The OC noted that the games are a really useful tool for evaluation, but the competition started back in April and they’ve got tons of reps on the practice field as well.
“Both quarterbacks, really all of our quarterbacks have done a really nice job in the practice setting [and] in the game setting. It’s really about the entire body of the work. Certainly, the preseason’s part of that, but there is a ton of banked reps going all the way back to the spring as well.”
Mannion said that they aren’t at a point to name who will be the team’s backup quarterback Week 1, and explained they still have several practices this week and before the season opener to finalize things.
The OC was complimentary of Tanner McKee, saying that the QB did a nice job operating and got the ball out fast – something Mannion said Andy Dalton also did well. He went on to talk about how Dalton’s experience is an added benefit to him being around.
“He’s a veteran in this league. He’s got well over a hundred starts. That’s unique. We get a chance to be around him, Tanner, Cole [Payton], Jalen [Hurts] every day. That’s part of what he brings to the room. Everyone’s bringing something to the table. Tanner, Cole, Jalen, obviously, they all bring their own experiences. It is something unique to Andy with having so much experience, but ultimately, it’s an evaluation on the field, both in the practice and the games. That’s the driving force.”
On Jalen Hurts in joint practices
“[Hurts] did a good job. The first day, we had a lot of big plays and just a couple turnovers we need to clean up. That’s always a focus for us, but you could really see the run game come to life, you could see the play passes off of it. We hit a nice pylon route to Elijah [Moore], but you could see the explosives in the past game as well. A couple turnovers, those are obviously things we always want to address. We talk about the ball relentlessly, but he did a really nice job. For the guys who didn’t play in the game, they’ve got a ton of great work in those two practices against the Patriots. I was really happy with how Jalen played throughout.”
On Makai Lemon
Mannion was emphatic that the rookie WR has been working hard to get back on the field, and they were excited to get him back on the practice field Monday. He noted that Lemon has been really engaged mentally, and he’s done a nice job with the things he’s been able to do.
“[Lemon’s] been locked in [for] all the walkthrough settings. Even when he can’t get the rep, he’s kind of shadowing his position on the field and staying super engaged.”
The OC later said that he isn’t worried about Lemon having to catch up after missing all the time earlier in training camp, because he’s been super engaged and putting in a lot of work.
“He’s been a total pro about his approach to rehab, his approach to the mental side of the game. Like I said, the unfortunate nature of football is sometimes you might miss some time, but he’s done everything in his power despite not having those physical reps to be ready for us to make an impact.”
On run game improvements
Mannion was asked what stood out about the run game against the Patriots, and he pointed to the execution and play style.
“I thought, obviously, the starting unit wasn’t in there, but that second unit [and] third unit, they really did a nice job. We controlled the line of scrimmage early in the game, kind of that first series. I thought the play style was on display. “
The OC went on to say that the three things he wanted to see in their second preseason game was execution, fundamentals, and play style. He admitted that they were a little sloppy in terms of fundamentals and execution at times in their first game against the Ravens, but overall, Mannion thought it was much improved in game two, particularly with the offensive line.
He didn’t want to give too much away in terms of their plans to utilize a fullback, as the team has done in the past, but said that position versatility is a priority.
On Carson Steele
“[Carson Steele] carried a heavy workload late in that game, and he handled it really nicely. There’s so many guys across our roster that put the work in every day. Carson was a great example of getting an opportunity for expanded reps in the preseason and really did a nice job with it. Did a great job with the ball in his hand, run and pass. There could certainly be a role for him. I was excited to see him go out there and really thrive in the reps he got.”
On the OL development
Mannion talked about the pre-set protection calls and explained that it’s on the offensive line unit initially, and then the QB has a hand in it, as well. He said that the play and protection scheme will dictate how much is on the quarterback’s plate.
“It would be dependent on the protection scheme. We have multiple different protection schemes. Some of them it would be the quarterback would have the final say. Some of them it’s communication within the offensive line unit. They’ve both done a nice job — both units I mean. There’s so much communication on the offensive line that, I think, goes unseen. Our centers have done a great job. Jalen’s done a great job with some of our pass protection schemes where he does need to make adjustments. He’s done a nice job of that as well.”
The OC said that the OL group has shown physicality and effort every day, and you could see that on the tape. He also noted it wasn’t just the starting unit that’s been doing a good job, and the second and third units are getting better every day. Mannion credited new OL coach Chris Kuper with the development of that group.
“[Chris Kuper]’s a great teacher. It’s total focus on the fundamentals. He’s done an outstanding job for us. You can see him every day after practice with those young guys working on all the finer points of offensive line play. He brings a unique perspective having been a player himself. He’s able to lend a lot of context to, ‘Hey, this is where this adjustment to your fundamentals is super useful.’ Like I said, he’s done a great job with the whole room. Talking about those young guys that are just coming up, it’s really stood out in the preseason game with the work he’s put in with those guys.”
