Eagles Offense Preview: Mannion Brings Vertical Passing, Sequenced Concepts

New coordinator Sean Mannion expected to blend McVay/Shanahan system with Packers' expansive passing game

Feb. 26, 2026 at 4:55pm

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As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the 2026 season under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, analysts expect the team's passing attack to feature more vertical shots, intermediate outside-the-numbers throws, and well-sequenced concepts that stress defenses. Mannion's background in the McVay-LaFleur-Shanahan coaching tree suggests the Eagles will blend those systems, providing quarterback Jalen Hurts with a mix of familiar RPO looks and new under-center play-action elements.

Why it matters

The Eagles struggled against two-high zone coverages last season, lacking answers in the passing game. Mannion's offense is expected to provide more ways to attack downfield and force defenses to defend the full width of the field, potentially unlocking more efficiency for Hurts and the passing attack.

The details

Mannion's offense is likely to feature more standalone passing concepts not necessarily tied to the running game, similar to the Packers' approach under Matt LaFleur. This includes vertical shots, timing comebacks, and personnel/formation-based route combinations that stress defenses' rules. The Eagles will also likely see more intermediate outside-the-numbers throws via concepts like Flood and 4-strong, cutting the field in half to simplify reads for the quarterback.

  • Mannion served as the play-caller for the Shrine Bowl in 2023, providing a public sample of his offensive approach.
  • The Eagles will face a learning curve as Hurts adjusts to more under-center play-action and full-field reads, but the Packers' offense features concepts familiar to the mobile quarterback.

The players

Sean Mannion

The Eagles' new offensive coordinator, who has extensive experience in the McVay-LaFleur-Shanahan coaching tree.

Jalen Hurts

The Eagles' starting quarterback, who will be tasked with adapting to Mannion's offense after struggling against two-high zone coverages in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The purpose of sequencing is not simply to create one explosive play. It is to alter how the defense interprets every snap that follows. This is different from how the Eagles have viewed offensive football of late.”

— Jonny Page, Analyst

“Access to that area forces defenses to defend the full width of the field, preventing the kind of sideline-condensed coverage structures that have too often limited Philadelphia's recent passing efficiency.”

— Jonny Page, Analyst

What’s next

The Eagles will need to address their personnel needs in free agency and the draft to best fit Mannion's offense, potentially targeting vertical threats and players who excel in the intermediate passing game.

The takeaway

Mannion's background suggests the Eagles' offense will feature a blend of the McVay-LaFleur-Shanahan systems, providing Hurts with a mix of familiar RPO concepts and new under-center play-action elements. The goal is to create more explosive plays and force defenses to defend the full width of the field, unlocking more efficiency in the passing game.