The execution from the special teams operation worked to perfection, as rookie running back Will Shipley downed the punt at the 8-yard line, pinning Atlanta within the shadows of their own goal line for their opening march.
For Shipley, who also registered a 27-yard kick return, it was the situational awareness in a new role that stood out.
The 21-year-old fared well as Mann’s personal protector, though perhaps more notable than any of his contributions was Shipley’s ability to swarm in coverage, an unfamiliar role given his early contributions at Clemson.
Shipley, who last week didn’t factor into the offensive gameplan, played exclusively on special teams, totaling a solo tackle across 15 snaps.
But with star wide receiver A.J. Brown sidelined from a hamstring injury, perhaps Shipley, with more time to game plan, could factor into the equation Sunday against the Saints in some capacity.
As part of an Inside The Birds “Rookie Diary” series, I’ll be checking in with Shipley throughout the season, learning more about the first-year running back and chronicling his rookie campaign.
On Thursday, we chatted for our second installment.
Shipley and I discussed everything from his first regular-season game at Lincoln Financial Field, the new kickoff rule, his immersion into a key special teams role, his thoughts on Kellen Moore’s offense, and how a friendly, competitive banter with a fellow draftee came to be.
Andrew: Logistically, some players in the past have had some issues making it to the stadium. What was your arrival like?
Will: “I was good. I made sure to leave enough time for error. And luckily, we had a home preseason game, that I just followed some of the guys there. So, I kinda knew the route and everything. Yeah, I was good. But it was definitely on the cautious side, making sure that I gave myself enough time to have any errors.”
Andrew: So, first regular-season game at the Linc. What was the atmosphere like?
Will: “It was pretty darn incredible. You know, just got to the stadium, and before I got dressed or anything, just walked out onto the field, kinda, just take it all in. The first game in Brazil was incredible, but I don’t think that anything can size up to the Linc. Just the fans and the atmosphere is something I’ll remember for a lifetime, for sure. Runnin’ out the tunnel to start the game … yeah, almost at a loss for words because of how special it was. And you just look forward to going back and playing there every time we’re at home. Reminds me of Clemson at bit in terms of just how loud it gets and just how great the atmosphere was.”
Andrew: Was there ever a moment where you paused, where you kind of had to take a moment to gather yourself?
Will: “Yeah, I would say during the National Anthem and while we were runnin’ out of the tunnel. You know, all the lights – it was dark – but with all the lights it’s pretty incredible. And then, you know, the starting lineup announcements, just seeing that, seeing how loud everybody was getting. That’s when I was able to really just take it in. When the game starts, I’m kinda locked in and don’t notice much of that, kinda block it out, but before the game I was noticing it.”
Andrew: How about before the game? You’d mentioned how you were really focused on special teams. Anything you were going over?
Will: “You know, just crossin’ my Ts, dottin’ my Is. Making sure that I’m caught up on their personnel, looking at film to make sure there’s nothing that can sneak by me, whether it’s on our punt team, punt return. I’m a four-core guy, so I’m on everything out there. Just trying to make sure that I can make plays when the opportunities are there. And just help out team out, because special teams is huge for flipping the field and field position. Gaining the upper hand outside of the offense and defense, which is a huge part of the game. So, I would say, before I go out there I watch any punt clips, make sure I understand where to send Rick. And if I’m gonna be able to get out where I should. Just crossing my Ts and dotting my Is.”
Andrew: You had a 27-yard kickoff return. What are your impressions of the new kickoff rule?
Will: “I love it. I think it’s an opportunity for explosive plays. And you see that. I know teams are taking the cautious route. I think they wanted to test the rookie on the first one, see if I had it in me, which I was ready for. Think I was able to get it out to the 34 or 35. Plus-4 from where it would have been if it was a touchback, and then we saw touchbacks after that. So, just showin’ everybody that when the opportunity’s there, just take it and run with it. I think 27’s not bad, but looking to up it on the next one.”
Andrew: What’s the communication been like with you and Kenny [Gainwell] back there?
Will: “It’s great. He’s the head guy; he’s the main communicator out there. I listen and make sure I’m doing the right thing, but he’s done a great job back there just being the commander, just taking the balls … kneeing … just being a smart football player. Someone really easy to work with back there, collaborate with. And someone I wanna block for, ’cause I know if I got the ball, he’s gonna block … open up opportunities … just wanna be able to do the same.”
