2014 Eagles: Chip Chip Chipadelphia
- Thread starter LondonSox
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By the way if people have questions or things they would like explained that might make an interesting football central article feel free to ask.
The pick Sanchez threw to Peppers was one of the worst reads I've ever seen. Here's the snapshot right before he threw it
I mean WTF. He just stood there directly in the way of the receiver Sanchez looks at the receiver, who he can barely see due to Peppers and then throws it.
Horrible.
Let alone the fact the screen looks pretty well set up
I mean WTF. He just stood there directly in the way of the receiver Sanchez looks at the receiver, who he can barely see due to Peppers and then throws it.
Horrible.
Let alone the fact the screen looks pretty well set up
Here's a gif of it
http://fat.gfycat.com/BitesizedBlackandwhiteLamprey.webm
Hmmm I can't get it to embed how do I do that please anyone?
http://fat.gfycat.com/BitesizedBlackandwhiteLamprey.webm
Hmmm I can't get it to embed how do I do that please anyone?
What the heck is the center doing there? He looks like he's blocking for a screen to the opposite of the play - he briefly engages the DT, then slides off like he's setting up the screen.LondonSox said:
It looks like it's meant to be a screen to me, but Sanchez never looks that way, instead he stares at his guy and Peppers and then throws it anyway.
This is the shit that made Jets fans into scarred humans
edit: if you look at that screen grab, it's not a bad position, at all. Peters LT has his guy off balance, the DT is not catching McCoy and they have 3 blockers and a WR vs 4 tacklers. That's likely a nice gain.
This is the shit that made Jets fans into scarred humans
edit: if you look at that screen grab, it's not a bad position, at all. Peters LT has his guy off balance, the DT is not catching McCoy and they have 3 blockers and a WR vs 4 tacklers. That's likely a nice gain.
Shady might be back, the juke in this play on the safety is his best stuff
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/EC1629C5F61148379395900272640_38aeec0b5e8.0.1.10135418610037748875.mp4?versionId=FLjtSqQ_O_mjAgbCNWrd7IVjMtVm1bn8
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/EC1629C5F61148379395900272640_38aeec0b5e8.0.1.10135418610037748875.mp4?versionId=FLjtSqQ_O_mjAgbCNWrd7IVjMtVm1bn8
My Preview for the game today is up on football central
http://soshcentral.com/nfl/eagles-at-cowboys-thanksgiving-day-preview/
http://soshcentral.com/nfl/eagles-at-cowboys-thanksgiving-day-preview/
I think the Eagles come from behind to beat a gassed Cowboy defense. Or they blow them out. Or get blown out.
I guess I really just don't know.
I guess I really just don't know.
I just think that the short week, the fact it's so key for the Cowboys (but not a must win for the Eagles) the home field makes the difference. But if the Eagles can get a fast start and make the cowboys throw it could be a blow out. The blow out for the cowboys i think is less likely.
Oil Can Dan said:
You would make a great stock market strategist. It might go up, or down, either in a large or a small amount.
I think this win in part exposes that the Cowboys are in fact not that great, good but not great.
The Eagles really clicked everywhere but the red zone, and that one fact saved it from being a very big score.
As I hoped the Eagles were able to be competitive versus the run without having to completely commit to that, and this was a coming out party for Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan. For the Eagles to play that well vs the run, while missing a key player at inside linebacker is impressive.
As soon as the pass rush could pin it's ears back it was dominant, and really the only odd things the D did was single covering Bryant on some third and longs early. Later Fletcher was getting safety help and let to one pick, and the overturned on a penalty other one too.
The Eagles one bit of luck was the recovery on the Sanchez fumble, if Dallas gets that and coverts it a big swing and Sanchez always has the risk of being one mistake for that scared second guessing himself version from Jets days (as we saw in Green Bay).
The stop in the red zone by the D after the McCoy fumble was both impressive and back breaking.
This was and is the model to beat the Cowboys, stop the run, get after Romo and score on their defense, which has been protected by the ball contract Dallas O.
The colts are going to be a test for the Cowboys and they have to win in Philly AND hope that Philly drops a game elsewhere. Huge win. First dominant road win vs a good team for the Eagles.
If the Eagles can win vs the Seahawks (who they match up well with, they are a run first ball control offense too, but less scary receivers and a much better D of course) then the Eagles are in a real hunt for a bye, and I think that's a big deal because Philly at home is going to be a really tough out. Look at Green bay, blowing people out at home, narrow wins vs the Vikings away.
The Eagles really clicked everywhere but the red zone, and that one fact saved it from being a very big score.
As I hoped the Eagles were able to be competitive versus the run without having to completely commit to that, and this was a coming out party for Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan. For the Eagles to play that well vs the run, while missing a key player at inside linebacker is impressive.
As soon as the pass rush could pin it's ears back it was dominant, and really the only odd things the D did was single covering Bryant on some third and longs early. Later Fletcher was getting safety help and let to one pick, and the overturned on a penalty other one too.
