Chip vs the World

Posted: July 13th, 2015 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 121 Comments »

Remember when “The Gus Bus” was a thing? Chip Kelly had spurned the Eagles. The team then talked to Brian Kelly, but he wasn’t ready to leave college football. Gus Bradley was the top assistant coach left on the market and the Eagles then talked to him.

The Eagles were probably going to hire Bradley, but a funny thing happened on the way to the forum (your first oddball reference of the day). Chip called the Eagles and said he wanted to talk to them again. That situation moved quickly and he was hired shortly after that.

Bradley then went to Jacksonville and became coach of the Jaguars.

I wrote my PE.com column on Chip Kelly and the other coaches of the class of 2013.

I’m glad we hired Chip. That was the ideal outcome for me. I’ve enjoyed having a different kind of head coach. Andy Reid was quirky in his own way, but he was a product of the Bill Walsh School of Thinking, from the playbook to how to handle the team. Kelly is in his own world, for better or worse.

Anybody out there wish the Eagles had actually hired Gus Bradley? Or someone else?

121 Comments on “Chip vs the World”

1 Media Mike said at 8:32 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I’m good with the Chip hire. I think Bradley would have been just as good (in a different way), but all in all I think we got the best guy for getting the team rolling again after things ground to a halt after an otherwise very successful era with Reid.
I’d be happier if we still had Chip…………..and the 4-3 D and Desean and Mathis, but we’ve all be through that.
To me the bigger question is how much better do the results need to be in the next three years to enjoy Chip for years 6 though 10 (or 15) of his time here.
2 Ben said at 9:44 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Well, if you ask me, Dynasty is the first thought that comes to mind.
3 RobNE said at 8:56 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I like Gus, but really what has he done? I’m not in the school that a good coordinator means that person can be a good head coach. And do we really think Gus built that defense, or Carroll?
I like Gus these are just counter points. I was really excited to get Chip and still am.
4 CrackSammich said at 9:25 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I wonder what he’d look like if everyone of the Jags draft picks didn’t immediately get injured. Bradley can only work with what he’s got, and at times, the Jags were about as talented as a good franchise’s scout team.
5 Ben said at 9:46 PM on July 13th, 2015:
True, but imagine if Chip chose Jacksonville and brought his Sports Science program there instead of Philly.
We would have been green with envy.
6 Bert's Bells said at 9:00 AM on July 13th, 2015:
Going into year three we have the benefit of some hindsight.
Of the available coaches is there anybody better? Arians? (that’s a joke) O’Brien wasn’t coming out -but I’d still take Chip.
Bradley’s done a fair job in Jacksonville, but they’re a terrible franchise so it’s difficult to compare to the situation in Philly.
7 SteveH said at 9:00 AM on July 13th, 2015:
Glad we got Chip but hard to judge Bradley either on his time in Jacksonville. Tough hand he’s been dealt, trying to turn that team around, and the injuries haven’t helped either.
8 Bert's Bells said at 9:02 AM on July 13th, 2015:
There’s systematic stink in Jacksonville. Bradley keeping the team moving forward is a feat in itself.
9 MattE said at 9:11 AM on July 13th, 2015:
If we don’t get Chip 2 years ago, and he heads to Cleveland (or wherever), then we end up with a top-5 pick in the draft and take Marcus Mariota lol, such is life.
10 wee2424 said at 9:30 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I think Chip would have stayed in Oregon over Cleveland. The way it played out towards the end it almost seemed as though it was Oregon or Philly.
11 tommy_the_k said at 2:29 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Chip liked the smell of Joe Banner even less than Howie. He was NOT going to Cleveland.
I think Chip is great. He is molding the team in his image. If he can get a QB(a big IF in the NFL), we can cheer him on Broad Street.
12 MattE said at 2:47 PM on July 13th, 2015:
….pending suspension might have made him check Cleveland out for 18 months lol
13 wee2424 said at 7:09 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Some don’t agree with me, but I think he has that QB in Bradord. Look at his numbers the last time he played. They are very good while being surrounded by a horrible cast and predictable coordinator. Let’s just hope he stays healthy.
