Bleeding Green Nation
The Eagles are now done with their offseason program and head coach Nick Sirianni spoke about their approach.
The Eagles had one more practice left in minicamp before dispersing for the summer. Before heading into the true break in the offseason, head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters and explained how they handle work loads during OTAs and what his message is to the young guys before training camp.
He also talked about one of the things he’s studied this offseason is sustained success, and how best to build on what they did last season.
Here’s what the head coach had to say:
Sirianni was asked how they wanted to handle work loads, specifically with Saquon Barkley, during the offseason program. The head coach explained that they look at that with each player individually, and make a plan for how to spend their time.
“We got a lot of good work in. Saquon [Barkley] got a lot of good work in. And, I’m pleased with how the offseason program has went.”
He later noted that Barkley came into this offseason the same way he did last year, even after such a heavy load during the season. Sirianni credited Barkley, and the rest of this Eagles team, for coming in humble and hungry even after just winning a Super Bowl.
Sirianni was asked about Barkley’s recent comments that he would probably end up retiring unexpectedly at some point, similar to Barry Sanders. The head coach said that anybody could do that at any time, but he knows the RB has a lot of football left in him before he decides to walk away from the game.
“As long as I’m the head coach here, I’d always want Saquon Barkley on this football team. Obviously, he means a lot to this football team, as a player and as a teammate.”
Last year he told rookies to be in great shape when they return for training camp, and that’s his message to the team this year, as well.
“You can’t play with great detail, and you can’t play with great physicality. You can’t play with relentless effort, if you’re not in great shape.”
Everyone will have a conditioning test when they get back for training camp, and they will be expected to meet their goal weight and other metrics they’ve been given. Sirianni explained that injuries happen and details start to slip when players aren’t in great shape, so that’s something they prioritize.
“Yeah, he’s always ready. I love Nolan Smith. He is a tough dude.”
Sirianni went on to say that they have great people in the building to help look out for the players and their health. So, when a player is medically cleared, the coaches don’t have to overthink it, but the medical staff will let the coaches know if there should be any sort of rep count leading...
