As the NFL calendar shifts into the summer grind, two NFC franchises are already laying the groundwork for what they hope will be standout 2025 campaigns. The New Orleans Saints have officially begun their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, while the Philadelphia Eagles are entering a new offensive chapter with quarterback Jalen Hurts at the helm for a fifth season—this time under the watch of new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
While these two franchises are in different stages of development and expectation, both are taking pivotal steps this offseason that could define their trajectory for the upcoming year. Let’s take a closer look at the key storylines coming out of New Orleans and Philadelphia.
New Orleans Saints: A Season of Transition and Rebuilding Chemistry
For the Saints, OTAs mark more than just drills and early reps—it’s a chance to reset. Following a tumultuous 2024 campaign marred by inconsistency and injury woes, New Orleans enters 2025 with a renewed sense of urgency. Head coach Dennis Allen remains in charge, but there’s no denying that the seat is warmer now. Expectations are clear: improvement, identity, and results.
The Saints begin OTAs with several major questions still lingering. Quarterback Derek Carr remains under center, but how secure is his starting role after an up-and-down 2024 season? The coaching staff continues to back him publicly, but with a younger backup developing behind him, OTAs could become a subtle proving ground for leadership and consistency.
There’s also intrigue around the wide receiver corps. Chris Olave continues to shine as the team’s top option, and the addition of a rookie speedster from the draft gives Carr another deep threat. But the real excitement surrounds second-year wideout A.T. Perry, who’s been turning heads during spring sessions with his improved route-running and physicality.
On defense, the Saints are recalibrating. Veteran leaders like Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan continue to anchor the unit, but the emphasis is now on speed and youth. Look out for second-year linebacker D’Marco Jackson, who has been getting first-team reps and showing flashes of sideline-to-sideline range that the coaching staff loves.
The Saints' OTAs are also vital for developing cohesion along the offensive line. Injuries and rotations plagued the unit last year, contributing to the offense’s lack of rhythm. With a fully healthy group now back and working together, this period is key for re-establishing timing in both the run and pass games.
For New Orleans, OTAs are more than routine—they’re a statement of intent. The team knows it must show growth in every phase to remain competitive in the NFC South, especially with rising challenges from the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Jalen Hurts Era, Version 5.0
In Philadelphia, the storyline is less about rebuilding and more about evolution. Jalen Hurts enters his fifth season as the Eagles' starting quarterback—a milestone in itself, considering the position’s turnover across the league. But while Hurts has cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone, 2025 offers a fresh canvas under new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
The Eagles’ offensive identity has long been built around Hurts’ dual-threat capability, and Patullo isn’t looking to change that. Instead, he’s looking to enhance it. Sources close to the organization say the new offensive scheme will still feature heavy RPO (run-pass option) elements and designed quarterback runs, but with a sharper emphasis on pre-snap motion, play-action, and intermediate passing concepts.
The biggest change? Trust in Hurts’ arm. In past seasons, the Eagles leaned on a dominant run game and short passing to control tempo. But under Patullo, there’s an expectation for Hurts to push the ball downfield more often, utilizing the vertical talents of receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Tight end Dallas Goedert is also expected to play a larger role in the middle of the field, especially in third-down scenarios.
Hurts has reportedly embraced the changes, putting in extensive offseason work to fine-tune his timing and mechanics. His leadership, already a hallmark of his game, continues to be evident at OTAs, where teammates describe his presence as “coach-like.” He’s not just the face of the franchise—he’s its heartbeat.
Beyond Hurts, the Eagles are addressing key personnel shifts on offense. The offensive line remains a strength, but age and injuries have prompted a need for depth. Rookie lineman Tyrese Edwards has been a standout early in OTAs, flashing versatility and grit. His development could be crucial in keeping Hurts protected throughout a grueling season.
Running back D’Andre Swift, re-signed in the offseason, is also expected to see a heavier load, both on the ground and as a pass-catcher. His explosiveness offers the Eagles a valuable outlet, particularly against aggressive defenses.
On the coaching side, Patullo’s familiarity with the Eagles' culture—having served as a passing game coordinator in previous years—helps ease the transition. But make no mistake, this is his offense now. His challenge will be blending innovation with the continuity that made the Eagles contenders in recent years.
Different Roads, Same Goal
While the Saints and Eagles are at different points on the NFL hierarchy, both are using OTAs as a springboard. For New Orleans, it’s about regaining footing, establishing identity, and proving that last season’s struggles were an anomaly. For Philadelphia, it’s about staying ahead of the curve, evolving its offense, and continuing to compete at the highest level in a loaded NFC.
Fans from both cities will be watching closely as the offseason unfolds. There’s a long road ahead before Week 1 kicks off, but the foundations being laid in May may very well determine who rises—and who falls—once the real battles begin.
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