The Eagles one bit of luck was the recovery on the Sanchez fumble, if Dallas gets that and coverts it a big swing and Sanchez always has the risk of being one mistake for that scared second guessing himself version from Jets days (as we saw in Green Bay).
The stop in the red zone by the D after the McCoy fumble was both impressive and back breaking.
This was and is the model to beat the Cowboys, stop the run, get after Romo and score on their defense, which has been protected by the ball contract Dallas O.
The colts are going to be a test for the Cowboys and they have to win in Philly AND hope that Philly drops a game elsewhere. Huge win. First dominant road win vs a good team for the Eagles.
If the Eagles can win vs the Seahawks (who they match up well with, they are a run first ball control offense too, but less scary receivers and a much better D of course) then the Eagles are in a real hunt for a bye, and I think that's a big deal because Philly at home is going to be a really tough out. Look at Green bay, blowing people out at home, narrow wins vs the Vikings away.
Great, great win yesterday. Dominant effort, no injuries, and left no doubt on the field as to who the better team was. They can talk all they want about the rematch 10 days from now but I don't see a Chip Kelly coached team taking them or anyone else lightly.
I'm worried about the Seahawks game. That's a tough, physical team that's trending in the right direction. For as well as Sanchez played yesterday he's going to have to play even better to score on that defense, I think. The OL really seems to be rounding in to form over the past couple of games but this will be quite a test. I hope you're right and that they match up well. I can see us getting pressure on Wilson but he's so slippery I can already see him extending plays and burning our mediocre secondary for big plays.
Regardless of the outcome of the Seattle game I think the Eagles have the division all but wrapped up so long as they don't completely implode. They're one up on Dallas with four to play, and they have the head-to-head (1-0) and thanks to the Skins beating Dallas have the advantage on division record. If Philly beats Dallas in week 15 then it's a wrap, and even if they don't Dallas will likely need to win out to take the division.
Almost as important is that 1st round bye. They'll need to finish ahead of GB, who if they lose to NE Sunday Philly will have a one game lead on. If GB beats NE I don't really see a way for Philly to get #1 though. It's going to be a tall glass of milk to expect the Eagles to go into GB in late January and come away with a win, so go Patriots! Then there's the NFC West - AZ currently with only two losses and has the tie-breaker based on their win vs Philly. AZ still has games vs Sea & SF left though, and I personally don't think much of AZ going forward. But, if Philly beats Seattle it'll be tough for Seattle to overtake AZ. I guess we're looking for AZ to win the west with at best a 12-4 record while Philly wins out to go 13-5.
Lots of cart-before-the-horse there. Can't wait to see it shake out.
I'm worried about the Seahawks game. That's a tough, physical team that's trending in the right direction. For as well as Sanchez played yesterday he's going to have to play even better to score on that defense, I think. The OL really seems to be rounding in to form over the past couple of games but this will be quite a test. I hope you're right and that they match up well. I can see us getting pressure on Wilson but he's so slippery I can already see him extending plays and burning our mediocre secondary for big plays.
Regardless of the outcome of the Seattle game I think the Eagles have the division all but wrapped up so long as they don't completely implode. They're one up on Dallas with four to play, and they have the head-to-head (1-0) and thanks to the Skins beating Dallas have the advantage on division record. If Philly beats Dallas in week 15 then it's a wrap, and even if they don't Dallas will likely need to win out to take the division.
Almost as important is that 1st round bye. They'll need to finish ahead of GB, who if they lose to NE Sunday Philly will have a one game lead on. If GB beats NE I don't really see a way for Philly to get #1 though. It's going to be a tall glass of milk to expect the Eagles to go into GB in late January and come away with a win, so go Patriots! Then there's the NFC West - AZ currently with only two losses and has the tie-breaker based on their win vs Philly. AZ still has games vs Sea & SF left though, and I personally don't think much of AZ going forward. But, if Philly beats Seattle it'll be tough for Seattle to overtake AZ. I guess we're looking for AZ to win the west with at best a 12-4 record while Philly wins out to go 13-5.
Lots of cart-before-the-horse there. Can't wait to see it shake out.
My Eagles Seahawks preview on football Central
http://soshcentral.com/nfl/2014/12/05/eagles-seahawks-preview-battle-birds/
http://soshcentral.com/nfl/2014/12/05/eagles-seahawks-preview-battle-birds/
I wish I felt as confident as you do on this one. While I really like our run defense in general, I just see Lynch getting 5+ yards per clip and Wilson absolutely eating us up on the ground. And I see the old 'scramble away from the collapsing pocket/blitzes and land a bomb' play happening at least three times.
I think Philly will have the much better special team play, and I think the Philly offense will be able to move the ball on the ground, too, but I just don't see Philly winning this by 7. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see them winning the game by 1 or any other number. I think it'll be relatively close, but I think Seattle gets the win.
