Back in his playing days, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce was considered one of the most cerebral linemen in the game, lauded for his in-game adjustments, his awareness, and his vast knowledge of all things football.
And with a playing career that kept him firmly entrenched as the team's center for 13 storied seasons, Kelce possesses crucial Eagles' insight that few others can offer.
Amid the recent hiring of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, Kelce offered an optimistic take on the move, suggesting that a fresh start with Mannion onboard could help jumpstart an offense that stalled out far too often this past season.
Speaking this week on his New Heights podcast, Kelce chimed in on the move to Mannion.
“This is a clear sign that it is going to be drastically different next year. I’m excited to see what this looks like," Kelce said. "I also like that he’s a fast riser, right? Two years, and all of a sudden, he’s an offensive coordinator. That tells me a lot of other coaches are speaking very highly of this guy.”
Jason Kelce backs up new Eagles OC Sean Mannion
No doubt the swift ascension by Mannion to such a lofty position stands out, as a mere two years after joining the Green Bay staff, Mannion will now spearhead a Philadelphia offense that stayed mired in mediocrity under the direction of the since-departed Kevin Patullo.
A big factor that can surely benefit Mannion is that despite being relatively inexperienced compared to other coordinators, he did have a nine-year NFL career, suiting up at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, LA Rams, and Seattle Seahawks. He's rolled up his sleeves and learned within each of those organizations in real time, while the past two seasons had him helping lead the way offensively in Green Bay, alongside Head Coach Matt LaFleur.
“It will be interesting to see how much this offense for the Eagles next year does look like a lot of these other McVay, Shanahan-tree coaches," Kelce added on the podcast. "And what he did in Green Bay with LaFleur, versus what the Eagles have had success with - with Jalen Hurts and the skill set that he has."
Mannion's work with Packers quarterback Jordan Love was impressive. And when backup Malik Willis was called upon for key snaps, the Packers offense continued to move the chains.
The creativity on display from that Green Bay offense will surely spell more exotic looks for Hurts and company. Far more diverse route trees are needed. A much bigger emphasis on play-action calls and pre-snap motions was also an element lacking from the repertoire last year.
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Now settling into Philadelphia fresh from the frozen tundra of Lambeau, Mannion will be tasked with returning the offense to its former glory. And just a single season removed from posting 40 points on Kansas City en route to a Super Bowl triumph, all the potential is there to do just that.