Among the NFL’s most daunting stadiums to play in, the dome traps the noise and the crowd tends to feel as if it’s right on top of you.
As a result, counter measures throughout last week in practice were required, providing a simulation similar to what could be expected on game day.
Yes, a crowd’s impact – especially within a strategically structured venue – is often taken into account when organizing the game plan, including the communication needed on offense and defense.
But it’s also as critical for special teams, the often-understated third phase.
As the personal protector on punt, Eagles rookie running back Will Shipley undertakes a prominent role for coordinator Michael Clay, where his communication and vocal presence are put to the test weekly.
Last week, those aspects were magnified given the atmosphere.
In the second half, the Eagles fell victim to a communication breakdown when Saints special teams ace J.T. Gray knifed in off the left side to reject a Braden Mann punt.
Shipley, aligned to the right, didn’t appear to have a hand in the untimely sequence – but to put the rookie’s ownership of his role and accountability into perspective, he took full responsibility for the miscue.
And for a player – a rookie, no less – to shoulder the blame for a play of that magnitude speaks to Shipley’s leadership and dedication to his new job.
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 third installment.
We discussed everything from his experience playing in the storied Superdome and some of the alterations required in a raucous environment, along with adapting to his role on special teams, the second-half punt block, and his mentality when it comes to preparation.
Andrew: Who was your roommate on the New Orleans trip?
Will: “No roommates. I don’t think anyone has any roommates.”
Andrew: How the flight? How did you spend the time?
Will: “It was awesome. Had Johnny sitting next to me – Johnny Wilson. We’ve grown pretty close. He’s a really, really good guy. So, we chopped it up on the plane ride, made it easy and quick.”
Andrew: How’d you develop that relationship over time?
Will: “Just being rookies. Spending a lot of time together, whether it’s rookie developmental [period] or just being around the team. But being ACC guys, playing against him when he was at Florida State and knew of him pretty well. So, I think we’ve grown to be pretty good friends.”
Andrew: Is there friendly competition? You got to watch him…he’s done some good things as a blocker, had his first catch.
Will: “Yeah, it’s been really, really fun to watch. I was pumped for him when he got his first catch last week. Broke the tackle, got the third down conversion. So, that was awesome. And just the way he’s stepping into different roles and embracing his role. To go out there and have to put his head down sometimes and block for guys like Saquon [Barkley] and guys in our running back room. It’s a huge advantage to have him, for sure.”
Andrew: Being a food guy, did you have a chance to try any Cajun or New Orleans-style food last weekend?
Will: “No, I didn’t get a chance to down there. Usually, I just eat whatever they have at the hotel. Kinda stay, chill, go to my room … to the meal room, meeting rooms. Kind of around the three. So, I haven’t made it out anywhere we’ve went so far. But would love to make it back down there and try some of that food. My parents came and went out the night of the game, after we had played, and they said that they absolutely loved it. So, would have loved to have gotten a chance, but just didn’t get to.”
Andrew: Was that the first time [your parents] saw you as a pro?
Will: “No, they make it to every game – excluding Brazil. I didn’t want them to come to that one. But yeah, they haven’t missed a game since – God, I don’t think ever. Pop Warner, all the way up. High school, college, didn’t miss a game. So, they’re great supporters.”
Andrew: What was the atmosphere like at the Superdome?
Will: “It almost just looked fake. You kinda walk in, and it reminded me of the Sphere that’s going pretty viral. I don’t know where that is…
Andrew: Vegas.
Will: “In Vegas, yeah! It reminded me of that a little bit. And it got loud in there, too. The dome noise doesn’t really have anywhere to travel, so could definitely hear it in high-pressure situations, whether we were on offense or special teams. Whatever it was. You could hear them and their fanbase did a great job. But it was an incredible experience.”
Andrew: How did the team go about preparing for that during the week?
Will: “Just incorporating it into our practice schedule. Having the noise and making sure that communication is on point, and we’re doing everything we need to to be successful for another Sunday.”
Andrew: Which was louder – the Superdome on Sunday or the Linc?
Will: “Always gotta go with the Linc. The fans of Philly are unbelievable. And even though they were at a little of a disadvantage, with it being open and the Superdome being a dome.”
