Tanner McKee’s future, Kellen Moore’s head coaching chances, and more from Jeff McLane’s Reddit AMA
From the team’s game plan against the Packers to how they plan to attack the offseason, here are some highlights from our AMA with the r/Eagles subreddit ahead of the playoff opener.
The Eagles open the playoffs against the Packers on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field and look to be in a much better spot than a year ago, when they limped into Tampa following a late-season collapse and were blown out of the building by the Buccaneers. Ahead of this weekend’s wild-card game, Jeff McLane took to Reddit to answer fans’ questions on all things Eagles. Here are some highlights from his Reddit AMA — “Ask Me Anything” — on Tuesday …
Some questions and answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
Q: Do you think that there will be any regret not letting Saquon Barkley break the rushing record if we get eliminated from the playoffs?
A: No. There shouldn’t be. It was a no-brainer, in my opinion.
Q: How does the organization view Tanner McKee? At the bare minimum, his recent play should cement him as QB2.
A: They like him clearly, especially after the last few games. People in the building were telling me to look out for him when he finally hit the field. He’s been killing it in practice. I think they view him as the next No. 2.
» READ MORE: Jumping on the Eagles bandwagon? Here’s everything you need to get caught up before the playoffs.
Q: Do you think Vic Fangio will change his defensive scheme from the last time we played the Packers Week 1 or will he keep it?
A: The scheme? No. He’ll likely come in with a new game plan, though. They did some nice things in that first game. Jordan Love completed only 50 percent of his passes. But the Packers got a bunch of explosive plays on the ground, and the Eagles run defense has looked much different since then because of personnel and some tweaks to his scheme.
Q: How worried are you about Jake Elliott in the playoffs?
A: I think there should be concern. Lincoln Financial Field isn’t an easy place to kick, especially at the north end, and the conditions will likely be tough for Elliott and Brandon McManus. Elliott just hasn’t looked himself all season. I shouldn’t bring up the last time the Eagles faced the Packers in the playoffs at the Linc and how kicking affected that outcome.
Q: How do you think the Packers will play against 12 personnel? Who do you think has an advantage in that personnel grouping?
A: With Dallas Goedert back, I’d expect the Eagles to continue to employ a lot of 12 (one running back, two tight ends), more than with Grant Calcaterra and the other tight ends. The run game numbers are much better with Goedert blocking. Green Bay will probably respond depending on down and distance.
» READ MORE: Everything Eagles fans need to know about the Green Bay Packers ahead of the wild-card matchup
Q: In your opinion, can the Eagles defense/run game/time of possession carry the Birds to the promised land in an era where past Super Bowl winners have had a top-10 passing offense? Love the idea we can break the wheel a bit here, but curious to hear if you think Jalen Hurts may need to have a 300-yard, three-touchdown type of game at some point.
A: I think I just saw somewhere that rushing success outperformed passing success in terms of EPA (maybe another analytic) for the first time in years. So it’s possible the Eagles can do it this year. But I think there’s a reason why the running back position isn’t valued as much, and some teams would rather have Patrick Mahomes and mid offense than the Eagles because he can simply offset any issues. But if the Birds can play from ahead in the second half they’ll be tough to beat.
Q: Any rumblings on talks about contract extensions for Cam Jurgens, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Davis, or Milton Williams? All of them are now eligible for extensions.
A: Not much. The Eagles have changed their philosophy when it comes to in-season negotiations. They used to want to lock up guys in the second half of the season. But they got burned on a few of those, most notably Brandon Brooks, because of injury. So they see the offseason as plenty of time to get extensions done. I think Williams will be hard to retain.
» READ MORE: Eagles’ Jordan Davis accepted his lesser role, but he’ll be needed to stop the Packers in the playoffs
Q: What are the chances that Kellen Moore is hired as a head coach somewhere else? And if so, who do you think some potential offensive coordinator replacements might be?
A: He’s got one interview likely lined up with the New Orleans Saints. I think Moore could still be another round of head coach interviews away from getting a top job, but I don’t know what owners are thinking. Sirianni’s hiring was a total surprise at the time and that’s turned out well.
Q: Do you have any insight on any players or positions the Eagles will be looking for in the draft?
A: Tough to answer with the Eagles still playing ball and with so much that can happen in terms of personnel moves before the draft. I’m sure the scouts have their favorites, but the draft process doesn’t begin in earnest until the season is over.
» READ MORE: Eagles superlatives: 10 awards from a regular season that surpassed expectations
Q: What do you focus on during the game? Can you share a personal perspective of how you experience the games?
A: The games are like a fire drill because I do a report card that has to be posted at the gun. But simply I try to watch as much of the action as possible, catch replays on TV and the big screen, and use statistics and social media to catch something maybe that I’ve missed. There’s more to it, but I don’t want to bore the chain here.
Click here to check out the full Reddit AMA.