14 Ben said at 9:49 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I got your back on this one wee, Bradford will make Chip look like a genius….ooops Chip’s already there.
But seriously, Sam was born to run this offense and I can’t wait to see him tearing up the NFC East to shreds.
SHREDS !!!
15 wee2424 said at 9:28 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I wanted Gus due to the state of the D at the time, not being familiar with Kelly, and a general fear of hiring a college coach. I was intrigued by Kelly though, and I’m very happy we got him over anyone else.
16 EaglesFan1 said at 9:34 AM on July 13th, 2015:
Being an Oregon and Eagles fan, I wanted Kelly. If not him then Gus
17 A Roy said at 9:57 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I’ll have the answer to that question at the end of Chip’s reign.
18 BlindChow said at 10:47 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I’m a bit baffled by your Gus-fluffing, Tommy…
You point out the win-loss record of course, but what “vision” has he brought to the team? (I don’t follow the Jags, so maybe he’s shown a vision that I’m not aware of–to me they look like JAT (Just Another Team).)
You also mention him building the defense–but the Jags’ defense was not very good last year, as far as I can tell. (They had an epic collapse against us, for one thing…)
And Blake Bortles a franchise quarterback? Has he shown anything that would earn him that distinction? (And more than, say, Christian Ponder in his first season?)
I remember there was one video released that made everyone think Gus Bradley would be the best head coach ever. I never watched it, so maybe that’s why it’s hard for me to give him the benefit of the doubt. And there is so much doubt surrounding that Jaguars team.
19 Bert's Bells said at 11:36 AM on July 13th, 2015:
“I don’t follow the Jags” Nobody does, they’re awful.
20 MattE said at 1:08 PM on July 13th, 2015:
If I was an exec for the Jags I would think of it as a stepping stone to a real company lol
21 Tumtum said at 11:50 AM on July 13th, 2015:
“Do your fucking job”… it was awesome. Go watch it. Makes me want to go hit someone.
22 tommy_the_k said at 2:30 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I heard Chip say that also, so now he really is my favorite coach.
23 Ben said at 9:55 PM on July 13th, 2015:
That;s okay Tumtum, we have all said and heard worse.
I prefer a f’ing every now and again anyway,
Bravo to you.
24 Mac said at 12:03 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Biologically speaking, it would be nigh impossible for you to keep up with a jaguar, but your keen sense of smell should make following one a possibility. This of course leads to the question of whether or not you should actually follow any jaguars, and in this exercise I think it is safe to say that you’ve made the right call by avoiding them.
25 A_T_G said at 8:58 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I followed a jaguar home from work today. I can’t speak to an odor, but the V12 makes them silky smooth and sneaky fast. It was tough to keep up.
26 MattE said at 1:07 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Seattle Bias
27 Ben said at 9:53 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Actually, when a team is that bad, it takes a few years to right the ship.
Give Gus another year or two and then judge.
I have been hearing really good things about that team and what they are trying to build over there.
Having said that, IMO Chip makes Gus look average at best.
28 BlindChow said at 9:58 AM on July 14th, 2015:
What “really good things” have you been hearing?
I believe you, but from what little I’ve seen, there just doesn’t seem to have been any tangible progress from year one to year two.
29 Tumtum said at 11:45 AM on July 13th, 2015:
I think Chip the coach is very good. He gets results and places a high value on players that are not just good football players but stand up, smart, committed players. Andy placed a high value on character as well, and it is good to see that remains. Chip goes even further though and requires a fanatical football addiction in his players. I don’t hate that either.
I like that he is all about doing his own thing. So often in the NFL coaches are all about copying what works. Sure Chip isn’t above that, but I love that he analyzes why it works, and if it is something that will work well for him. Every single coach in the NFL the year Chip was hired believed that if you win time of possession you probably win the game. I bet they question that now.
Chip the GM is much like Chip the coach. We are going into year 3 of Chip the coach and I think I have formed a solid opinion of his coach. I feel how I feel there. Chip the GM on the other hand is only a few months in. I can’t judge his draft for at least the next 6 months and really the next few years. Who knows how his acquisitions and cuts will work out yet? I do know that my early feelings on Chip the GM are not the best, but I do like that he is 100% true to his own philosophies.
