Eagles Boost Live Reps to Aid New Play-Caller Mannion

Eagles pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard explained that head coach Nick Sirianni increased 'call-it' periods in practice to give new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion more game-speed reps. Grizzard said this approach was similar to what he experienced in Tampa Bay. The extra situational work has been valuable for the staff.

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The increased call-it periods mark a deliberate departure from how the Eagles operated under previous coordinators Shane Steichen and Kellen Moore, both of whom arrived with prior play-calling experience. Mannion, by contrast, joined the staff in January with only two seasons of NFL coaching under his belt in Green Bay and no game-day play-calling responsibilities on his resume.

Grizzard, who interviewed for the offensive coordinator position before Mannion was hired, drew a direct comparison to his own first season calling plays in Tampa Bay under Todd Bowles. He described how the situational drills force the entire staff to think sequentially — first-and-10, second-and-long,