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PHILADELPHIA — Sean Mannion sees Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby as capable weapons in the Philadelphia Eagles’ passing game, but their opportunities will not be determined by receiving ability alone. The first-year offensive coordinator said protection responsibilities, defensive pressure and individual matchups will influence whether a running back releases into a route or remains in the backfield to help protect Jalen Hurts.
“They’re all capable pass catchers and route runners,” Mannion said.
Barkley has already demonstrated his value as a receiver throughout his NFL career. His ability to run routes from the backfield or line up elsewhere forces linebackers and safeties to defend him in space, providing Hurts with another favorable matchup. Bigsby has also been active during the opening practices of training camp. He has produced explosive runs, caught passes from Hurts and received work with the first-team offense. Developing as a dependable receiver could create more ways for Philadelphia to place Barkley and Bigsby on the field.
Before either player releases, however, the Eagles must determine whether the protection can hold without him. A defense showing pressure may require a sixth or seventh blocker, turning the running back’s assignment from a route into pass protection.
That responsibility makes recognition and blocking ability essential. A running back can be dangerous with the football, but the Eagles must trust him to identify pressure and protect Hurts before expanding his receiving role. Philadelphia will spend training camp testing how much each back can handle. Barkley’s versatility is established, while Bigsby has an opportunity to show he can contribute beyond traditional carries.
Mannion is not committing to a specific workload or package. He wants enough information to deploy both players according to protection needs and the matchup Philadelphia believes it can exploit.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby could expand Eagles passing game
Continue reading...
“They’re all capable pass catchers and route runners,” Mannion said.
Barkley has already demonstrated his value as a receiver throughout his NFL career. His ability to run routes from the backfield or line up elsewhere forces linebackers and safeties to defend him in space, providing Hurts with another favorable matchup. Bigsby has also been active during the opening practices of training camp. He has produced explosive runs, caught passes from Hurts and received work with the first-team offense. Developing as a dependable receiver could create more ways for Philadelphia to place Barkley and Bigsby on the field.
Before either player releases, however, the Eagles must determine whether the protection can hold without him. A defense showing pressure may require a sixth or seventh blocker, turning the running back’s assignment from a route into pass protection.
That responsibility makes recognition and blocking ability essential. A running back can be dangerous with the football, but the Eagles must trust him to identify pressure and protect Hurts before expanding his receiving role. Philadelphia will spend training camp testing how much each back can handle. Barkley’s versatility is established, while Bigsby has an opportunity to show he can contribute beyond traditional carries.
Mannion is not committing to a specific workload or package. He wants enough information to deploy both players according to protection needs and the matchup Philadelphia believes it can exploit.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby could expand Eagles passing game
Continue reading...