I would of really liked the Gus Bus too. I think he could of done really well here. He took over a serious mess of a team and I think he has done as well as one could expect. That entire franchise knows nothing about winning. He could not have gone into a worse situation. Kubiak is considered to be a pretty good coach and look how long it took for him to turn the Texans into a respectable NFL team. I think Bradley had far less to work with when he took over the Jags. So yeah..
30 ACViking said at 12:33 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Don’t know about wanting a different coach.
But I’m betting that at night — alone with his thoughts and dreaming the same dream over and over — Gus Bradley sees himself at a lectern wearing a midnight green tie with Lurie and Roseman surrounding him.
And hearing Lurie say, “I’m proud to introduce Gus Bradley as the next head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.”
31 EaglesFan1 said at 12:51 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Up vote for using the word lectern. I learned something new.
32 MattE said at 2:23 PM on July 13th, 2015:
that’s what we are here for…. a growth mindset.
33 EaglesFan1 said at 2:29 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Haha I’m glad Chip would want us all then
34 RobNE said at 3:04 PM on July 13th, 2015:
nice reference! I added that to my Amazon wishlist. Actually buying and reading it may more growth than my immature self can handle.
35 BlindChow said at 12:53 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Gus Bradley stares into the mirror, splashing water over his face. Was it just a dream? Was his real life the nightmare?
“What’s the matter, sweetie?” calls a voice from the other room. Gus looks.
Jaxson de Ville, reclining sultrily in his teal neglige, pulls back the covers and pats the empty sheet beside him. “Come back to bed.”
36 ShadyCrockett said at 2:56 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I imagine it going something like this…
37 CrackSammich said at 1:06 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I’m sure Roseman is dreaming of that right now, too.
38 ACViking said at 3:08 PM on July 13th, 2015:
bah-da-bing!
nice one.
39 xmbk said at 3:17 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I like what Bradley is doing in Jacksonville.
40 ACViking said at 3:23 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Agree.
He has a Vermeil-like task on his hands.
41 RobNE said at 4:04 PM on July 13th, 2015:
he needs to have an open tryout!
42 xmbk said at 6:29 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Coupling Bortles with young receivers was a solid move. Drafted a couple of injured players, getting good value and knowing they were building for the long term. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them competing for a playoff spot in ’16.
43 Ark87 said at 12:45 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Firstly,
Tommy, your efforts during the NFL dead-season have been especially excellent this year, kudos to you. Thanks
As for the prompt of the The only coach that can be compared to Chip and might possibly end up having a better run as far as I can tell is Bruce Arians. He is our rival as far as I’m concerned. He’s one of those guys that is so easy to hate when he’s on another team, but I think he would have been beloved in Philly.
As far as I’m concerned Kelly and Arians are the only coaches worthwhile hired in 2012
44 Bert's Bells said at 12:53 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Arians whines about the refs. So Kelly’s a few steps up on him for that alone.
45 Ark87 said at 12:59 PM on July 13th, 2015:
If he was our coach and we were raging at the refs for what appeared to us for giving away a well-played game. Hearing him say he thought those calls sucked and he was going to let the league hear about it, we’d love him for it. 2 sides of a coin type thing. If he’s not our coach so he’s whiny and arrogant. If he is our coach he’s the gruff straight-talking SOB with serious swagger.
46 Bert's Bells said at 1:06 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Nope.
Complaining about the refs is always a loser move.
If he were coaching the Eagles I’d complain about him vigorously for that.
47 xmbk said at 3:16 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Yeah, because Philly is so known for getting behind their coaches. 😉
We’ll see how Arians does without Bowles. Whining over calls is a loser’s game.
48 Michael Winter Cho said at 1:22 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I was thrilled when we got Chip. That first season was a lot of fun. The last season, not so much. I just hope he can get the O going again. I want to see the Eagles rolling the NFL like Oregon did the NCAA.
