The Eagles had been again at observe on Sunday getting ready for his or her Week 1 sport in Brazil, and head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters previous to taking the sector.
He stated numerous phrases about taking part in in Brazil, and tried actually onerous to sound optimistic in regards to the worldwide sport — however, the top coach was lower than effusive in his pleasure about it. Sirianni additionally saved mentioning that sport is being performed on a impartial website, which felt like a thinly veiled irritation about not having an precise house sport.
Right here’s what he needed to say:
On taking part in in Brazil
Sirianni was requested about some feedback made by gamers about having to play in Brazil, however the head coach stated they simply should ensure that the gamers are in the appropriate mindset to play, as a result of their solely objective is to win a soccer sport. He famous that they simply should give attention to the issues that they management.
“We’re going to Brazil to play, and that’s what it’s, and we’re enthusiastic about that. We’re excited in regards to the alternative to play in a impartial website, and having a barely totally different schedule of issues that occur — like, you might have a mini-bye coming off of it. So, there are numerous positives in it. And, it’s additionally to unfold the sport to a brand new nation which is thrilling.”
The top coach emphasised controlling what they’ll, and being ready to play at a impartial website. He likened it to taking part in within the rain, and whichever group is healthier ready to play within the rain, will win.
“It’s going to be good for us simply to go play on this impartial website and deal with the various things that pop up within the NFL.”
Sirianni additionally talked in regards to the journey implications of a 9-plus hour flight, and acknowledged that it’s one thing they’ve put numerous thought into. The medical, coaching, and energy staffs have been giving their enter and forming a plan for pre-flight and post-flight issues, like IVs, to ensure they’re in an excellent place when it’s time to play.
On his function in offensive sport planning
The top coach stated that he nonetheless enjoys sitting in and listening to — and contributing to — the offensive sport planning conferences, however he additionally likes having the ability to step out and discuss to a participant, or to Howie Roseman, or examine in on the protection.
“I discover that very releasing — that I’m in a position to stretch myself to totally different spots that I’m wanted, and never should be hunkered down.”
He went on to confess that he had a tough time discovering time to fulfill with Howie in previous years on Mondays or Tuesdays as a result of there wasn’t time after gamers left, so having the ability to deal with a higher number of issues is essential. Nonetheless, Sirianni stated that it’s nonetheless essential for him to lend his experience to the offensive room, and for him and OC Kellen Moore to be on the identical web page so far as a number of the sport administration selections throughout these conferences.
Sirianni later talked about Moore’s educating skill and quipped about how he’ll generally sit in on the offensive group conferences and observe — he additionally referenced the defensive group conferences being somewhat cramped, so that they don’t all the time have a seat for him.
On Jalen Hurts calling protections
The Eagles QB talked about on the radio this week that he was advised to let Jason Kelce deal with all of the safety calls, so he didn’t get to develop that a part of his sport as a lot as he would have preferred. Sirianni confirmed that this was “100% true,” noting totally different offenses give the QB all of the management, and others give that function to the middle, and a few use a collaborative effort.
Hurts might be collaborating with Cam Jurgens this season, a brand new function for each gamers. Sirianni stated that Jurgens has stepped up into extra of a management function, and should be assured getting the offensive line arrange and on the identical web page.
Different notables
Sirianni confirmed that James Bradberry bought dinged up in observe, and the DB will miss a while, which is why they put him on IR.
He wouldn’t identify any starters simply but — the top coach notoriously waits till the final minute citing aggressive benefit —, however stated that Mekhi Becton had an excellent camp at proper guard.
Addressing DeVonta Smith not being a captain this season, Sirianni stated that he needed to go along with the gamers who had essentially the most votes, however famous that doesn’t imply that Smith and different guys like Saquon Barkley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, aren’t nonetheless leaders on the group. There can solely be so many captains, and the top coach admitted he might have had a pair too many final season.
