Change has been a common theme for the Eagles throughout the entirety of the offseason. The team has a new coaching staff, new schemes to learn and new faces to get to know. But, that change is what has the current group in Philadelphia excited about the future.
In some ways, it's exactly what the team needed.
Now under the command of first-time head coach Doug Pederson, the Eagles are quickly adjusting to the new atmosphere. And, as for Pederson's initial reviews, it's clear his players are looking forward to what the 2016 season may bring with their coach.
"Doug is a guy that's obviously played in the league before," center Jason Kelce explained. "He's got a unique point where he's played in the league and he's coached in the league for a number of years. He knows the playbook from the X's and O's standpoint and he knows it from a player's standpoint.
"That's not necessarily something that's all too common in the NFL. I think that's a unique point of view. I think he has a good way of relating the plays to players because he's been in their situation and their shoes before."
Kelce's analysis of his coach missed one key point. Not only is Pederson a former player, he's a former Eagle. He understands this city and the expectations for this team.
Having also coached in Philadelphia before, Pederson was already familiar with players like Kelce, Brent Celek, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry. However, he wasted no time forming bonds with other key leaders on this team, like newly converted defensive end Connor Barwin.
"I got to know Doug a little bit during the offseason and talk to him," Barwin said. "From what I've heard from all the offensive guys, a lot of them are very excited about the situations that they're going to be in. In a team setting, he's only talked to us a couple times, but he obviously carries himself like a head coach and I'm excited he's here."
With the voluntary minicamp underway, Pederson's message to the team has been simple. Compete, improve and have fun out on the field each and every day.
Those objectives are at the forefront of everybody's minds.
"I'm just enjoying everything – the whole atmosphere here, the excitement about the building as a whole," Curry said. "I think the defense is going to be fun.
"(The atmosphere) is something you can't explain. Change, anytime you get change, there's a little bit of hesitation. I just think guys aren't being hesitant and just flowing. That comes with a lot of great leadership."
Walking into the Eagles' locker room on Tuesday afternoon, the mood was one that couldn't be ignored. The players joked with members of the media, laughing and smiling through their interviews. One glance around the bright area and it was clear that this truly is a new era of football in Philadelphia.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Eagles' voluntary minicamp as the team takes the field for the first time in preparation for the 2016 season ...
Change has been a common theme for the Eagles throughout the entirety of the offseason. The team has a new coaching staff, new schemes to learn and new faces to get to know. But, that change is what has the current group in Philadelphia excited about the future.
In some ways, it's exactly what the team needed.
Now under the command of first-time head coach Doug Pederson, the Eagles are quickly adjusting to the new atmosphere. And, as for Pederson's initial reviews, it's clear his players are looking forward to what the 2016 season may bring with their coach.
"Doug is a guy that's obviously played in the league before," center Jason Kelce explained. "He's got a unique point where he's played in the league and he's coached in the league for a number of years. He knows the playbook from the X's and O's standpoint and he knows it from a player's standpoint.
"That's not necessarily something that's all too common in the NFL. I think that's a unique point of view. I think he has a good way of relating the plays to players because he's been in their situation and their shoes before."
Kelce's analysis of his coach missed one key point. Not only is Pederson a former player, he's a former Eagle. He understands this city and the expectations for this team.
Having also coached in Philadelphia before, Pederson was already familiar with players like Kelce, Brent Celek, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry. However, he wasted no time forming bonds with other key leaders on this team, like newly converted defensive end Connor Barwin.
"I got to know Doug a little bit during the offseason and talk to him," Barwin said. "From what I've heard from all the offensive guys, a lot of them are very excited about the situations that they're going to be in. In a team setting, he's only talked to us a couple times, but he obviously carries himself like a head coach and I'm excited he's here."
With the voluntary minicamp underway, Pederson's message to the team has been simple. Compete, improve and have fun out on the field each and every day.
Those objectives are at the forefront of everybody's minds.
"I'm just enjoying everything – the whole atmosphere here, the excitement about the building as a whole," Curry said. "I think the defense is going to be fun.
"(The atmosphere) is something you can't explain. Change, anytime you get change, there's a little bit of hesitation. I just think guys aren't being hesitant and just flowing. That comes with a lot of great leadership."
Walking into the Eagles' locker room on Tuesday afternoon, the mood was one that couldn't be ignored. The players joked with members of the media, laughing and smiling through their interviews. One glance around the bright area and it was clear that this truly is a new era of football in Philadelphia.
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