49 Weapon Y said at 1:29 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I’m on the Chip Ship. After a month or two of doubt, I jumped on board and stayed there ever since. My initial preference was Mike McCoy due to his emphasis on the run game and incredible track record with QBs. Before I actually knew anything about Chip or Oregon, I just assumed their running attack was centered around the QB and they threw the ball 40+ times a game like an Air Raid offense. I thought that meant Vick would be here long term and vehemently did not want that. It turns out I agree with Chip’s outlook on the QB position far more than I expected, and I love the Spread-to-Run element of his offense. Chip’s choice of Shurmur as OC also helped me get on board, and signaled to me the offense had sound pro passing concepts (as Oregon does too. Far more than most college teams but still not as much as a pro team). I like the 3-4 scheme, but would’ve preferred a 4-3 Under hybrid at first. Now I love where the defense is headed, not to mention the focus on special teams.
50 Mitchell said at 1:31 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I’m glad Chip finally got a qb that he and he alone wanted. Nick and Vick were already here obviously and we don’t know how much Howie was involved with the pick of Barkley. I understand Sam may get hurt again but at least it’s more or less Chips project.
51 Weapon Y said at 1:51 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I loved Foles for his toughness and the incredible ride in 2013. I was blinded by how wide open DeSean got all the time and how good the OL was. Not to mention how absurdly bad opposing defenses were on a lucky schedule and the fact that the Eagles could have been getting 30+ PPG, not 20+. Bradford is light years ahead of both Foles and Vick in the passing game. A far quicker and better decision maker. His mechanics are also impressive. The Oklahoma years with an OC similar to Chip and his rookie year with Shurmur make me highly optimistic about Bradford.
52 ACViking said at 3:30 PM on July 13th, 2015:
2013 Eagles Offense, with healthy O-line:
46 sacks allowed on 554 passing plays.
2014 Eagles Offense, with battered O-line:
32 sacks allowed on 643 passing plays.
I wondered during the first half of the 2014 season whether Kelly’s emphasis on avoiding sacks impacted Foles’s effectiveness.
53 Weapon Y said at 3:47 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I do think Kelly pushed Foles to get rid of the ball faster. Foles did this and it reduced sacks, but it also made him more inclined to throw a dangerous pass. Bradford is definitely quicker at reading a defense than either Foles or Vick were. He gives you the upside of quick decisions without the downside of more risk.
54 ACViking said at 3:53 PM on July 13th, 2015:
W-Y:
I think you’re right abt Bradford . . . as long as Josh McDaniels is kept far away from him. Very far away.
55 RobNE said at 4:02 PM on July 13th, 2015:
let’s start planning the GD parade
56 Jarock said at 5:45 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I think his “I have to avoid taking sacks,” also led to his throwing some awful passes while bailing backwards. The single biggest difference I saw between 2013 and 2014 Foles was his constant fading backwards and then throwing extremely ill advised throws off his back foot.
I am not certain how much of the difference between 2013 and 2014 was due to the change in quarterback coach, but I saw a very different Nick Foles going all the way back to training camp. I hope he gets his !@#$ straightened out, because I’ll always appreciate the great run he had here in 2013.
I know most people are excited about Bradford in this offense, but I’m trying hard to take a wait and see approach.
57 RobNE said at 3:07 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I still tend to think most of the head coaches are only mediocre and that a few (looking at you Tomlin and McCarthy) are over ranked because they inherited a good team at the right place and time. I find it funny when people rank coaches and put all the new ones last. Really, when Chip was hired he was behind every single one of the incumbents. (looking at you Peter King) McCarthy loses play calling privileges and yet writers go on and on about how he gets so much out of that team. Give me a break.
58 ACViking said at 3:19 PM on July 13th, 2015:
You raise an interesting question about the list of “Great Coaches.”
Let’s say Denver fires Shanahan after the 1996 season and hires Buddy Ryan . . . Anyone think the Broncos, with Elway and Terrell Davis, still wouldn’t have been a SB threat? (A Buddy-proof offense, essentially.)
Or John Madden’s predecessor in Oakland, John Rauch — who led the Raiders to a 33-8-1 record over 3 season, including a SB loss and AFL title game loss — never resigns. Would anyone know of John Madden?