I think Philly will have the much better special team play, and I think the Philly offense will be able to move the ball on the ground, too, but I just don't see Philly winning this by 7. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see them winning the game by 1 or any other number. I think it'll be relatively close, but I think Seattle gets the win.
The defense didn't play bad. Lynch was OK but not dominant. Wilson was just excellent, they struggled in the first half RE the read option, but Wilson is a wizard, he runs back and forth buying time and the oline for Seattle did enough.
I thought the way the red called the contact in the secondary was bad but Eagles didn't adjust. They get playing by the rules for this season and Seattle just got physical as it wasn't being called.
I was pretty shocked that the Eagles oline was so beaten by the Seattle dline. That helped kill the running game without any extra men. This meant Sanchez had to be good to very good and he wasn't.
He was horrible running the read option himself.
The Jenkins drop in the 4th would have been interesting was a simple pick six and the Eagles d had got better. My hope would be that they could be better vs Wilson next time as they adjusted later.
But bottom line the team has issues in the secondary and needs a good qb. Sanchez is a back up and gives you a chance but he's no long term option.
Onto the Cowboys. This game will be better and Romo is unlikely to be hurt as badly with the long rest.
I just think the Eagles much up well with the Cowboys, can stop the run (they did well again vs a very good Seattle running attack). The Cowboys always have a chance vs a dodgy qb and a big play vulnerable secondary. But the Eagles at home should be favorite.
Big game again.
I thought the way the red called the contact in the secondary was bad but Eagles didn't adjust. They get playing by the rules for this season and Seattle just got physical as it wasn't being called.
I was pretty shocked that the Eagles oline was so beaten by the Seattle dline. That helped kill the running game without any extra men. This meant Sanchez had to be good to very good and he wasn't.
He was horrible running the read option himself.
The Jenkins drop in the 4th would have been interesting was a simple pick six and the Eagles d had got better. My hope would be that they could be better vs Wilson next time as they adjusted later.
But bottom line the team has issues in the secondary and needs a good qb. Sanchez is a back up and gives you a chance but he's no long term option.
Onto the Cowboys. This game will be better and Romo is unlikely to be hurt as badly with the long rest.
I just think the Eagles much up well with the Cowboys, can stop the run (they did well again vs a very good Seattle running attack). The Cowboys always have a chance vs a dodgy qb and a big play vulnerable secondary. But the Eagles at home should be favorite.
Big game again.
Foles was supposedly close to returning, but won't play Sunday. At least that's what I heard on a WIP update this morning.
LondonSox said:
Amen to the bolded.
The Eagles are an interesting team. They're a team that can beat the bad teams and compete against good teams, but not really ready to compete for a title. They're going to have to find their QB before they're ready to take that next step though, and that's not an easy thing to do obviously. The most troubling thing about the 2014 season is that it didn't allow for a clear direction at the QB spot. Foles was very bad while he was in there, but the OL was in shambles. The OL solidified and Sanchez looked like an actual QB for a spell, but it's pretty clear that he's at best a backup QB that can fill in for a game or two but he doesn't have the ability to beat above-average defenses. I still don't know who Nick Foles is. He's not the All Pro from 2013, but I don't think he's as bad as 2014 Foles was, either. Unfortunately I'm not sure if Chip knows yet either.
The defense has actually been a pleasant surprise, in my opinion. Yes, their CBs are not good at all, and they need to address that, but the front seven has been outstanding. I think we saw Kendricks emerge last season, but Fletcher Cox has been downright awesome all season and is their best player going forward. They need serious help at CB, at least on S, and an ILB upgrade over Ryans/Mathews for next year, but all in all I think their defense has taken a big step forward this season.
As for the rest of 2014, it seems that it all comes down to the Cowboys vs Indy game this weekend. Cowboys blow that, or somehow lose to Washington (in what will be their Superbowl no doubt), then the Eagles are in and I guess anything can happen. But all in all year 2 in the Kelly era will be one where the team dealt with a lot of injuries, did what they were supposed to do vs bad teams, and lost to the teams that are in a tier just above them. All they need is a QB, two CBs, a S, maybe a Mike and perhaps a WR that can get deep. Get it done, Chipper!
I think your assessment of the defense is mostly correct (Fletcher Cox really is an absolute monster). Where I think it falls short is that you don't take into account the scheme. It's an extremely aggressive defense - though not one that blitzes a whole hell of a lot - and leaves the cornerbacks on an island. Unless part of the revamping of the defense includes a time machine to roll the league rules back to 1994, they're going to have a really hard time building up the kind of secondary that would be necessary to shut down a high-powered offense. Cary Williams could have gotten away with a whole lot more than he did last night if he'd played 20 years ago. That's not the case in today's NFL, but he had to be that handsy because the corners weren't getting a ton of safety help. Better personnel can't hurt, but as we've seen from Dallas, accumulating a ton of bodies in the secondary isn't necessarily the recipe for success. That defense will look great if they're harassing the quarterback all game, but if they're not, the secondary will always be extremely vulnerable, regardless of who's playing cornerback.
