The Philadelphia Eagles have hired their new Offensive Coordinator, Kevin Patullo, hailing from Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, and the players’ reactions via social media indicate they are happy with the choice.
They also know there will need to be some tweaks to the system for them to remain successful. Wide Receiver A.J. Brown voiced those concerns.
“For our fans, they need to understand everything has to change. I know we just won, but it has to change. We have to get better, and we have to do things different.
Those comments are not a knock or criticism of new OC Kevin Patullo; A.J. was sure to follow up his concerns with praise.
“It’s a great hire and he’s already familiar with us. We have a great relationship, and he knows what we need to work on because he’s been there, and he’s been there for a while, and like I said, he’s already been a part of all the situations and the conversations and everything. So, I think it’s a great hire.
Some have questioned Kevin Patullo’s ability to call plays, but this situation is not similar to when Brian Johnson was hired. Eagles HC Nick Sirianni indicated that Kevin had been leaned on to make important decisions during his tenure in Philadelphia and stated the play-calling was not just the job of former OC Kellen Moores’ but, rather, was a collaboration between Nick, Kellen, and their new OC.
Familiarity for the Eagles
Patullo has been heavily involved in many aspects of the Eagles since he was hired in 2021. He has designed plays, helped shape the original staff with Nick, and brings the experience of having worked for 6 NFL franchises. The two have worked together since 2018 with the Colts, and Patullo also brings plenty of NFL experience, knowledge, and fresh ideas to the position from his 10 years of experience at the NFL level before working with Nick in Indianapolis.
“He’s been very important to the success we’ve had. He wears a lot of different hats. Helps me a lot with different head coaching things and I can’t tell you I make a decision without saying to Kevin first, ‘Whattya think?’ Nick Sirianni
Most importantly, this signing also allows for continuity and the advantage of moving forward with a similar offense that they can dissect and improve upon as opposed to everyone, including QB Jalen Hurts, having to learn an entirely new system. A task Patullo relishes.
Patullo has spent years working tirelessly as a game planner and in designing plays. The difference will be that he is choosing from the play sheet that the team designs for each game situation during the week. The Eagles and Patullo are both confident he will be able to succeed in the new role.
“I’m very detailed. I have great relationships with all the players. It’s something I take pride in.”
The Eagles overcame the Chiefs in the Super Bowl despite KC strategizing to stop Saquon Barkey and forcing the Eagles into more of a passing offense. They were successful in that game, but the NFL is a copycat league, and most teams will attempt some variation of that same game plan moving forward. One of Patullo’s biggest challenges will be to overcome those attempts and keep the offense fresh and unpredictable. A.J. Brown echoed those same sentiments.
“It has to change; it has to evolve. I don’t know what wrinkles would look like, but we have to find ways to get better, you know? It’s a lot of fame out there on us — we just won — and guys are gonna be coming at us. We’re not the hunting anymore, we’re the hunted, and we have to get better.”
The Eagles coaches and players are all on board to move forward and defend their Super Bowl title.
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REUTERS/Mike Segar
