The Eagles had one more practice left in minicamp before dispersing for the summer. Before heading into the true break in the offseason, head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters and explained how they handle work loads during OTAs and what his message is to the young guys before training camp.
He also talked about one of the things he’s studied this offseason is sustained success, and how best to build on what they did last season.
Here’s what the head coach had to say:
### On their approach to Saquon’s offseason training
Sirianni was asked how they wanted to handle work loads, specifically with Saquon Barkley, during the offseason program. The head coach explained that they look at that with each player individually, and make a plan for how to spend their time.
> “We got a lot of good work in. Saquon \[Barkley\] got a lot of good work in. And, I’m pleased with how the offseason program has went.”
He later noted that Barkley came into this offseason the same way he did last year, even after such a heavy load during the season. Sirianni credited Barkley, and the rest of this Eagles team, for coming in humble and hungry even after just winning a [Super Bowl](https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl).
Sirianni was asked about Barkley’s recent comments that he would probably end up retiring unexpectedly at some point, similar to Barry Sanders. The head coach said that anybody could do that at any time, but he knows the RB has a lot of football left in him before he decides to walk away from the game.
> “As long as I’m the head coach here, I’d always want Saquon Barkley on this football team. Obviously, he means a lot to this football team, as a player and as a teammate.”
### On offseason expectations
Last year he told rookies to be in great shape when they return for training camp, and that’s his message to the team this year, as well.
> “You can’t play with great detail, and you can’t play with great physicality. You can’t play with relentless effort, if you’re not in great shape.”
Everyone will have a conditioning test when they get back for training camp, and they will be expected to meet their goal weight and other metrics they’ve been given. Sirianni explained that injuries happen and details start to slip when players aren’t in great shape, so that’s something they prioritize.
### On Nolan Smith
> “Yeah, he’s always ready. I love Nolan Smith. He is a tough dude.”
Sirianni went on to say that they have great people in the building to help look out for the players and their health. So, when a player is medically cleared, the coaches don’t have to overthink it, but the medical staff will let the coaches know if there should be any sort of rep count leading up to fully cleared.
The head coach explained that the way to get better at football is by practicing football, so they can’t limit guys or worry about over-using them. He acknowledged that there is a point in the season where that’s something they have to consider, but if a player is medically cleared, they need to be getting reps and putting in work on the practice field.
### Other notables
* He wouldn’t commit to Tyler Steen playing right guard, and said that they’re not in a position where they have to make any final decisions just yet. There’s still a lot of football to practice and a lot of football to play before they have to commit to anything, and OL evaluation means more once they put the pads on.
* As guys continue to work through injuries, Sirianni won’t put a timeline on anyone, but those guys, including rookie Jihaad Campbell, are getting as many mental reps as possible until they’re able to get back on the field. He also wouldn’t say where they most like Campbell on the field, and said that stuff will come once he’s actually getting reps.
* Sirianni gave new OC Kevin Patullo credit for how he’s communicating with the offense and other coaches, and how he’s stepped up into his new role. He noted that Patullo’s existing relationships with players help too, because he knows how to get their attention and work with them.
* The head coach was asked about the tush push ban failing and he said that they are excited to expand how they utilize the play, and will stay ready to adapt if it’s something that changes in the future. He didn’t want to give that whole situation too much energy.