I get that it's part of Chip Kelly's overall philosophy to always go balls to the wall, but with an offense that can seemingly score at will, perhaps a more bend-but-don't-break style of defense would serve them best? Sure, teams would grind the clock into oblivion, but they don't seem to be too terribly concerned with that, even as currently constructed. At least then they would be holding teams to field goals, rather than giving up touchdowns. This would be kind of the reverse of the 2000 Ravens model, if you will.
Or maybe I'm full of shit?
I get that it's part of Chip Kelly's overall philosophy to always go balls to the wall, but with an offense that can seemingly score at will, perhaps a more bend-but-don't-break style of defense would serve them best? Sure, teams would grind the clock into oblivion, but they don't seem to be too terribly concerned with that, even as currently constructed. At least then they would be holding teams to field goals, rather than giving up touchdowns. This would be kind of the reverse of the 2000 Ravens model, if you will.
Or maybe I'm full of shit?
Bosoxen said:
They do blitz a reasonable amount, and they show blitz a lot more again and back out, they do a really good job creating one on one match ups for the pass rushers.
They don't run blitz a lot because the D-line is really really good. Logan and Thornton are both excellent vs the run and Fletcher Cox is a flat out stud. They play the run really well without loading the box, but they leave their secondary (who aren't good enough) on an island way too often. Which also implies they blitz.
More simply.https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/04/07/team-blitzing/ They are 7th in blitz percentage
Williams is solid actually, but the rules changes have hurt him. Fletcher has been a tire fire, and the safety opposite Jenkins has also been a rotating tire fire. Jenkins is a nice player but can't cover that kind of mediocrity
What I really don't understand is EVERYONE knows this. EVERYONE knows the secondary sucks. YEt you see Fletcher single covering Bryant. And they had space and there were good corners around this offseason, Revis, Talib etc.
I have been a bit disappointed with the lack of adaption to the talent. The scheme is solid enough, In Logan, Cox, and KEndricks they have young studs to build around and BArwin is great as is Jenkins, if not superstars.. The early returns on their 1st round pick Smith just ugh. Brutal.
They need a safety and two corners. That's a lot. But the line is good and the linebackers look ok too (big improvements from the adjusting 3-4 ex DE not OLB this year)
I agree Kelly goes balls to the wall, he wants sacks and turnovers, and will give up big plays, and I'm sure the idea is that they will be solid in the red zone. That's the scheme, the corners are less exposed the run D stays solid. The talent just isn't there.
ANd the offense just ain't all that this year. They are nothing special, the turnover.... they RANK LAST LAST in give aways. Last! Worse than the Jags. And they have 9 wins. IT's crazy. IF they had a shit QB who didn't turn over the ball they'd be probably set for a home bye. Philly is 16th in offensive DVOA which is not impressive. Shady hasn't been himself, but above all the Eagles need a QB.
We'll see how this goes. With a solid average QB (not a top 5-10 guy) I think they'll be right there. The D is probably 3 guys from being really solid (despite all the issues in the secondary 7th in defensive DVOA).
You can find corners. QBs..... now that's an issue. And Kelly is too damn good to lose enough, without a freak season, to get a high pick. So he needs to find something. I think he has done this. But... That's the holy grail in the NFL. Assuming he can is nuts.
So next year I expect the EAgles D to be really good, depending on who they get back there, and under rated due to the yards per game and points etc. The offense will be above average and that means competing for the playoffs.
But you ain't winning it all without a QB. And yes I know there are exceptions, but they are exceptions. And Foles last season was good enough, but only elite guys are consistent.
I defer to you guys on that. I've only seen two Eagles games from start to finish, so I'm by no means an expert. I was just making an observation of what I've seen of my limited exposure. It could be that was just the scheme of choice against the Cowboys.
Regardless, I'm not looking forward to seeing Fletcher Cox twice a year for the next decade.
Regardless, I'm not looking forward to seeing Fletcher Cox twice a year for the next decade.
Yeah and I hope that came across as helpful (if grumpy).
I've enjoyed our conversations this season.
They have had some hits and misses they traded up for Cox. Great move. They traded up and got Graham, when EVERYONE thought they were going to take Earl Thomas. Eh. Not so great.
Johnson. Good. Watkins. Dog poop. Etc.
I've enjoyed our conversations this season.
They have had some hits and misses they traded up for Cox. Great move. They traded up and got Graham, when EVERYONE thought they were going to take Earl Thomas. Eh. Not so great.
Johnson. Good. Watkins. Dog poop. Etc.
What do you guys expect Kelly to do at the QB position? Do Eagles fans expect him to draft somebody to at least push Foles? I have a hard time seeing him spending the draft assets to move up for Mariota or Winston if they both go Top 5 (which isn't a guarantee, look at what happened to Bridgewater last year). But there are some other interesting guys who may enter the draft like Brett Hundley (pretty much a lock to enter) and Connor Cook (may still in school).
