The Philadelphia Eagles have made impressive strides in ball security, a success that can be traced back to head coach Nick Sirianni and his experiences with former NFL coach Tom Rathman. As Sirianni prepares for the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys on November 12, 2023, insights from Rathman shed light on the methods that have shaped the Eagles’ approach to protecting the football.
Sirianni met Rathman while serving as offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2020. At that time, Sirianni was well-versed in the importance of ball security but found Rathman’s intense focus on the subject eye-opening. Rathman, a former fullback for the San Francisco 49ers during their Super Bowl-winning years in the mid-1980s, brought a mix of passion and analytical skill to the coaching realm. “He was a maniac about it and just relentless,” Sirianni remarked.
Rathman’s coaching methodology included extensive film analysis, showcasing both effective and ineffective techniques for holding onto the football. “The outcome of games is determined by turnovers,” he stated in a recent interview. His emphasis on ball security evolved due to a rise in defensive strategies aimed at forcing fumbles, notably the “Peanut Punch,” named after former Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman. This technique has prompted coaches like Rathman to rethink and adapt their approaches to ball security.
Rathman recalls changing his teaching strategies to include what he calls the “clasp hand” technique. This method involves securing the ball tightly against one’s body while using the opposite hand to reinforce grip. His innovative coaching style resulted in a notable reduction in turnovers for the Colts during his tenure. Under his guidance, the team achieved a plus-14 turnover differential, significantly contributing to their playoff appearance in 2020, a marked improvement from their previous season.
Rathman’s influence extended to the Colts’ star running back, Jonathan Taylor, who had struggled with ball security in college. After adopting Rathman’s techniques, Taylor significantly reduced his fumbles, illustrating the effectiveness of the training. Since Rathman’s retirement in 2020, Taylor has fumbled 13 times, losing only six, a testament to the lasting impact of effective coaching on player performance.
Sirianni’s commitment to ball security followed him to Philadelphia, where the Eagles have maintained a strong turnover strategy. In 2021, the Eagles had only 16 turnovers, ranking fifth in the league. Despite their defensive struggles, which placed them 26th in takeaways, the focus on minimizing turnovers remained a priority. The following year, Sirianni displayed his dedication to this principle by hanging a banner highlighting ball security strategies in the team meeting room.
As the Eagles made a remarkable run to the Super Bowl in 2022, they finished with only 12 turnovers, showcasing the effectiveness of their approach. The 2023 season has seen a continuation of this trend, with the Eagles achieving a remarkable plus-35 turnover differential over their last 27 games. Their ability to maintain a low turnover count, with just four turnovers through the first ten games of the season, further emphasizes their strategic focus.
Sirianni remains steadfast in his belief that ball security is crucial to winning. “It’s always been about the ball,” he stated, reflecting on the philosophy he absorbed from Rathman and his admiration for the practices of other successful coaches. With the Eagles’ remarkable record of 24-3 in their last 27 games, the impact of their turnover strategy is evident.
In preparation for their next challenge against the Cowboys, the Eagles continue to emphasize the importance of protecting the football, a principle that has become ingrained in their identity under Sirianni’s leadership. The legacy of coaching from figures like Rathman demonstrates how a disciplined approach to ball security can lead to consistent success on the field.
