Eagles Pre-Training Camp Thoughts

With players reporting for Philadelphia Eagles training camp on July 25^th the start of their season is sooner than later. Last year was the first year that Eagles’ training camp was in Philadelphia since 1943 in which it was being held at Saint Joseph’s University. Last year was also the first year that Chip Kelly was the head coach. It is hard to believe that it has only been one season that Andy Reid has not been around in Philadelphia. It feels like forever ago because so much has changed during the new Chip Kelly regime.

Chip Kelly is a coach that knows exactly what he wants and has changed everything from the food in the cafeteria to the tempo of practice. More than anything he has changed the culture. This team is extremely likable. There is not one player that could even be remotely bothersome. Besides not having any baggage that come along with any of the players they are also one of the most talented teams in quite a few years. Looking back on the teams with Andy Reid it almost seems as if they had a fake sense of professionalism. 

The entire Eagles coaching staff is back for another year with the exception of Bill Lazor. Lazor was the Eagles’ QB coach who is now the offensive coordinator of the Dolphins. It is beneficial for the Eagles that their defensive and the offensive coordinator are back for consecutive years. After a year of playing in the system the entire Eagles’ defense is now adjusted to the 3-4 and everybody knows their role. They should be able to play as a more cohesive unit and be more effective. 

On the offensive side of the ball, there is no starting QB controversy. The fans and the organization are confident in Nick Foles’ ability under center. This year we will no longer see the agony of Riley Cooper doing screens. Maclin, Matthews, and Huff are much more proficient with screens. Like any spread offense in the screens will be a staple of the Eagles offense even more this coming season. Foles will spread the ball out to different receivers more than last year. Each player will have relatively similar total of yards. The opposing defense will not know who they will cover, that is if they can.

There are not many coaches to make the jump from college to the NFL. Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll are the rare few. During Pete Carroll’s 3^rd NFL season he won the Superbowl. So does that mean the Eagles have two are one more season away before their Superbowl season? Last season the only playoff team the Eagles faced was the Packers and it was without their starting QB. The Eagles starting players will be the mostly the same as last year except for Jackson. This way the young players that they drafted are able to develop without being rushed. Of course this is barring any injury or suspension. The newly drafted players of the Eagles will see valuable playing time though through being role players. The goal is by the end of the season comes around they will be getting more minutes because their role has grown as their play does.
-Glen