The Eagles are off to Brazil to battle the Packers in Friday night’s season opener. The game could serve as a preview for the NFC Championship Game as two exciting young franchise quarterbacks — Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love — go head to head. Kickoff is slated for 8:15 p.m. at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paolo.
Aside from the mundanities of football, let’s indulge in some comic relief. Here is another edition of the ever-popular “What Nick Sirianni Said, What Nick Sirianni Meant” segment that Philly Sports Network fans have been clamoring for in recent weeks.
What did Eagles HC Nick Sirianni really mean in his presser?
Question: How eager are you to put RB Saquon Barkley out there in your offense?
What Nick Sirianni Said: Yeah, he made a run at practice yesterday and I just remember – I was wearing sunglasses, it was sunny, I was just kind of taking my sunglasses off and looking at a couple of coaches like, “Alright, this is awesome that we got him here.” Not only for the play that he brings to the field and the cut that he made yesterday at practice, but also his leadership and the person that we have.
I think you’re so excited as a coach for everything. You asked me about Saquon. Super excited for him. We are up here in the team meeting today and the words that came out of my mouth, “Hey, we have got to be ready Friday night.” Wow, what an unbelievable thing to say we have a game Friday night, that gives me goosebumps to think about that.
What Nick Sirianni Meant: He’s the best running back in football and now he’s leading our backfield so I’m pretty friggin’ excited. I mean, I was pretty pissed off that Howie [Roseman] got him one pick ahead of me in our fantasy football league. He’s always one step ahead … well, kind of. I grabbed Kenny Gainwell late and plan to use him in a clutch situation, maybe down at the goal line, with the game on the line. You know how I roll.
Oh, one more thing: F you, Giants! I still have a problem with your team and your fans.
Question: What’s your plan for what you will do on the flight? Your personal plan …For nine hours. Is it a day in the office?
What Nick Sirianni Said: I will probably fall asleep, but obviously can’t do that the whole time. Kellen [Moore] and I and Kevin Patullo are going to watch something together on the way up. Not like The Price is Right. I don’t know why the first thing that popped in my mind.
Watch some film together on the way up, so that’s a chunk. There are a couple things I’m thinking, I’m going to watch this with these guys, watch this with these guys. Any good suggestions on any movies that are out or anything like that? Nothing? Anybody?
Okay, maybe you guys can tell me on the side.
What Nick Sirianni Meant: Film is overrated. I can only watch so much tape of Jalen Hurts not throwing interceptions during training camp practices. So … I dare someone to tell me not to watch Griselda on Netflix. I already told A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith we’re going to binge it together in the hotel room.
Question: At the beginning of this process of QB Jalen Hurts learning Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore’s offense, he spoke about wanting it to become his own through this process. What have you seen with the collaboration of them and Kellen Moore feeling out what’s comfortable for Jalen Hurts and the collaboration with those two?
What Nick Sirianni Said: Jalen has done such a phenomenal job. He’s just had a phenomenal camp and he’s had a phenomenal week of practice. Looking forward to going out there and seeing practice again today.
Like I said, he dove into everything that he needs to do to be a great quarterback and continue to be a great quarterback in this league. He’s worked his butt off not only on the offense, but also with his strength and conditioning, with his leadership, with his accuracy, with his decision making.
What Nick Sirianni Meant: Enough with the Jalen Hurts’ questions, seriously. We worked up a new handshake just to shut everyone up. Look for it after we drive 80 yards down the field and he hits Britain Covey for the first touchdown of the year. He’s going to light up that Green Bay secondary. Try me.
Also, let’s wrap up the whole debate around him being halted by Jason Kelce right now. This is a cool thing we asked our communications team to do, they hooked up a direct line to 62 on Jalen’s headset so he can properly call the protections and diagnose blitz pickups. New Heights, baby!
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
