Eagles Unveil ‘Big Fred’ Package to Bolster Ground Game
The Philadelphia Eagles’ ground attack received a powerful boost during their decisive 38-20 victory over the New York Giants this past Sunday, thanks in large part to the introduction of the “Big Fred” package. This innovative strategy features offensive tackle Fred Johnson lining up as an honorary tight end, creating mismatches that opposing defenses struggled to handle.
The Impact of Fred Johnson
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 326 pounds, Johnson’s presence on the field has injected new life into the Eagles’ running game. The team utilized 13 personnel formations, where Johnson played a pivotal role in establishing a dominant offensive front. His contribution was instrumental in the Eagles’ remarkable achievement of rushing for 276 yards, the highest total in the NFL this season.
In this game, both All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley and his backup Tank Bigsby surpassed the century mark, with 150 and 104 yards respectively. This marked a historic moment for the Eagles, as it was the first time since 2013 that two players from the team rushed for over 100 yards in the same game, a feat last accomplished by LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown against Buffalo.
Creating Mismatches with Johnson
Johnson’s role as an honorary tight end allowed the Eagles to present unbalanced lines and create favorable matchups for their ground game. During 12 of the Eagles’ 33 rushing attempts, Johnson was instrumental, contributing to a staggering 129 rushing yards at an impressive average of over 10 yards per carry.
The early season has seen the Eagles face numerous unscouted looks, often leading to loaded boxes that complicate the traditional combo blocks that have been a hallmark of their running game under the guidance of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. By adding Johnson to the mix, the Eagles were able to overcome these challenges and establish a more effective offensive scheme.
Praise from Teammates and Coaches
Star tight end Dallas Goedert acknowledged the significant impact Johnson had on the running game. “The honorary tight end of the week, Fred. I’ll give him that,” he said. “He’s been doing a great job coming in there, getting a little more movement, getting big packages, and we’ve had great play actions off it as well.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni also praised Johnson’s versatility and performance. He emphasized the importance of finding ways to incorporate talented players into the game plan. “I think Fred does a really good job. Every time Fred’s in at tackle when he’s had to spell Lane [Johnson] or Jordan [Mailata], he’s just done a really nice job,” Sirianni explained. “We’re just trying to put our players in positions to succeed and get our best 11 out there for whatever we’re seeing that week.”
Looking Ahead: More to Come
The success of the “Big Fred” package bodes well for the Eagles as they move forward in the season. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo noted how adding different personnel packages can open up a variety of options for the offense. “When you bring in a different personnel package, you’re opening up to what could be a variety of different things,” he remarked. “It definitely helps the offense as a whole, not just the run game, but it gives you a different dynamic.”
As the Eagles look to build on this successful strategy, fans can expect to see more of Fred Johnson’s unique contributions on the field, making their running game not only formidable but also unpredictable.