Andrew: How comfortable are you now on kickoffs?
Will: “I feel great. Just taking advantage of the opportunities. And when I get some more experience under my belt, I think I’ll just keep on progressing and keep on getting better. And that’s the name of the game; seeing things and being able to look at film and just continue to grow.”
Andrew: What’s the biggest challenge in that aspect?
Will: “Umm…It’s different each week, and I think that’s what makes it special. The teams that we’re facing, they all have different philosophies. And each special teams coordinator is a lot different. The one last week, we knew he was gonna bring it to us. We knew he was gonna make us return it and just show that we could be more physical than them. So, yeah, just like I said, it’s different each week, being able to understand the differences. See kinda what that team’s philosophies are, and also being ready for anything new they have to throw your way.”
Andrew: Could you walk me through the punt block and how it transpired?
Will: “So, we’re lining up — I’m the P.P. [personal protector], so I call everything – I get my call in and then we get a creep from the left. And what that means is one of the gunners comes in and is now a part of the box. So, I hold it – I recall it – make sure that we’re all on the same page. Get it out, and it was a really good rush. One thing we’re seeing now is four wides, making it really hard to not stretch it. We had one guy cross Rick [Lovato]’s face, I picked him up, and we just couldn’t slide it down far enough. Should never happen, but it’s part of the game and like I said, just part of getting better. You look at that film, and get better from it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Andrew: How difficult was the communication, given how loud that stadium was? Did you have to do anything differently?
Will: “You know, we were on silent count all day. So, just making sure Rick [Lovato] not only get the verbal cues, but also something you can see, which was my hand. And being able to communicate, whether it’s having to step up and making sure all the guys are hearing what you have say. It’s a little bit like a quarterback in a sense; if you make a check, and someone doesn’t hear it, the play could go south. All 11 have to be on the same page. The same way for punt, the same way for all special teams. So, it was tough, but I think we did a really good job communicating.”
Andrew: When you’re on the sideline, Will, are you someone who players go to – or you go to – to say what you’re seeing?
Will: “I’m trying to pick up anything that I can. One, just to get the mental reps myself, so when I go out there I’m ready to go. And two, just to help the guys out in anyway that I can. Whether it’s something I see out of one of their players, or one of their pressures. I don’t know; just anything I could pick up on, get a tip on. You never wanna berade the guys with that – especially Saquon, who I know is so locked in – but if I have something that I think can help him, I’ll definitely go up to him and speak to him. [Running backs] Coach [Jemal] Singleton does a great job of pulling all the running backs aside, after each drive, just getting on the same page. Making sure that we’re understanding what they’re doing. So, he handles most of that. And if there’s anything, I’m not afraid to speak up and help them out any way that I can.”
Andrew: Apart from the mental reps, how do you prepare? How do you stay ready?
Will: “Just preparing like a starter each week. And that’s the mentality that you have to have at this level, especially when you’re not getting the reps, is to be able to understand that it could come at any moment. And you gotta be ready for it, because opportunities are few and far between in this league. So, just being ready for them and preparing like a starter during the week. So, I’m not in meetings daydreaming or worried about something else. I’m acting like I’m the guy going out there first. And that’s just how I’m always gonna prepare. Always be ready to go.”
Andrew: Given the injuries on offense, do you think you get the sense that you’ll have a larger role?
Will: “I hope so. We got a lot of packages and plays, but at the end of the day, I’m just taking advantage of the opportunities that come my way. You know, that’s my theme – I know I say it a lot – but that’s what the name of the game is at this level. In my position, where I am, we got Saquon Barkley, we got Kenny [Gainwell]. We got such a great running back room. So, for me, it’s just taking it all in and if my name and number is called, then just go out there and do my best and help the team win.”
Andrew: Last one. What’s one thing you’re looking to improve on from last week?
Will: “I didn’t miss any tackles last week, so that was a positive. Didn’t have any opportunities, but… [laughs]. I would say, this week, just really focusing on the protection of punt. It’s unacceptable to have a punt block at any time, for any reason. Especially with me as the P.P. I take responsibility for that in full. So, just being able to hone in on their philosophy and make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
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