Blogging The Boys
Here’s the latest news from around the division.
The new-look Philly offense is a welcome sight in the wide receiver room.
PHILADELPHIA — “Motion” was the key word in the Philadelphia Eagles offense last season, for all the wrong reasons.
The NFL has trended toward pass catchers moving fluidly at the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped. The San Francisco 49ers used motion prior to the snap 70.2% of the time, and the Kansas City Chiefs 60.5%. Both teams that reached the Super Bowl were in the top four in offensive plays that had a player in motion.
The Eagles were noticeably dead last in that category at 26.4%, the only team in the NFL under 30%. Somehow, the Eagles were the only one of the bottom-six teams in percentage of offensive plays that had a player in motion that made the playoffs.
As a result, the offense was predictable. It was stale.
That’s why Nick Sirianni’s offense isn’t at the forefront of the Eagles’ game plan anymore. In comes Kellen Moore, adding a fresh twist and a new offense to a roster that already has immense talent.
More motion is included, which the Eagles playmakers are fully embracing.
“I think it’s going to be great,” DeVonta Smith said at mandatory minicamp last week. “Get a new style of offense around. Let guys — not have more freedom — but be able to do things that we weren’t allowed to do.
“Move guys around, things like that. Overall, it’s always (good) to have a fresh start.”
Since Nick Sirianni took over as head coach, the Eagles have set a receiver in motion on 30.1% of their plays — the fewest of any team in the NFL. The league average in that span was 47.0%.
A change was necessary.
“I’d say when it comes to certain routes, trusting each other, me and Jalen [Hurts], Smitty [DeVonta Smith], everyone on the field,” A.J. Brown said. “Just trusting each other, being on the same page. Make sure you have the spot when it’s time.
New York added depth to their backfield after Saquon Barkley’s departure.
The Giants have signed former United Football League running back Jacob Saylors.
In a corresponding move, wide receiver Chase Cota has been placed on injured reserve.
Saylors spent the 2024 UFL season with the St. Louis Battlehawks. The 5-foot-10, 199-pound back recorded 94 rush attempts for 461 yards (4.9 avg.) and five touchdowns along with 23 receptions for an additional 152 yards and three scores.
The 24-year-old earned All-UFL honors as he led all running backs in rushing yards...