Or how ’bout this . . . Jimmy Johnson quits coaching the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones hires a former college coach who hasn’t coached a game in 5 years — and the guy then wins a SB and reaches the NFC title game in his first two seasons.
Seems that competing for championships is, ultimately, about the players. That’s a fair argument, at least.
59 MattE said at 3:42 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Power is nothing without control….(I work on mechanical control systems lol), i.e. Randy Moss, could have been the greatest WR in history, but only had a mediocre level of control…. you can have uber talented guys and no results (Romo-era Cowboys)….to me it’s more about balance I have systems that work great with just a few sensors/relays and other systems I have every single circuit under control and then some.
60 ACViking said at 3:46 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I’m thinking Chip Kelly’s team would not have gone 10-6 and 10-6 the past two years if it was JAX.
61 RobNE said at 3:47 PM on July 13th, 2015:
of course I agree, which makes the comparison so hard. But still if I were starting from scratch, by subjective opinion is I take Chip over Gus every time.
62 ACViking said at 3:50 PM on July 13th, 2015:
From scratch . . .
100% agree. Kelly over Bradley by 31 lengths.
63 MagsBestPlaceonEarth said at 8:11 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Now you’ve gone and made me tear up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V18ui3Rtjz4
64 RobNE said at 3:47 PM on July 13th, 2015:
that 3rd scenario could never happen.
to me it’s like if I were starting from scratch, or could replace this coach with that one, what would happen. I’d bet my house a whole lot of coaches could do as well or better than McCarthy. Chip Kelly for one. It’s a hard comparison b/c some guys are instrumental in building the program too like Jimmy Johnson and even Chip. So you can’t just move Jimmy to another team, but you can project that lots of people could figure out how to win with different guys.
This reminds me of that greatest QB article I posted the other day. the author was hammering Manning’s coaches. When you look at just how super incredible he elevates teams, and one SB win? He made the point that when Brady went down, 11-5. Manning goes down, they went like 2-14. My point isn’t about QB’s (though that’s fun) but that Manning’s coaches are all not that good.
65 ACViking said at 3:49 PM on July 13th, 2015:
In the post-1979 NFL, and even more in the Free Agency-era NFL, it’s all about the QB.
Manning on any team makes the head coach look good.
Mediocre-to-worse QBs can make good coaches look bad.
66 Avery Greene said at 3:50 PM on July 13th, 2015:
And I think the same goes for Rodgers.
67 ACViking said at 3:51 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Rodgers on the Eagles . . .
1. Andy Reid is still the Eagles HC.
2. Kelly’s already won 2 SBs.
(Do that math!)
68 Michael Winter Cho said at 3:56 PM on July 13th, 2015:
It’s something that makes me uncomfortable about the NFL. The QB should not be that important.
69 RobNE said at 3:58 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I agree esp b/c there aren’t nearly enough to go around. This really hurts parity.
70 RobNE said at 4:00 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I don’t mean parity like everyone has equal chance of winning the SB, just that everyone can pull themselves out of the cellar given the time and effort and a little luck. You need too much luck.
71 Michael Winter Cho said at 11:44 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I know what you mean. A team that does everything right, top-to-bottom, still isn’t going anywhere unless it lucks into one of the handful of those guys.
Wait, are we talking about Hinkie again?
😉
72 ACViking said at 3:58 PM on July 13th, 2015:
MWC . . .
On the same page.
The NFL’s become much like the NBA.
73 Michael Winter Cho said at 11:50 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I had this fantasy with Chip that he was going to figure out a way to win without good QBs, like exploiting a market inefficiency and picking up a few mobile guys and doing it that way.
74 Joe Minx said at 10:18 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Would anyone know of John Madden?
I still wonder what it would have looked like if he had never hurt his knee & actually played a game for us. Would John Madden ever have become John Madden then?
75 Avery Greene said at 3:38 PM on July 13th, 2015:
To be fair to Tomlin, the Steelers GM hasn’t been good to him over the last few years. Plus, Big Ben seems like a walking hazard zone, and very few teams win without their guy in the middle.
