The Eagles are nearly a week into training camp, and head coach Nick Sirianni gave some updates about how OC Sean Mannion is leading the offense, how new OL coach Chris Kuper is acclimating, and about rookies Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers.
Here’s what the head coach had to say:
On Sean Mannion’s leadership
Sirianni said that despite many of the changes to the coaching staff, meetings are still structured the same way. When asked if new run-game coordinator Ryan Mahaffey was leading the run-game portion of meetings, Sirianni revealed
that OC Sean Mannion has actually lead most of the meetings up to this point.
“What Sean [Mannion] just shows, is a very good overall view of the offense. When he comes up here, he has everybody’s attention and is able to talk to every position. I’ve been very impressed by that — obviously, one of the reasons we hired him as far as just his expertise. And, I think the guys have been really impressed by that.”
The head coach went on to explain that it makes sense as they’re learning a newer system that Mannion is the vocal one in meetings, and then the group splits up and hears from their position coaches. Sirianni complimented his new OC with how he’s done speaking to the group, keeping everyone on the same page, and showing his expertise at every position.
On training camp success
Sirianni was asked what a successful training camp looked like to him, and he explained that it’s about looking at each particular day individually, because there’s going to be back and forth between the offense and defense, and different position groups.
“When we come in here and we watch as a team, are we getting better at the little things? Are we getting better at our fundamentals? Are we taking steps? Are we taking steps with our things that require no talent, our ball security? When I say require no talent, just everybody being on the same page at all times. You’re looking for little progressions each and every day.
It’s a marathon. Some days, it’s going to look like this, and some days, it’s going to look like this. It’s never just a true line. “
He admitted that as coaches, they’d all like it to be so simple, but progression ebbs and flows, and they’re ultimately just trying to get a little better each day.
On new OL coach Chris Kuper
“I hired him for a reason. We were really impressed by him, and we know he’s a phenomenal coach, and he’s doing a good job of building relationships with his players. He’s doing a good job of teaching his players. Obviously, I talk to guys all the time, and I know those guys think very highly of him and have been really impressed early on here in camp and through the OTAs. Building trust is the most important thing. You build trust by your daily habits, you build trust by consistently doing the right things. Those are the things that he’s been doing.”
On rookie performances
Sirianni said that it’s all about getting better everyday for rookies like Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers, but he really likes the skillset they have and how it will continue to develop.
Specifically, the head coach said he loves the way Lemon goes about his business, and that the WR’s effort in the run game is awesome. He also pointed out Lemon’s quickness, which maybe isn’t on display with every catch, but is all over the film.
Sirianni also spoke about Stowers and how his athletic ability with help him in third-down situations.
“I think Eli has a really good feel for the zone, of where to sit in zones, and how to get open versus different types of zone coverage. We know that his athletic ability will [help him] shake free on third down when it is man coverage because he’s quick, he’s fast, he’s explosive. But what I’ve been impressed with him is just his ability to kind of read defenses and find the areas of the zone where he needs to sit and be at the right spot at the right time.”
Other notables
- When asked about Landon Dickerson revealing he returned from injury too soon last season, Sirianni said that their organizational approach is to put player safety at the forefront. He explained that they work closely with the medical staff and are always thinking about the long-term health of the players.
- Sirianni addressed more pass plays to the running backs in the early days of training camp, saying that it all just depends on the style of offense they’re running at any particular time, and they’re always looking to utilize the skillset of their players. They don’t want to stop a guy like Saquon Barkley from running the ball, and they know the RBs have the ability to affect the game in other ways, too.
- The head coach explained his approach to getting QB4 Cole Payton reps during camp, and said that his job is to provide enough reps throughout practice to allow guys to develop. He noted that it can be especially easy in training camp to get locked into reps for the ones and twos, but Sirianni said the team has done a good job finding ways to work the developmental guys.
