On Tuesday morning, newly-named Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore took the podium to discuss how the Eagles‘ offense has been coming along as he, Jalen Hurts and company continues to install a new scheme leading up to this season.
The common theme from the new OC was his pleasure with how the offense has looked and communicated during this learning curve. Early and positive signs for an offense that was one of the top-scoring teams in the NFL last season until the spiraling downfall started after the Week 9, 42-19 drubbing at home against San Francisco.
The Eagles averaged just 18.9 points per game over their final six games, scoring 20+ points in just two of those contests, including a nine-point effort in their playoff loss to the Buccaneers.
The 2024 edition of the offense is projected to be once again at the top of nearly every offensive category with Moore calling the plays from the sideline, Saquon Barkley as the feature back, to go along with arguably the best skillset corps in the league with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert as pass catchers.
However, it will all start with Jalen Hurts.
Kellen Moore opens up on Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense
Hurts who took a step back production-wise last year whether to his fault, injuries, or the play-calling fiasco that took place a season ago, has earned the praises of his offensive coordinator and other members of the media covering training camp as he enters his fifth season.
Moore on Hurts: “He has been phenomenal. He’s done an awesome job as we continue to build this thing. His communication has been critical and awesome His communication from player to player and with the coaching staff, and our collaboration as we continue to build this. Getting good feedback on things we like, things we want to adjust as we keep building this up.”
Phenomenal is a good adjective to use to describe the performance Hurts has put in so far. He has yet to throw an interception in camp, airing it out and communicating with all of his teammates.
Communication is vital for any offense to be successful, and Moore has taken note that his offense is constantly chatting it up after a play or a drive.
“I love all the side conversations after drives talking it through”, Moore said. ‘They’re talking and saying I made this decision, what did you see? It continues into the film room. These guys continue to talk, get on the same page and that’s what this time is for. It’s a lot of fun to see. They are a veteran group that understands ball. It’s exciting.”
Another point of emphasis will be how much freedom Hurts has in terms of changing the play, calling out protections and more. An ability that helped the likes of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning become hall of famers. Moore says that at the line adjustments needs to be streamlined so it’s not only easy for Hurts to process, but the rest of the offense as well.
“It’s a collective effort. We want to utilize as many tools as we can but keeping it clean and clear not only for him, but for all 11 guys out there. He’s done an excellent job utilizing different adjustments through camp when he needs to with protections, routes, the run game. He’s doing a phenomenal job with this.”
An underdog emerges on the Eagles’ offense
While all eyes are on Hurts and how the offense looks, the third wide receiver on the depth chart behind Brown and Smith has been a revolving door since the departure of Quez Watkins. Britain Covey is stirring up buzz at Eagles’ Training Camp with his performance. Entering his third season with the team, the former Utah product is looking to grab the number three wideout position by the horns. Praised for his preparation, he said he’s watched former Cowboys wideout Cole Beasley when he played in Moore’s offense.
Moore has also been pleased with what he’s seen from Covey.
“Cole (Beasely) was an awesome player in Dallas when I played there with him and then when I went there as a coach, he was still there. Britain has done a great job. He’s taking advantages of opportunities. We’ve had a lot of guys take advantage of the reps. We are really excited about the depth we have there. It’s going to be a collective group. It’s a long season, we are going to need them all.”
In regards to the men protecting Hurts to help this high octane offense run efficiently, Lane Johnson made it known he would like a set starting five at some point prior to Week 1 to work with the unit to ensure they are all on the same page.
The offensive line is taking shape
Moore said they don’t have the starting five solidified just yet but is in agreement with one of his leaders.
“There’s no target date right now. Anytime you can get those guys working together like Lane said, that’s a critical aspect, just with the communication. Those guys have to be aligned. We are just going to let it play out and see when it hits us.”
The Eagles will be able to hit another team in a game for the first time this Friday when they take on the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