If they could get mariota they could. If anyone might mortgage the future for their guy, it's the guy who coached him but I don't see it. If for some reason he dropped, say he got hurt in the combine or something. Maybe. But wish upon a star stuff.
Foles is going to be the starter next year I think. His 2013 and lack of better options makes this the most likely. He's not as good as he looked then, but I don't think he is a turnover machine of 2014.
I think they will be around any reclamation project. I can't imagine cam coming available but if he's beat up and average next year. Could he be. Maybe.
More likely is an RGIII type. Esp if they think Barkley can be a backup. If not they don't really have an ability to take on a lottery option.
Most likely he takes a qb he likes at some point that he sees something in. His college history suggests he has found talent in people others looked away from. I am dubious this works in the nfl, again unless you can stash him as your third qb and teach. But again that means giving up on Barkley or that he can be a primary backup. Ugh.
Basically I think it's foles, and Kelly is watching everyone everywhere.
By all accounts the Eagles were going to take Wilson in the third if the seahawks hadn't. They took Barkley when he dropped and foles was a later pick himself.
I think getting a star qb late in the first isn't likely to go well. I think late or if someone drops they could trade up. They have done that a lot in the past. Lot easier to trade up to 12-15 than 1-3.
This season is setting up to suck. 10-11 wins miss the playoffs and get a shitty draft pick. Worst of all worlds.
Foles is going to be the starter next year I think. His 2013 and lack of better options makes this the most likely. He's not as good as he looked then, but I don't think he is a turnover machine of 2014.
I think they will be around any reclamation project. I can't imagine cam coming available but if he's beat up and average next year. Could he be. Maybe.
More likely is an RGIII type. Esp if they think Barkley can be a backup. If not they don't really have an ability to take on a lottery option.
Most likely he takes a qb he likes at some point that he sees something in. His college history suggests he has found talent in people others looked away from. I am dubious this works in the nfl, again unless you can stash him as your third qb and teach. But again that means giving up on Barkley or that he can be a primary backup. Ugh.
Basically I think it's foles, and Kelly is watching everyone everywhere.
By all accounts the Eagles were going to take Wilson in the third if the seahawks hadn't. They took Barkley when he dropped and foles was a later pick himself.
I think getting a star qb late in the first isn't likely to go well. I think late or if someone drops they could trade up. They have done that a lot in the past. Lot easier to trade up to 12-15 than 1-3.
This season is setting up to suck. 10-11 wins miss the playoffs and get a shitty draft pick. Worst of all worlds.
Fair.soxfan121 said:
Though until Dallas the only truly horrible start was Seattle and we'll they are doing it to a lot of people.
Sanchez @ Dallas was good. If he lays an egg Saturday maybe they will try it. Ugh. I'm fully expecting Beckham Jr to be single covered by Fletcher and score three TDs.
Edit in two weeks of course. The Eagles cannot lose to RGIII Washington.
By the way that Eagles rush D (without Ryans) 31 carries for Murray for 81 yards or 2.6 yard per carry. That's some seriously solid work.
He's been held under 4 yards a carry twice in the season, both by Philly. Arizona? 4.2. Seattle? 4.0
I'm trying to focus on the positives because if I think about Fletcher on Bryant or Sanchez my brain melts and I'm really sick so it might actually leak.
But the d-line is VERY young and VERY good and Kendricks is a stud too. He is a talented blitzer, good vs the run, athletic enough to play decent in coverage and even enough to spy wilson, (Wilson had one read option run for a TD for 26 yards which Kendricks wasn't involved in. Otherwise he was 9 for 22 or 2.4 yards per rush which compared to the season of 7.1 is pretty damn good)
I really do think the Eagles have the front end of a really good D, which is a BIG change from two years ago and not supposed to be Kelly's expertise.
He's been held under 4 yards a carry twice in the season, both by Philly. Arizona? 4.2. Seattle? 4.0
I'm trying to focus on the positives because if I think about Fletcher on Bryant or Sanchez my brain melts and I'm really sick so it might actually leak.
But the d-line is VERY young and VERY good and Kendricks is a stud too. He is a talented blitzer, good vs the run, athletic enough to play decent in coverage and even enough to spy wilson, (Wilson had one read option run for a TD for 26 yards which Kendricks wasn't involved in. Otherwise he was 9 for 22 or 2.4 yards per rush which compared to the season of 7.1 is pretty damn good)
I really do think the Eagles have the front end of a really good D, which is a BIG change from two years ago and not supposed to be Kelly's expertise.
I don't understand their love for Fletcher. Seems to be because he works hard and has a great attitude, but the reality is that he's a limited player and likely always will be. Adjustment wise - yeah, they finally put Williams on Dez but it was just too late. With Dallas though you sort of have to pick your poison. I think they were giving whichever CB was on Dez help early but then Novacek was killing them on those third downs. So, adjust and focus on him and BOOM - Dez is eating you up. Thank God their D is strong enough against the run that you don't have to drop 8 in the box each time to contain Murray, but still - with a healthier/more rested Romo that was it.LondonSox said:
Further on the first bolded part and to Bosoxen on the CBs - how great would it be to have Revis back there? If he were a free agent this offseason I'd be pissed if they didn't make a strong run at him. Are there any stud CBs available this offseason? Maybe not at Revis' level, but someone? Anyone?
