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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Dave Kluge, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 1
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
HC Nick Sirianni's Eagles are once again breaking in a new offensive coordinator, hiring OC Sean Mannion from Green Bay to install a system featuring heavy under-center formations, wide-zone runs, and play-action misdirection that asks Eagles veterans to do things they didn't have to under Sirianni's previous lieutenants. Jalen Hurts, disrespectfully ranked 17th in The Athletic's annual QB tiers poll, is being asked to handle more snaps under center and become a more aggressive passer across the middle. Embracing the system overhaul, Hurts noted his mindset for camp is "one hundred percent alignment, zero percent entitlement." His overall progression through week one shows a veteran navigating a brand-new playbook, displaying steady comfort with under-center footwork, rhythm, and full-field progression reads. Crucially, the bedrock of Hurts' individual value and production — the non-negotiable cheat code that is the "tush push" — isn't going anywhere. The play has powered Hurts to 63 career rushing touchdowns, defining Philadelphia's goal-line dominance. Meanwhile, Mannion is actively re-expanding Hurts' mobility after a career-low 105 carries last season, noting that using "him as an athlete in the running game is something unique" and "those are elements we can lean into a little bit." Behind Hurts, Andy Dalton is putting clear distance on Tanner McKee for the QB2 spot. Entering his 16th season with 169 regular-season starts, Dalton looks completely comfortable operating Mannion's concepts and distributing the ball on time.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
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Mannion is actively installing an "O-line-friendly" wide-zone blocking scheme to stretch defenses laterally. Saquon Barkley welcomes the adjustment, stating, "I feel like it's going to open up some things that I may not have been able to show in my career," while Mannion reaffirms that "Saquon, he's a tremendous player, and I think everything we do offensively ultimately is about how do we put all of our players in the best position to succeed and obviously Saquon is a focal point of our offense, that goes without saying." Throughout week one, Barkley's exceptional agility and lateral speed tailored perfectly to the new scheme, producing consistent chunk gains in team periods. Mannion is also increasing the backfield's involvement in the passing game, where Barkley is a legitimate weapon. Tank Bigsby enters his first full training camp in Philadelphia after joining mid-season in 2025. Still establishing his long-term role after averaging 5.9 yards per carry in limited action, he brings dynamic running ability and a physical, high-energy presence in pass protection reps. Will Shipley holds down clear frontrunner status for the RB3 job, proving his value as a receiving option and core special teams contributor. Depth veterans Dameon Pierce and Elijah Mitchell continue taking reps as they fight for positioning.