Andrew: You came up big on special teams. On the return and in coverage. Something you take pride in?
Will: “It’s something I definitely take a lot of pride in. You know, I think that’s just kinda where my role is at right now, is going on special teams, giving all I got and trying to alter the game in that dimension. So, yeah, definitely take a lot of pride in it. And just still figuring it out; I didn’t do it in college, except for kick return. I got to college and started the fourth game of my freshman year and was playing before that. So, really haven’t been on special teams. I’m still learning – I really am – but I’m eager to learn. And eager to just continue to get better. If special teams is my role, then I wanna be the best special teams player there is.
Andrew: What do you like most about playing for coach [Michael] Clay?
Will: “Aw, Coach Clay is the best, man. He’s a coach you just wanna play hard for. There’s no doubt about it. It’s just who he is. You can see how much work and time he puts into, which, as a player, you can respect that. He’s always got us ready to go, knowing what the other team is gonna throw at us, and just putting us in the best position to succeed. So, wanting to go out there and do it for the coach. And then, just the guys that I’m doing it with, too. I know it’s been fun, last game, just competing against Jalyx [Hunt] out there. He’s on my team, but we’re competing to see who can get down the field the fastest and make the tackle first. And that’s what it’s all about, just making it fun out there while getting your job done and trying to impact the game any way you can.”
Andrew: Jalyx actually mentioned that the other day. How did that banter between the two of you evolve?
Will: “It was on that first kickoff that we had, where I ran down and got ’em inside the 20, or wherever it was. And he was just a couple yards behind me. And I was hot; I went unblocked, which is something that Coach Clay drew up perfectly. So, I made the tackle and we were runnin’ off the field and [Hunt] just said something to me like, ‘I’m gonna get you next time, Ship!’ I’m like, ‘What do you mean? I’m on your team!” And he was just talkin’ about getting down there a little quicker. Trying to get the tackle before I do.
And obviously, we all have the same goal – make the tackle, get the job done. But to be able to compete and just wanna better each other. I promise ya, I’m gonna run down there as fast as I can every time now so I don’t gotta hear from Jalyx. [Laughs]. Just the friendly competition there, is I feel like what this team embodies and why we push each other to be great.”
Andrew: Do you feel the game is slowing down for you at all?
Will: “Yeah, definitely. Just being out there. As the game progresses, I think that’s how it goes for me. Obviously, first time at the Linc — first quarter, or whatever it was — I was definitely runnin’ around, heart beating fast. But I caught my second wind and realized it’s just football out there. Everybody puts their pants on the same way – or we hope they do – and just go out and play ball.”
Andrew: What do you like about Kellen Moore’s offense and how do you feel it best accentuates what you do well?
Will: “I love his offense. He also does such a great job putting us in great positions to succeed. He puts a lot of work into it, he knows it like the back of his hand. So, any question you got, he can pull it out – like, he knew you were gonna ask it. And he’s just so knowledgeable; he’s got all the answers. It’s really fun to play for ’em. For me, it’s just continuing to take my role on offense, and as it expands or stays the same, just embracing that. And with the opportunities I get, just letting him know what I’m capable of and go out there and put my best foot forward.”
Andrew: How would you describe the dynamic in the running back room?
Will: “It’s tremendous. Similar to me and Jalyx, we all push each other. Saquon [Barkley] is the top dog, and that’s who he is. He’s a leader. And then you got Kenny, who’s also a top dog. And he’s just got all the knowledge, man. Both of them, they’ve both been very generous with pouring down that knowledge to me. So, just trying to take in as much as I can. But we all do different things, we’re all backs who can do what running backs do, but we also have our different personalities, and I think we just mix really well together, pushing each other on and off the field.”
Andrew: What’s one thing you’re looking to improve on this week?
Will: “That’s a great question. I would say probably just continuing to hone in on my tackling. I know on that one punt, he broke down and he got a little stiff arm on me because I stopped my feet. I kinda got stuck in concrete a little bit. I haven’t really done too much tackling since high school, and now I’m doing it against the best players in the world, right? So, just gotta continue to hone in and work on that throughout the week and hopefully all the work shows on Sunday. But yeah, just getting that tackling down to a tee.”
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