On your second point - couldn't agree more. The offense was completely and totally shut down by SF, and again by Seattle. Those aren't the Little Sisters of the Poor, but I mean they were just dismantled. SF is on Foles. Yes, the OL was patchwork to an extent, but all teams have injuries. Seatlle was on Sanchez, and he's not the long-term answer. But regardless and aside from those two games, the offense has to be considered a disappointment this season. Not sure if it's a matter of the league adjusting to Kelly, the injuries, the lack of DeSean stretching the field, or what.
I've never been less enthused about the Eagles being 9-5 before. Very weird.
The offense has been disappointing but I really think it's been a case of bad QB play, turnovers and oline injuries. The QB part is a big issue.
I think they feel Fletcher is the best of a bad set of options. That seems to be because Boykin and Carroll have roles that the Eagles value them for. I disagree, you need to see what Boykin can do, is he REALLY going to be worse? But I will say he's not been the same since he hurt his hamstring and that might be why. He certainly hasn't been as good.
I'm just trying to focus on the fact that in 2 years they have totally transformed the D, and it's a talent issue. It's hard to build a whole side of the team quickly. The lack of talent shows too, Allen was supposed to help Fletcher on at least on of the touchdowns but can't get there. He's the single high safety and the other side of the field wasn't threatened deep. He's got to help.
The goal this season is a stud CB or Safety, and a very good player at the other minimum. But that's been the case for 4 years plus.
I'm genuinely enthused about the front of the D. If you're set on the lines you're better than many. Kelly's O hasn't been good enough, but I mean they still are in play with this touchover rate, the others in that area are fighting for the 1 pick.
I think they feel Fletcher is the best of a bad set of options. That seems to be because Boykin and Carroll have roles that the Eagles value them for. I disagree, you need to see what Boykin can do, is he REALLY going to be worse? But I will say he's not been the same since he hurt his hamstring and that might be why. He certainly hasn't been as good.
I'm just trying to focus on the fact that in 2 years they have totally transformed the D, and it's a talent issue. It's hard to build a whole side of the team quickly. The lack of talent shows too, Allen was supposed to help Fletcher on at least on of the touchdowns but can't get there. He's the single high safety and the other side of the field wasn't threatened deep. He's got to help.
The goal this season is a stud CB or Safety, and a very good player at the other minimum. But that's been the case for 4 years plus.
I'm genuinely enthused about the front of the D. If you're set on the lines you're better than many. Kelly's O hasn't been good enough, but I mean they still are in play with this touchover rate, the others in that area are fighting for the 1 pick.
Because he could be worse than Cutler recently? I mean that Saints d is awful and he was worse last week. At homeStitch01 said:
Cutler has been an interception machine this year. The Lions are tied for 2nd in the league in interceptions. I can see why they would think playing Cutler against Detroit is a bad idea.
Then again, it's Jimmy fucking Clausen. As much of a disaster as Cutler has a chance of being, I think he still gives you the best chance to win.
I guess $126 million doesn't buy as much as it used to.
Then again, it's Jimmy fucking Clausen. As much of a disaster as Cutler has a chance of being, I think he still gives you the best chance to win.
I guess $126 million doesn't buy as much as it used to.
Thank you Chip Kelly:
“Right now, we’ve only got nine wins,” Kelly said, via ESPN.com. “I mean, for us to think of questions like that, that doesn’t help us beat Washington. So I don’t really think about it. If we win 11 games and it’s not good enough to get in, shame on us because we didn’t win the right games. That’s the bottom line. That’s what this whole deal is all about and we know it going in.”
(emphasis added).
Nobody wants a sub .500 team in, but it is what it is.
“Right now, we’ve only got nine wins,” Kelly said, via ESPN.com. “I mean, for us to think of questions like that, that doesn’t help us beat Washington. So I don’t really think about it. If we win 11 games and it’s not good enough to get in, shame on us because we didn’t win the right games. That’s the bottom line. That’s what this whole deal is all about and we know it going in.”
(emphasis added).
Nobody wants a sub .500 team in, but it is what it is.
Kelly is not one to whine or complain. I like the attitude, and frankly the media will do more than enough to blow up the "outrage" than the team could or should. It is what it is, it will still suck.
Kelly's response is obviously the correct one. Absolutely nothing for him to gain by addressing the topic in any other way.LondonSox said:
I will say I will be interested to see how the fans and media would respond if an 11-5 Eagles team doesn't make the playoffs.
When the 11-5 2008 Patriots missed the playoffs most people in New England and around the country sort of shrugged. With Cassel at QB most of the region had sort of tuned out, and the rest of the country followed suit.
