Even though the Eagles had the same record in the two
seasons that Chip Kelly has coached the Philadelphia Eagles of 10-6, they are
expected to go into the playoffs with a 12-6 record. Last year, the Eagles two
biggest struggles were giving up deep passing plays and turning the ball over.
If those two issues are fixed this upcoming season, they can easily be
Superbowl contenders.
When Chip Kelly came to Philadelphia, many football fans thought
he would take more chances out on the field. The fans that used to watch the
Oregon Ducks play under Kelly are shocked that he has not tried to convert on
fourth down more often. In Oregon, Kelly gambled on fourth down more often than
he has in Philadelphia. The major difference between Oregon and Philadelphia is
that he trusted his defense in Oregon. Throughout the two years Chip has been
in Philadelphia he has not trusted his enough to take chances.
If the Eagles do not give up large chunks of yards on one
play, Chip will be able to trust his defense. Without giving up large plays,
the Eagles head coach will be able to take more chances on fourth down. It is a
shock that these large plays were even able to occur because of how many times
the Eagles’ defensive line rushed the opposing the quarterback. The blame for
giving up big plays on defense last year can be put on the terrible play by the
corners. The Eagles had three cornerbacks on the field for more than 55% of the
plays, and now they are no longer on the team. Without Boykin, Williams, and
Fletcher the Eagles should have a secondary that can complement their strong
defensive front. After Philadelphia’s new defense learns how to play together,
they will hold their opponents to 24 points.
This season, Mark Sanchez is still on the roster, but at
least Nick Foles is not. Sam Bradford is now the Eagles starting quarterback.
The only reason he was available for a trade from the St. Louis Rams was
because he is returning from his second ACL injury. Each time he gets hit,
every Eagles fan and person in the organization will be holding their
breath.
Bradford should have not turn the ball over as much as the
Eagles did in 2014 because there will be less pressure put on him. Previous
starting quarterbacks under Chip Kelly constantly had the line of scrimmage
moved back because they played alongside LeSean McCoy. McCoy would dance around
in the backfield, and then be tackled for a loss. This season, the Eagles have DeMarco Murray
and Ryan Matthews, two running backs that are known for moving the line of
scrimmage forward. With the line of scrimmage moving forward instead of
backwards, there should be fewer turnovers on offense.
You have to love how unforgiving Chip Kelly is. He is not
complacent with the 10-6 record just making or barely missing the playoffs. The
Eagles head coach will make any changes. If he does not want a player on the
team, the player will no longer be on the team. That is why last year’s first
round pick; Marcus Smith has a good chance of getting cut. However, Smith will
likely survive because the lack of depth at the outside linebacker position.
It will be shocking if the Eagles do not make the playoffs
this year. Going into the season, they are a playoff team, and they have the
talent to develop to go even further. The Philadelphia Eagles have a top 5
offense in the league. With the rate that they can score points the Eagles are
going to be a team other teams will not want to face.
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