Eagles’ OC Mike Groh touts Josh McCown’s veteran experience

The Eagles’ offensive coordinator Mike Groh spoke to the media on Monday after practice, and lauded the experience and preparedness of new (to Philly) quarterback Josh McCown, and talked a bit about the tight ends.

Here’s what the OC had to say:

On Josh McCown

Groh was asked what it says about a guy who was coaching high school football and then a week later was running the Eagles offense.

The OC noted that McCown is unique that way, especially with the wealth of experience he has and all the different systems he’s played in, and has probably had the opportunity to run just about every play that’s ever been run in football.

Groh said it’s moreso just a matter of learning the language since each system is just a little bit different and has their own personality. But, McCown being in Philly for five days and being able to go into the Week 3 preseason game and perform the way he did says a lot about the talent he has both mentally and physically.

On the tight ends

Groh was asked about the three tight ends behind Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert — especially given Richard Rodgers’ injury. The OC noted that they like all three of those guys’ skill sets, but notes that they all bring something a little different.

Will Tye has done more stuff in-line, they’ve been able to move Josh Perkins around, and they’ve been figuring out what Alex Ellis does really well, but he’s a tough guy who has been able to integrate himself quickly.

Groh noted that it’s tough to evaluate late additions like Ellis, but they’ve given him a lot more reps, especially with the injuries they’ve had, so they have been able to see a good deal from him quickly.

On Jason Kelce

When asked about Jason Kelce and what advantages having a guy like that around brings, Groh admitted that he could go for a long time with a list like that. He noted that Kelce brings a lot from a leadership standpoint, communication standpoint and an idea standpoint, he can be an extension of the coaching staff out on the field.

In terms of recognizing the fronts and coverages, and communicating with the line as well as with Carson and the QBs, to take a little off their plate and direct traffic. Groh said that he’s a veteran guy, experienced, very talented and decisive so you trust his eyes and roll with it if he makes a call.

The OC also said that Kelce’s personality and leadership style is loved by the coaching staff and is something he thinks his teammates love about it. Groh said that he hoped Kelce could play for another 10 years — and then joked, “make sure you tell him that too”.

Other notables

Groh was asked if Jordan Mailata was ready to play in a regular season game.

“I think he’s made a lot of progress. I mean, I really do. I think we’re very pleased with the way that he’s been able to progress throughout the course of the spring and training camp. A year ago at this time, he’d never played football — or played football for 3 or 4 weeks — so, this guy has done a good job and we gotta continue to go out there and get a little bit better every day.”

The OC said that game-planning and play-calling is very much a collaboration between himself, Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz. Wentz watches a lot of film, so he’s an active participant in discussions about how the offense will look.

Groh also said that Nate Herbig has done a nice job learning the center position, and that it’s obviously challenging preparing both at center and guard, and he’s not entirely where he needs to be yet, but overall he’s doing well.

He also likened Matt Pryor’s size and versatility to Isaac Seumalo — although noted their different playing styles.