While the outside focus in Philadelphia is on key players lost in free agency and the future of receiver AJ Brown, a bigger fundamental change under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is under the radar.
The former quarterback, who played for the Rams, Vikings and Seahawks before entering the coaching ranks, will bring a different style of offense. However, given Mannion’s rapid rise, little is known about the exact plan he will implement. We can assume certain things, given his time playing in Sean McVay systems and his only coaching experience that came in Green Bay under Matt LaFleur — one year as an offensive assistant (2024) and one season as QB coach (2025). But most of it is unknown.
Most of the commentary regarding Mannion’s hiring has been the typical banal offseason declarations of “excitement” or “impressive.” This is usually how it will play out until training camp, when the offense is fully set up, and we get a chance to take a closer look at it.
In the meantime, right tackle Lane Johnson offered his insight on why the scheme under Mannion could breathe more life into the blocking crew.
“I’m excited about this new system,” he told the “Fitz & Whit” podcast. “I think there’s some (Kyle) Shanahan tools in him. I think maybe it’ll be easier on the edge for Jordan (Mailata) and me. So, maybe not as much isolation, and when you run something wide like the 49ers and the guy gets zoned, you don’t worry about it and move on, I could get used to it. ‘damn, that looks pretty fun.’