The Eagles situation would be somewhat different in my mind, especially if Foles returns and plays well in the next week or two, and I would expect there to be some additional conversation.
I think the only potential difference this time is that the 4th division winner may have only 6 or 7 wins. If the saints get to 500 and win the division then i think a lot of noise will die down. If winner is 6 win panthers say, I think that will generate a lot of ill will.
Bottom line for the outrage outside Philly will be on who got in, not who missed out. It's that which will lead to any change, Philly missing out will be less of an issue than who gets in and gets a home game to boot.
The tone of most coverage is already depressed, most people have given up, which seems a bit early. The colts are a decent team and the cowboys haven't been good at home and there's the Murray question. Plus the Lions and Packers play still so both need to win (admittedly not hard games) this week too. Seattle doesn't look like stumbling but they need to win both games to be sure. The cardinals also if they lose to Seattle could have a must win vs the niners.
So I'm not giving up, but I do agree with a lot of the sentiment which is that who cares if they get in with no QB and no secondary they aren't beating the packers or Seahawks etc. I'd like to make the playoffs and see what happens. You never know, the Packers are always a Rodgers hit from average for example. Plus Foles would likely be ready for the playoffs he clearly has hot streaks in his possible outcomes, if Flacco can do it ....
Bottom line for the outrage outside Philly will be on who got in, not who missed out. It's that which will lead to any change, Philly missing out will be less of an issue than who gets in and gets a home game to boot.
The tone of most coverage is already depressed, most people have given up, which seems a bit early. The colts are a decent team and the cowboys haven't been good at home and there's the Murray question. Plus the Lions and Packers play still so both need to win (admittedly not hard games) this week too. Seattle doesn't look like stumbling but they need to win both games to be sure. The cardinals also if they lose to Seattle could have a must win vs the niners.
So I'm not giving up, but I do agree with a lot of the sentiment which is that who cares if they get in with no QB and no secondary they aren't beating the packers or Seahawks etc. I'd like to make the playoffs and see what happens. You never know, the Packers are always a Rodgers hit from average for example. Plus Foles would likely be ready for the playoffs he clearly has hot streaks in his possible outcomes, if Flacco can do it ....
From IgglesBlitz:
Comparing anyone to Belichick is really not fair, but I have to say I agree with the above. I'd love to see the Eagles get close to where the Pats are able to identify the other teams best weapon and then scheme to neutralize it. Not sure that's possible with the personnel they have at the back of the D today, but I think that's a worthy goal to shoot for. I've been impressed with Bill Davis to date but not sure if he's the right guy to get the D to that next level. It just seems that the defensive gameplan is the same each week - let the front seven neutralize the running game, then hope you can generate pressure on the QB before he can pick on your below-average secondary. That'll work vs the bad teams, but not against a Rodgers, Brady, Manning led offense.
http://igglesblitz.com/2014/12/does-the-system-work/
Comparing anyone to Belichick is really not fair, but I have to say I agree with the above. I'd love to see the Eagles get close to where the Pats are able to identify the other teams best weapon and then scheme to neutralize it. Not sure that's possible with the personnel they have at the back of the D today, but I think that's a worthy goal to shoot for. I've been impressed with Bill Davis to date but not sure if he's the right guy to get the D to that next level. It just seems that the defensive gameplan is the same each week - let the front seven neutralize the running game, then hope you can generate pressure on the QB before he can pick on your below-average secondary. That'll work vs the bad teams, but not against a Rodgers, Brady, Manning led offense.
I would say at a broad level that there are gameplan teams and system teams, though obviously it's more of a spectrum than a dichotomy. I would guess that the Patriots under Belichick are the most extreme gameplan team in football, willing to radically change their offensive or defensive scheme week to week. Many other teams, even well-coached teams, have a "we do what we do" philosophy and don't vary things much, preferring to focus on execution. My understanding is that Kelly is more of a system / execution guy; they're not going to change things up a ton but they use their high-tempo practices to get a lot of reps so they can execute at a high level.Oil Can Dan said:
It is surprising how many successful, well-coached teams really don't vary what they do very much. I suspect that this is part of the reason for the Patriots' disproportionate success against certain teams, like Pittsburgh and Manning's Colts / Broncos - a gameplan-based team has an edge over an execution-based team of similar quality.
That's right sorry their worst case is 11-5 and they have the tie breaker over just about everyone. That Eagles cards game was probably the poster child for the issues of this team. The QB had 2 ints, and Huff a fumble. 0/3 in the red zone. Two huge blown secondary plays (80 and 75 yards for touchdowns). Cards had 400 yards of offense, a huge percentage in those two plays. Basically all the issues of the team in a narrow loss on the road. They win that game (which could ahve been done in a bout 5 different ways, they're still leading the NFC east and in great shape. Sigh but there it is, the secondary is vulnerable to big plays, they turnover the ball and are poor in the red zone.Stitch01 said:
Bosoxen said:
Well not this year. There are 6 teams whose records are a clear notch above the rest in the NFC. Dallas, Philly, Seattle, Arizona, Green Bay, and Detroit. San Francisco is now dropping off but were the 7th.
