Eagles’ 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 someone 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 — the NFL Offensive Player of the Year 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 twice led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns.
Two years ago, 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.”
Jeffrey Lurie has owned the Philadelphia Eagles, which he purchased in 1994, longer than his son, Julian, has been alive. But in recent years, the younger Lurie, heir to the franchise and now 31, has assumed a more pervasive and influential role in the organization. While the Eagles have made no secret about Julian’s increased involvement with the team, specifics about his role have been scant. In recent months, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane spoke to nearly two dozen sources on and off the record to gain a better understanding of not just who Julian Lurie is and what he does, but - most important of all - whether he’ll be ready to assume the reins as Eagles Chairman and CEO, whenever the time comes. Jeff shares the biggest takeaways from his reporting with Inquirer columnist Mike Sielski in this companion episode to Jeff’s feature article about the Eagles' succession plan. Listen here.
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