76 RobNE said at 3:54 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I think Tomlin had way more than his fair share of luck with the personnel and DC he inherited. For some reason he and McCarthy’s presence near the top of best head coaches irritates me.
77 Avery Greene said at 3:58 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I think of Tomlin as a good coach, not great. Good coaches can coach the talent around them, great coaches make them play better.
If I had a basketball reference, I’d use Phil Jackson. He’s considered great, but I’ve never seen him take an average team or average talent and make them great.
78 RobNE said at 3:59 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I agree Tomlin is good not great. But c’mon, he’s no Phil Jackson. The guy has like 32 rings.
79 Avery Greene said at 4:01 PM on July 13th, 2015:
He also had the talent. Greatest player (MJ), then had 2 top 10 all time players (Kobe, Shaq), and a decent supporting cast. Gasol, Pippen, Rodman, Cartwright, Kerr – I just don’t think he could have taken that Sixers team to the championship like Larry Brown.
80 ACViking said at 3:56 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Having a great QB masks so many other problems with a team.
Hard to know about Tomlin. Or Belichick, for that matter, if you take away the QBs who’ve made them winning head coaches.
One coach who won wherever he went without great QBs (in their prime, at least)?
Marty Schottenheimer.
Just not in the post-season — when great QBs may matter most.
81 Jason said at 5:22 PM on July 13th, 2015:
AC you are right as usual, although Schotty’s run with Bernie Kosar was the one exception to this rule. I’m not sure Brees was quite Brees yet at the beginning of his SD career.
82 MattE said at 3:44 PM on July 13th, 2015:
yeah not a big McCarthy fan and I know multiple GB fans who agree
83 Iskar36 said at 3:43 PM on July 13th, 2015:
That offseason, my short list of coaches was Chip Kelly or Mike McCoy. To me, McCoy was very appealing based on his track record with QBs. I think we all agree that this league is driven by QB play and having a coach that seemingly had success with every QB he worked with (and a wide variety of QBs) made a ton of sense. With Chip Kelly on the other hand, there was no denying the boom potential with him. You knew with him, you were going to get something different. My hesitance with Kelly was that along with the boom potential was the bust potential. Frankly, I think that is still true now, although less so with his scheme now and more so with his ability as a GM. No question Chip has provided exciting seasons for us, and I imagine McCoy wouldn’t have been as entertaining. Still, I would love to know how we would have faired had we hired him instead.
84 ACViking said at 3:47 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Great comment.
85 RobNE said at 3:57 PM on July 13th, 2015:
by the way, not a Phillies blog but you guys should watch Always Sunny in Phila episode where they argue in court about parking tix they got when the Phillies won the WS. Saw it again the other day, gets me every time. The letter to Chase Utley. The court room drama. This episode has it all, plus with a Philly angle.
86 Avery Greene said at 3:59 PM on July 13th, 2015:
That letter was classic.
87 RobNE said at 4:01 PM on July 13th, 2015:
from Mac:
Dear Chase I feel like I can call you chase because you and me are so alike. I’d like to meet you one day, it would be great to have a catch. I know I can’t throw as fast as you but I think you’d be impressed with my speed. I love your hair, you run fast. Did you have a good relationship with your father? Me neither. These are all things we can talk about and more. I know you have no been getting my letters because I know you would write back if you did. I hope you write back this time, and we can become good friends. I am sure our relationship would be a
real homerun!
88 Christian Fizia said at 4:36 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I just on purpose clicked on some ads on your site bc you need more money durring this time of “no news”.
Gus or Chip? Neither won anything? And Seattle is where it is because of some great late round picks. Take away Wilson and you have an average team struggling to find a starting QB.
89 MagsBestPlaceonEarth said at 8:02 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Without Wilson Seattle would still be a better than average team.
90 bill said at 8:22 AM on July 14th, 2015:
Without that great defense and Beastmode, Wilson would have two humiliatingly awful playoff losses on his record (Saints and Packers) instead of two SB appearances.
91 Sean Stott said at 6:12 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Chip Kelly is a lot of fun to be sure, but at this point he’s a guy who hasn’t won anything, regressed from his first year, and has blown up the majority of the starpower of the team. If he left tomorrow, this team could be in a worse spot than it was in 2012.
