The most important changes in an NFL offense aren't always the ones that make the highlight reel or show up in a game-day wrinkle. Sometimes they happen before the ball is snapped in afternoon weekday practice. Sometimes, the results are so routine that nobody notices any extra work was done. Sean Mannion has apparently spent extra time making sure that's exactly what happens for the Philadelphia Eagles
.During his Friday afternoon press conference, Nick Sirianni revealed that the Eagles have devoted more time than usual to their quarterback-center exchange. The new offensive coordinator has emphasized it since taking over. Sirianni said the extra attention has been “awesome” and added the following:
"It’s not just about emphasizing. It’s about taking
the right steps to fix those things. I believe our guys have worked extremely hard on quarterback-center exchange, even more so than we’ve done in the past and [Offensive Coordinator] Sean [Mannion]’s brought that, which has been awesome. Even more time devoted towards that. We’re seeing those benefits and now we’ve got to go out and do it."
That may sound like one of the least exciting aspects of an offense, but it is precisely the kind of detail that can separate a clean operation from one that constantly seems to be fighting itself. Sirianni also discussed Philadelphia's preparation for playing on the road, this time vs. the Tennessee Titans, and communicating through crowd noise. The Eagles have spent additional time on the exchange, which suggests Mannion isn't limiting his influence to plays, formations, and play-calling concepts.
Sean Mannion is emphasizing the details that can keep the offense clean.
Why is all of this important, you ask? It's simple. Philadelphia has several moving parts along its offensive line, and the value of a clean snap can't be overstated. A routine quarterback-center exchange allows everyone to get into the play immediately. A bad one can destroy the timing of the entire operation before a receiver even begins his route. It is especially relevant now because Philadelphia will have a different look along the interior of its offensive linewith Landon Dickerson unavailable.
The Eagles don't have the luxury of treating communication and timing as minor details simply because they aren't particularly glamorous. There is an amusing reality to all of this. The boring stuff could matter quite a bit
Nobody leaves an NFL game talking about how beautifully (or awfully) the quarterback and center handled their exchanges unless something went wrong. That's the point, though. Mannion appears to understand that offensive efficiency is often built through repetitive work on the details that are easiest to overlook.
Sirianni's comments suggest the Eagles believe that work is already producing benefits in practice, and now they have to carry it into games. Touchdowns, explosive plays, and points will still judge Philadelphia's offense. The path to producing those things, however, can begin with something as simple as getting the ball from the center to Jalen Hurts exactly the way it is supposed to happen. That isn't necessarily the kind of development that generates headlines. It could be the kind that keeps them from happening.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Sean Mannion spent extra time perfecting a minor offensive detail
