Chip Kelly Update: More Defensive Turnovers

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The typically astute Jimmy Kempski spotted an interesting number in his profile of JaCorey Shepherd, one of two cornerbacks the Eagles drafted in the sixth round: The most obvious takeaway from Shepherd’s tape is how many footballs he gets his hands on. In fact, Shepherd had more pass break-ups over the last two years than any other cornerback that was …

Just Duckin’ Around — Dion Jordan and Chip Kelly Reunion in the Works?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

We have all found out this offseason just how much of an “Oregon East” the Philadelphia Eagles have become under Chip Kelly, with the blockbuster trade for Kiko Alonso being the shining example of this. As Kelly continues to rebuild this team in his own image, the weeks that follow the draft could be just as interesting as the ones that …

Chip Kelly Update: of Eagles, Changes and Rumors of Change

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

We’re deep in the winter doldrums of football, unless you’re a fan of the Seahawks or the dirty, cheating Patriots. This weekend the Patriots defeated the Colts in the AFC championship game by a score of 45-7 (38-14 adjusted for inflation) — dan mentos (@DanMentos) January 21, 2015 Duck fans will remember Lane Kiffin getting caught with saggy balls too, …

Chip Kelly Update: Playing for Pride Now

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Philadelphia Eagles were openly discussed as a Super Bowl contender and ranked in the NFL’s top 4 after thrashing Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. The 9-3 overachievers were led by backup QB Mark Sanchez, an NFL laughingstock since his infamous “Butt Fumble” two Thanksgivings earlier, suddenly looking like the league’s most improved player. Then they played Seattle at home, the …

Chip Kelly’s Amazing Special Teams

Joe Kearns Analysis

Fans will not find football players listed on official rosters as gunners, wings or kick return blockers, but Chip Kelly went out of his way to ensure the Philadelphia Eagles have quality players at those positions. Newcomers Chris Maragos, Bryan Braman, Trey Burton and Darren Sproles are just a few of the players behind the transformation of the Eagles’ special teams …

Chip Kelly Update: The Boy King Dilemma

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Eagles begin preseason play against Chicago tonight, and the results don’t matter one bit — for the standings. Chip Kelly told a press conference that the starters will probably only play 10-15 snaps, as long as they look reasonably competent. (If they go three and out more than once, they’ll have to stay in a bit longer.) But these …

Chip Kelly Update: A Good Old-Fashioned Beat Down

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  No one knew how Chip Kelly’s Eagles would respond after an embarrassing 48-30 loss against 3-9 Minnesota.  The answer, it turns out, came in the form of stomping the living crap out of the Chicago Bears – a much better team – on national TV.  With a minute and a half left in the first period, Philadelphia had 21 points and 149 yards of …

Chip Kelly Update: Torn ACLs and Racial Incidents

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

feature photo by Jimmy Kempski Training camp finally opened for the entire Eagles team, and Chip Kelly faced adversity almost immediately.  First, injuries: not one but TWO ACL tears in the first three days, by #2 receiver Jeremy Maclin and newly acquired linebacker Jason Phillips.  Maclin is a big deal for the Eagles, despite criticism for softness (some call him “self-tackling”); …