Lions Week 11 preview: Breaking down Eagles’ offensive, defensive schemes

The Detroit Lions (6-3) and Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) will square off in a Week 11 battle between two of the best teams in the NFC. In a matchup many were expecting to see in the NFC Championship game last season, this game once again has the potential for major playoff implications.

While both teams are loaded with talent, each has experienced some attrition on their coaching staff. Three of the four coordinators on these teams last season departed for head coaching positions in the offseason, as the Lions lost coordinators Ben Johnson (Bears) and Aaron Glenn (Jets), while the Eagles lost Kellen Moore (Saints).

Let’s take a closer look at the Eagles coaching staff, the scheme they run, and some scouting notes from previously viewed games.

Eagles head coach: Nick Sirianni

NFL coaching seasons: 17 seasons (three as an offensive coordinator for the Colts, 2018-20)
Head coaching seasons: 5th season (Eagles 2021-present)
Influences: Frank Reich, Shane Steichen, Mike McCoy, Ken Whisenhunt, Anthony Lynn, Brian Daboll, Charlie Weis, Todd Haley
Style: CEO
Playcaller: No

Dan Campbell on coach Sirianni:

“Coach Sirianni’s done a hell of a job with that crew. They’re very talented.”

Offensive coordinator: Kevin Patullo

NFL coaching seasons: 16 seasons
Passing game coordinator: 5 seasons (Colts 2020, Eagles 2021-2024)
Offensive coordinator seasons: 1st season
Influences: Nick Sirianni, Frank Reich, Shane Steichen, Chan Gailey, Ken Whisenhunt, Curtis Modkins
Key Staff: Jeff Stoutland (OL coach)

Offensive scheme

Passing game: Modern Pro Spread
Running scheme: Zone blocking scheme (primarily)
Staples of scheme:

• Personnel: 11 (58.3%, 19th), 12 (26.6, 13th), 13 (7.1%, ninth), 21 (0.5%, 27th)
• West Coast concepts: Shotgun, play-action (24.3%, 20th in the NFL), pre-snap motion, etc.
• Patullo strives for a more “attacking” offense where they’re the “aggressor”
• Want to attack all levels of the field
• Lots of routes designed to beat man coverage
• Looks to establish a “rhythm” offense
• Strong run game with RB and QB
• QB Zone-Read, RPO, and designed scrambles
• Screens (WR bubble, traditional RB) and gadget plays

Scouting notes

• Transition to a new OC hasn’t been smooth
• Struggled to run this season, just 4.0 rushing yards per play (25th in NFL)
• Holes have been harder to run through, and Saquon Barkley has been less effective
• Teams are stacking the box 31.7% of the time (fifth most)
• Explosive runs have declined this season
• More mental mistakes than expected from a Championship team
• Jalen Hurts is keeping them going—Passer rating is 112 (sixth best)
• Incredibly efficient in the red zone (81% red zone scoring efficiency, best in the NFL)
• They’re winning games in a variety of ways (6-1 record in one-score games this season)
• Teams are blitzing them more this season (38.7%, most in the NFL)
• Pressure rate (37%) and sack rate (9.4%) are bottom 10 in the NFL
• WR involvement has varied in consistency and led to complaints from players
• DeVonte...