The Philadelphia Eagles took a massive risk this offseason, hiring Sean Mannion to take over as their offensive coordinator. Having never called plays in the NFL before, Mannion's scheme remained a relative mystery for Eagles fans.
One day into training camp practices, his preferences are becoming a bit clearer. While it's too early to tell exactly what his scheme will be like, Mannion seems to be emphasizing two characteristics central to the Green Bay Packers' system he came from: Increased use of 12 personnel and heavy rotation at wide receiver.
Early returns indicate that Mannion is bringing the schematic shift we expected to the Eagles' offense.
Sean Mannion wasted no time changing Eagles' offense
Per Zach Berman of The Athletic, "First play of 11-on-11 in camp: Eagles in 12 personnel with Johnny Mundt at TE, D. Wicks at WR. Cooper DeJean at safety in base. When Eagles go to 11, Lemon comes on the field at WR. So does Marcus Epps at safety."
The Eagles' lack of depth at tight end was a primary factor in their offensive decline. They fixed the issue this offseason, signing Johnny Mundt and drafting Eli Stowers in the second round. The position is now one of the offense's biggest strengths.
Mannion is used to using multiple tight ends. He was the quarterbacks coach for the Packers last season, and they used 12 personnel (two tight ends, one running back) on 33.76% of their offensive plays, ranking fifth in the NFL. The Eagles were down in 12th, at a 26.14% clip.
It looks like Mundt will play a key role in Mannion's offense. As for the receivers, expect plenty of rotation. The Eagles added Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore to the room this offseason. Green Bay has been known for rotating its receivers in recent years, much to the dismay of fantasy football players.
DeVonta Smith will remain the top receiver in the offense, but Lemon and Wicks look like they'll rotate behind him.
There's no need for Eagles fans to panic about Stowers and Lemon both coming off the bench in early training camp reps. It's common for NFL rookies to "earn their keep" in training camp, starting out with backup units and working their way into the starting lineup.
Read more: Nick Sirianni didn't clear much up about key Eagles position battle
Mannion's scheme is expected to bring the biggest offensive shift Philadelphia has seen in recent years. The new OC is already making changes on the first day of training camp.
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