Eagles running back Saquon Barkley enlisted Todd Gurley for help with Sean Mannion’s scheme
After participating in OTAs on Wednesday, Barkley discussed the Eagles' new offense.
The Eagles offense is going to look very different under first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, especially in the backfield. Saquon Barkley and Co. can expect to run the ball from under center far more than they did in past seasons.
How did Barkley prepare for these changes? By reaching out to a star who was wildly successful in a Mannion-like system.
After Wednesday’s OTAs practice, Barkley revealed that he reached out to ex-Rams star Todd Gurley — who won NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2017 under coach Sean McVay — to pick his brain on how to be a successful running back in a similar scheme.
“It’s no secret what the system is about,” Barkley said, a nod to the likelihood that he’ll play under center more this season. ”I look forward to doing that. Probably be the most I’ve ever done it under center too, and outside zone. Y’all got good stuff, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to work on and get better at it. Trying to do my best.”
Not a bad resource to choose. Gurley, 31, fizzled out of the league after six seasons with the Rams and Falcons, but he rushed for 1,000-plus yards in three of his five seasons with the Rams and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns twice each.
Barkley, 29, had a dream first season in Philadelphia, becoming the ninth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 yards and logging 13 rushing touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl crown. The Saints then poached offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, which preceded a decline for Barkley and the offense in 2025. Barkley tallied 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns under OC Kevin Patullo, as the Eagles went 11-6 and lost to the 49ers in the wild-card round.
Barkley expressed optimism about Mannion’s innovations on Wednesday, but what, exactly, might this new run game look like? Barkley was mum on specifics, but he explained that the running backs will be able to get downfield “a little quicker” as they’ll stretch the field more with the implementation of outside zone. With quarterback Jalen Hurts under center more often, Barkley said he won’t be as “blinded” as he was when Hurts worked out of shotgun last season.
“It’s a great plan that he’s putting together, and now it’s just taking it step by step, coming to work every single day, and improving on it,” Barkley said.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Barkley and the rest of the offense are looking to prove themselves after an underwhelming finish to last season. For his part, Mannion has made a positive first impression on his star running back.
“I’m excited to work with [Mannion], I think he’s been doing a really good job,” said Barkley, who added that he “turned the page quickly” on last season. “He’s super smart, he works really hard, not only him but all the offensive staff, especially new guys. Right now we’re just working on building the foundation, and it’s been fun so far.”
By all accounts, Zach Ertz is one of the most beloved players in modern Eagles history. Not only does he rank statistically as the top tight end to ever play for the team, he caught the decisive touchdown to bring Philadelphia its first Super Bowl victory, earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, and was regarded as a locker room leader. But for as strong a mark as he left on the city, Ertz had a couple tough moments with the franchise, experiences that caused him to look inward and face his demons. During a recent visit with The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, the 35-year old Ertz reflected on how finding strength through faith helped him overcome an embarrassing mistake and bring greater balance to his life. Listen here.
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