One of those teams is missing the playoffs, probably with 10 or 11 wins and the chances are no one else will be above 500
But yes whoever misses out is going to have a lot of close misses that would have made the difference.
So bit odd but after Tom gamble, supposedly chip's buddy and choice for the personnel scouting etc area was fired there were all sorts of (bad) rumors about Kelly losing a power battle with gm Howie roseman.
Was he about to quit???
Nope. Kelly now has full control over the team. Roseman has been promoted out of the way, and given he always wanted more respect for his scouting he clearly won't be happy. He's a great contract and cap guy, and has helped keep the Eagles always healthy there. His talent spotting? Eh unknown.
Kelly is tasked with hiring a personnel expert. Talent spotting etc. So Er like gamble.
What's weird is why was gamble fired? Either Kelly didn't like him after all, or after the firing he made a power play to lurie the owner, and won. If gamble comes back that would be clear. But that seems unlikely. He now essentially has belichick powers.
We shall see how he does with that. I have my concerns. He was horrible or joking on the last draft. He said he wanted to take de (Oregon grad) Taylor Hart in the 3rd round. Ugh. Roseman told him he would be available later. And not only was he, he barely made the team usually non dressing. He was reportedly good in camp, and it was more due to really good play from others than failure.
There is also the matter of first round pick Marcus Smith II who barely played. Who was responsible for that pick? Well apparently everyone agreed so eh. Who knows.
Who decided the secondary didn't need an upgrade despite Talib and Revis being available and the Eagles, as usually with cap space? We just don't know. Now we do. It's all on Kelly.
Now I will say he was a great talent recruiter at Oregon. Eg mariota was not at all a highly recruited guy, and Kelly got him after Jonny football changed his mind. Manziel did commit to Oregon at one point.
A lot of people mistakenly say Kelly always had recruiting advantages due to Nike money etc. Not true if you look at his classes they usually were far less regarded than others in the pac12 let alone the sec etc. Now the nfl is a different beast, but there some signs in udfa making the team.
What is clear is he's a good coach. Players nearly all improved in each of his years, and almost no one underperformed expectations.
We shall see. I love Kelly. Before he joined the Eagles even. There is almost no one I'd rather have coaching my team long term (many of the obvious other choices are aging and happy where they are). Do I want him as my gm? I don't know.
Was he about to quit???
Nope. Kelly now has full control over the team. Roseman has been promoted out of the way, and given he always wanted more respect for his scouting he clearly won't be happy. He's a great contract and cap guy, and has helped keep the Eagles always healthy there. His talent spotting? Eh unknown.
Kelly is tasked with hiring a personnel expert. Talent spotting etc. So Er like gamble.
What's weird is why was gamble fired? Either Kelly didn't like him after all, or after the firing he made a power play to lurie the owner, and won. If gamble comes back that would be clear. But that seems unlikely. He now essentially has belichick powers.
We shall see how he does with that. I have my concerns. He was horrible or joking on the last draft. He said he wanted to take de (Oregon grad) Taylor Hart in the 3rd round. Ugh. Roseman told him he would be available later. And not only was he, he barely made the team usually non dressing. He was reportedly good in camp, and it was more due to really good play from others than failure.
There is also the matter of first round pick Marcus Smith II who barely played. Who was responsible for that pick? Well apparently everyone agreed so eh. Who knows.
Who decided the secondary didn't need an upgrade despite Talib and Revis being available and the Eagles, as usually with cap space? We just don't know. Now we do. It's all on Kelly.
Now I will say he was a great talent recruiter at Oregon. Eg mariota was not at all a highly recruited guy, and Kelly got him after Jonny football changed his mind. Manziel did commit to Oregon at one point.
A lot of people mistakenly say Kelly always had recruiting advantages due to Nike money etc. Not true if you look at his classes they usually were far less regarded than others in the pac12 let alone the sec etc. Now the nfl is a different beast, but there some signs in udfa making the team.
What is clear is he's a good coach. Players nearly all improved in each of his years, and almost no one underperformed expectations.
We shall see. I love Kelly. Before he joined the Eagles even. There is almost no one I'd rather have coaching my team long term (many of the obvious other choices are aging and happy where they are). Do I want him as my gm? I don't know.
We don't know who did what in last years draft. But we do know that the 2012 draft was all Roseman.
I don't like this move at all.
I don't like this move at all.
From the non-Eagles perspective, I think Lurie made the right choice: give Kelly all the rope he wants and needs. Fans would rightly riot if Kelly leaves, so kick Roseman upstairs, tell him to bide his time and scout for the next coach/GM and give Chip personnel control and two more seasons to produce a playoff winner.
Yup I agree. No one really knows how good Roseman can be on the scouting side. But you don't gamble his maybe for Kelly. Or you don't if you're smart.soxfan121 said: