Sean Mannion isn’t hiding it: the Eagles plan to keep the tush push in the mix.
With Philadelphia preparing for its first preseason game against the Ravens, the offensive coordinator laid out what he wants from the offense, and the short-yardage staple was part of that answer. Mannion said the play has earned its place.
“It’s going to be a part of what we do. It’s been an extremely effective play here, and we’re going to lean into that.
It’s something that this organization has executed at a high level. So along with many other elements to our offense, certainly it’s something that will be a part of it.“
That same practical, detail-heavy approach showed up when Mannion shifted to the way the Eagles are handling practice. He stressed how important it is to get the play in quickly, get the offense to the line, and force the defense to react. The team’s “call-it” periods, he said, have been central to that process.
“These call-it periods in practice have been huge for that, both for our operation by position groups on the field and then also as a staff, just to manage kind of the lines of communication that’ll take place on game day. It’s critical.
We want to apply pressure to the defense at all times. Part of that, frankly, is how you break the huddle, approach the line of scrimmage, get lined up, begin your motions if there’s motions on that specific play.
It’s a huge weapon and a huge part of our offense that we work on every day.”
Mannion later said those periods have been especially valuable for him as a play-caller because they let the staff work through the whole operation, including substitutions, in something close to a game environment. That, he said, should help them be ready for Week 1. He also pointed to the preseason opener as another chance to sharpen the behind-the-scenes logistics, with everyone needing to execute the plan they’ve mapped out.
The wide receivers have clearly made an impression on him, too. Mannion praised the group for putting in extra work after practice, whether that means running routes with Jalen Hurts or getting reps on the jugs machine. He said the room has reflected the same commitment to improvement the coaching staff has been pushing.
He singled out Elijah Moore and DeVonta Smith as players who have been fun to watch in practice, and said the offense is being built around the strengths of its players.
Makai Lemon has also stayed in the conversation even while dealing with injury. Mannion said, “It’s been going well.
It’s an unfortunate part of camp. Sometimes you lose a guy for a few days, but he’s been super engaged in the meetings.
Out at walkthrough, he has a script, he’s following every play. He’s kind of mirroring the alignment of his position in the offense.
He’s been making the most of a situation where you obviously want guys to be out there, but he’s been super engaged. I know he’s attacking his rehab to get back out.”
Darius Cooper drew praise as well. Mannion said the receiver has done a great job since returning after missing spring work with an injury, and that the team likes the skill set and different traits he brings.
Dontayvion Wicks has made a strong early impression, too. Mannion called him a hard worker with plenty of talent and said the bigger takeaway is how well the entire receiver group is blocking in the run game.
“Wicks is a great worker. He’s got a ton of talent.
He’s off to a really good start. One of the things I’d like to highlight about really our whole wide receiver group is these guys are blocking in the run game at a really high level.
The effort they’re putting in - Wicks is certainly a huge part of that. As a group collectively, again, everybody is attacking each day, ready to get better.”
Saquon Barkley remains central to everything the offense is building. Mannion said the goal is to put every player in the best position to succeed, but made clear that Barkley sits at the center of the plan. He said the run game, formation work, play-action game and keeper game all have to fit together, with Barkley as a focal point.
Cole Payton, meanwhile, has been encouraging to watch. Mannion said the rookie has done a really nice job overall, though there were a couple of days when he needed to protect the football better. Even so, Mannion said Payton has made tremendous improvement in timing, rhythm and accuracy, and is making the most of limited reps.
As for how the Eagles are approaching practice, Mannion said he doesn’t believe in treating practice like a laboratory. He wants every session to feel like a game, with execution carrying the day.
That mindset carries straight into the preseason opener. Mannion said he’ll be looking for execution and play style from the offense, along with effort and physicality. Operationally, he wants to see the whole process run cleanly from the sideline to the line of scrimmage.
He also had good things to say about the offensive line depth, pointing to Markel Bell and Drew Kendall. The veterans at the front of the room have set the standard, he said, but the younger players on the roster have the staff excited, too.
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