Many fans have taken issue with Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson for the majority of the season.
During Johnson’s first season as an NFL offensive coordinator, the offense of the Eagles has unquestionably regressed. A new offensive coordinator will be the main (and only) change made on that side of the ball in 2022. Shane Steichen moved to take a head coaching position in Indianapolis, leaving Johnson in his place.
However, because Nick Sirianni is still in charge of the offensive even though Johnson is calling the plays, it can be very difficult to assign blame at times. Dividing the responsibility between the two is difficult.
Sirianni was questioned about the play-calling dynamic and how frequently he actually calls the plays during his weekly appearance on 94WIP. He provided some thought-provoking analysis.
Sirianni told 94WIP, “Brian’s doing a big, big chunk of it because I’m obviously managing the game.” “A lot of discussion has to happen when you’re starting to consider going for it on fourth down. In order to prevent communication from starting on third down. The new first-and-10 marks the commencement of that communication. “Hey, let’s think about that if we get this on third down.” Additionally, I communicate with Brian by telling him what’s on my mind there. ..
“Of course, we discuss your activities there and on the sidelines in between series. Additionally, you could sort of start a series and state, “This is what we’re thinking.” And it goes without saying that we are discussing that, just like we discuss everything when we game plan and discuss other various topics.
Sirianni added that in these kinds of circumstances, he needs to stay in close contact with Michael Clay, the coordinator of special teams. If punt or field goal is ultimately decided upon, he must work with Clay to ensure that the units are prepared to take the field.
However, one statement made by Sirianni regarding the nature of his relationship with Johnson truly stuck out:
But I think the hardest thing—and I’ve seen this happen a lot in this league—is when Brian calls a play and I say, ‘Nooo!’ I try not to treat him like that,” Sirianni remarked. “I won’t do it because the play-caller and the offense would be severely hampered by it.
“So once more, we discuss everything on the sidelines in all of our conversations with Brian. The players, myself, Brian, Coach (Jeff Stoutland), Kevin Patullo, and Jason Michael. We have conversations, and since I’m in charge of the defense side of the ball, there are moments when that’s particularly difficult for me.
However, one statement made by Sirianni regarding the nature of his relationship with Johnson truly stuck out:
But I think the hardest thing—and I’ve seen this happen a lot in this league—is when Brian calls a play and I say, ‘Nooo!’ I try not to treat him like that,” Sirianni remarked. “I won’t do that because the play-caller and the operator will be seriously jeopardized.Last season, the Eagles boasted one of the best attacks in the NFL. Even while they will still be in the top 10 in 2023, they have obviously fallen short of expectations. On offense, the Eagles haven’t been nearly as good this season despite having nine of their eleven starters back.
The largest issue with that disappointment is how small the error margin is.
On the one hand, it’s a desirable position to be the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. because offensive head coaches who call plays are found on a large number of NFL teams. In 2021, midway through his first season as head coach, Sirianni gave up control of plays because he enjoyed the dynamic on game day when the offensive coordinator called plays. That’s what makes it such a sought-after job. , the head coach’s possible different ideology and an offensive plan that isn’t his own place the offensive coordinator in a bit of a bind. We’ll never know the whole scope of Sirianni’s oversight, but he is calling plays for Sirianni’s offensive.
Sirianni stated, “I just think that we’re doing all of our work and communication in a week.” “You work really hard right now and then adapt to what occurs in the game.” We’re now busting our asses, which is why we have a lot of those kinds of chats. Is it possible for you to participate in every discussion and play scenario? No. But we make every effort to help as much as we can.
