The Eagles head coach spoke about playing in a neutral site Week 1 and explained his role in the offensive game planning.
The Eagles were back at practice on Sunday preparing for their Week 1 game in Brazil, and head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters prior to taking the field.
He said a lot of words about playing in Brazil, and tried really hard to sound positive about the international game — but, the head coach was less than effusive in his excitement about it. Sirianni also kept bringing up that game is being played on a neutral site, which felt like a thinly veiled irritation about not having an actual home game.
Here’s what he had to say:
On playing in Brazil
Sirianni was asked about some comments made by players about having to play in Brazil, but the head coach said they just have to make sure that the players are in the right mindset to play, because their only goal is to win a football game. He noted that they just have to focus on the things that they control.
“We’re going to Brazil to play, and that’s what it is, and we’re excited about that. We’re excited about the opportunity to play in a neutral site, and having a slightly different schedule of things that happen — like, you have a mini-bye coming off of it. So, there are a lot of positives in it. And, it’s also to spread the game to a new country which is exciting.”
The head coach emphasized controlling what they can, and being prepared to play at a neutral site. He likened it to playing in the rain, and whichever team is better prepared to play in the rain, will win.
“It’s going to be good for us just to go play in this neutral site and handle the different things that pop up in the NFL.”
Sirianni also talked about the travel implications of a 9-plus hour flight, and acknowledged that it’s something they’ve put a lot of thought into. The medical, training, and strength staffs have been giving their input and forming a plan for pre-flight and post-flight things, like IVs, to make sure they’re in a good position when it’s time to play.
On his role in offensive game planning
The head coach said that he still enjoys sitting in and listening to — and contributing to — the offensive game planning meetings, but he also likes being able to step out and talk to a player, or to Howie Roseman, or check in on the defense.
“I find that very freeing — that I’m able to stretch myself to different spots that I’m needed, and not have to be hunkered down.”
He went on to admit that he had a hard time finding time to meet with Howie in past years on Mondays or Tuesdays because there wasn’t time after players left, so being able to handle a greater variety of things is important. Still, Sirianni said that it’s still important for him to lend his expertise to the offensive room, and for him and OC Kellen Moore to be on the same page as far as some of the game management decisions during those meetings.
Sirianni later talked about Moore’s teaching ability and quipped about how he’ll sometimes sit in on the offensive group meetings and observe — he also referenced the defensive team meetings being a little cramped, so they don’t always have a seat for him.
On Jalen Hurts calling protections
The Eagles QB mentioned on the radio this week that he was told to let Jason Kelce handle all the protection calls, so he didn’t get to develop that part of his game as much as he would have liked. Sirianni confirmed that this was “100% true,” noting different offenses give the QB all the control, and others give that role to the center, and some use a collaborative effort.
Hurts will be collaborating with Cam Jurgens this season, a new role for both players. Sirianni said that Jurgens has stepped up into more of a leadership role, and will have to be confident getting the offensive line set up and on the same page.
Other notables
- Sirianni confirmed that James Bradberry got dinged up in practice, and the DB will miss some time, which is why they put him on IR.
- He wouldn’t name any starters just yet — the head coach notoriously waits until the last minute citing competitive advantage —, but said that Mekhi Becton had a good camp at right guard.
- Addressing DeVonta Smith not being a captain this season, Sirianni said that he had to go with the players who had the most votes, but noted that doesn’t mean that Smith and other guys like Saquon Barkley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, aren’t still leaders on the team. There can only be so many captains, and the head coach admitted he may have had a couple too many last season.
