Sean Mannion, you’re up

Bryce Harper is at the plate. Does he hit one out like bedlam at the bank? Or does he strike out like he did against the Mets.

This is exactly where the Philadelphia Eagles fine themselves today with the hire of Sean Mannion as their new OC. I am all for it myself. I know he is not a big name, but what he has is an outside perspective. No system in football is perfect, but having different eyes looking at talent can help in creating something special.

I know it’s trivial. Yet, when you want to paint a room, you get opinions about which color looks best. As a head coach, you ask your OC and DC for ideas. They give you their opinions on what should be done that week. If you have nothing to choose from then you become predictable and stagnant. On the other hand, if you have someone who can supply you a plethora of ideas, it makes everything exciting. It also makes it innovative.

Sean Mannion has worked with the top coaches in the NFL. (LaFleur; McVay; Stefanski; Kubiak, O’Connell) I have no doubt that he is an innovative mind. He knows schemes and plays just by being around those guys. Where the big risk is – does he know what to call when it needs to be called. Can he design a scheme that benefits his players talents? Can he call a season saving play at a crucial moment? This is why I bring up those Bryce Harper analogies. Its not for lack of trying or lack of talent. Its that one of two extremes is going to happen here.

Some people are being reluctant to the hire due to lack of experience. I don’t. This has happened to so many of today’s coaches. Where they were players or QB coaches and jumped into the OC role after one year. Look at Kellen Moore; look at Joe Brady. Its a risk and well I have to trust Lurie and Howie here. Their track history of finding the right guy is well recorded. Also, when wrong they are quick to correct. Obviously Sean Mannion is a great football mind. Too many well respected coaches have said so not to be true.

The fastball is coming straight down the middle of the plate like it did for Bryce. Lets hope for the Eagles Sean Mannion hits it out of the park and its another Lombardi at the Linc.

To continue the weekly segment on the what’s happening here is a few notes on the rest of the city teams;

Phillies – status quo; still no trades or signings. Spring training only a few weeks away, so we should expect some movement soon.

Flyers- had an awful week. No identity and no grit. Its time that Briere is put on the hot seat. This plan is not working. I will have more on that in the coming weeks.

76ers – they are really coming together. NO, I would not trade half the team to the Bucks. This team is getting their identity from Maxey. You can see with the pressure of Embiid, he is even playing like his old self. I think a trade of that size would set this franchise back years once again. I feel they need to add a few pieces. They should focus on positions 4 and 5. This way, you can keep PG and Embiid as healthy as possible.

Let me know your thought on all this – comment below and Let’s Talk…