We had a chance to hear from Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni one last time before the team’s first preseason game on Saturday night, and he talked about what he’s looking for from players and from an operational standpoint. He also complimented Jalen Hurts’ consistent approach, and how he’s handled being asked to do different things.
Here’s head coach had to say:
On the first preseason game
Sirianni explained that what they’re looking for on Saturday is the execution of the whole operation. It’s the first run for the coaches in a game-like setting, so it’ll be a good opportunity to work through the operation. Otherwise, he’s looking for everyone to be clean with their assignments and for good fundamental football. He noted that it’s the same standard they have everyday in practice, too.
“We want all our guys to play with extreme effort.”
The head coach said that some guys are going to get more reps than they are used to getting, and they’ll be looking for players to show great effort, great physicality, and great mental toughness.
Sirianni wouldn’t talk about who would be the starting QB for the Eagles on Saturday night, and said that players at many positions will be substituted in and out in different situations. Having someone along the offensive line have to move from the left to the right side, or a DB going from outside to nickel, are all things that could happen in a game, and it’s beneficial to practice those situations.
The head coach admitted that the reps on Saturday will be good for the young offensive lineman, but also pointed out that they have tough practices and are getting live reps up front every day. He also said they do a lot of 1-vs-2 periods, and what better experience for the young OL than going against Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo.
He said that in terms of starters and who would play where, everything is fluid at this point and still changing. Sirianni wouldn’t pinpoint one specific position he’s most looking forward to watch on Saturday, and said that he’s interested in watching everyone in live action.
The head coach also talked a bit about the balance of getting the experience they need — including from OC Sean Mannion as a play caller — without giving away any kind of competitive advantage. He explained that they learned back in 2021 to be extra careful about what they showed in the preseason, because other teams came prepared as a result. Still, he thinks there’s a way to get the operational things worked on without giving anything away.
“Anything you don’t want people to see, you can’t put on tape.”
On Jalen Hurts
“I think he looks great, in every aspect. When he has to run the ball, he’s running it well and looks fast and explosive. When he’s passing it — I think he’s been so consistent through camp. I just think he’s getting better and better, and more comfortable, as each day goes by. And I love his consistency right now, and I love the way he’s playing right now. I’m really excited for him and this season and the things I know he can do. I’m just so pleased with how he’s attacked everything, and I’m really excited for him and pumped for this year.”
On the offensive scheme
Sirianni was asked about this new style of offense doing more in the middle of the field and balancing that with his focus on not turning the ball over — something that happens more often in that part of the field. The head coach explained that his job is to win as many games as possible, not to lead the league in total offense. He acknowledged that it’d be great to lead the league in offense because that would mean they were pretty good, but ultimately the goal is to win.
“My job is to win as many games as we can, and that will always be the goal, and we know that part of that is taking care of the football. And our guys know how to do that, and have done a good job of that — and our defense has done a good job of getting their hands on some of the balls that are out there.
No, the focus will always be, how do we take care of the football and how do we play with great fundamentals while still being explosive.“
On the WR depth
Sirianni said that it’s still too early to tell how things will end up roster-wise at wide receiver, but Darius Cooper has been consistent and has made some really good catches.
“There’s still a lot of time left. He’s a having a good camp. There’s still a lot of time left. It’s about being consistent on a daily basis. He’s done a good job being consistent on a daily basis. And he makes some really good catches, really elite hands, and we know he’s tough and things that he can do. But I’ve been pleased with where he is.”