92 Bert's Bells said at 6:59 PM on July 13th, 2015:
He’s won 20 NFL games and 1 NFC East Division Title.
93 Midnight_Greenville said at 7:10 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I actually disagree with everything you have said. They have won 20 games in 2 years, whereas the team in 2012 won 12 in the previous two. They won one division title, hosted a playoff game. Their defense and special teams improved considerably from year one to year two, and they have made further improvements on defense from last year to this year. The offense struggled some last year relative to the first year, but still were top 5 in the league.
They didn’t regress last year, they won the same number of games playing a first place rather than last place schedule, missing their starting offense line for the entire year, and playing a backup QB coming off an arm injury in his first year in the system for 1/2 the year. If you believe a coach should have his players in place before he is judged, then he is really just getting started. Even if you don’t believe that, he won 75% more games over two years using essentially the same players from 2012 (minus the “star power”). If he left tomorrow, they would be a much better team than they were at the end of 2012; they would just be much worse off compared to yesterday when they had one of the most innovative coaches in the league who has a clear vision for what he wants his team to become.
94 Sean Stott said at 7:47 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Don’t get me wrong I’m a CK fan, but to act like he has already won stuff is not realistic. The offense wasn’t great last year, especially if you adjust to a per play average. The defense carried the team in several games. He won the NFC East when the NFC East looked about as shitty as the AFC South.
They also lost that 2013 playoff game (at home) to a Saints team that was a dumpster fire last year.
The team played less aggressively in 2014 than they did in 2013. They tried less 4th down conversions, they kicked field goals instead of going for it, and were outcoached and outplayed by Dallas in their second meetup. They were demolished by the majority of the top tier teams they played – got a lucky no-call against IND which essentially won them the game, put out 0 points of offense against SF (who, again, is closer to a dumpster fire than not), got manhandled by Seattle, were humiliated by GB, and lost a close game to ARI. I had to turn off the TV during the GB and Seattle games because they made me want to cry.
The 2014 draft gave us a WR to replace the one who we cut. Other than that it was a total waste of a draft.
This team is coasting on some good picks in 2012 and their #4 overall pick from 2013. They’ve had that luxury of Cox, Kendricks, Johnson, Ertz, Logan, not to mention Ced. Thornton. These players have been, for all intents and purposes, free salaries. In addition, they weren’t paying any QB big money, they had a, again, free salary with Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez.
Again, I am a CK fan so please don’t take me the wrong way. I just don’t think it’s fair to act as though he’s god’s gift to football at this point in time.
95 MagsBestPlaceonEarth said at 8:01 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Context. How many other teams looked bad against the Sea Hawks and Packers? Also suggest taking a look at how some other coaches have fared in their first season or three, before they went on to become legends.
96 wee2424 said at 8:58 PM on July 13th, 2015:
How many teams would do good missing their starting QB and the large majority of their OL and some backups?
Who cares if the Saints were a dumpster fire in 2014, because in 2013 when we played them they weren’t.
97 Midnight_Greenville said at 10:08 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I see what you are saying. They could have won that playoff game (likely should have won if not for the KR by Sproles followed by the 15 yard penalty on top of it). Yet, the Saints were actually a pretty good team at the time, and Brees was still Brees. The Saints collapse last year still baffles me.
They were far less aggressive last year, but who wouldn’t be when you don’t think your offensive line can get you a yard when you have to have it (or maybe you don’t think your RB will put his head down and get the yard), and when your QB won’t throw the ball more than 15 yards.
Again, maybe we were out coached by Seattle, by Dallas (game 2). But, it’s hard to know when you’re sending that O-line and that QB out there against Seattle’s and Dallas’ starters. I honestly think the 10-6 record, as flawed as some of the games were, is a testament to Chip’s coaching, not an indictment. Foles was wonky at best last year, but they managed to win virtually all the games he started. Yes, special teams and defensive TD’s played a big role. That’s still coaching, and Chip still gets credit for that in my book. If Dallas or Seattle (or Green Bay, or Denver, or New England for that matter) started their back-up QB for 1/2 the season, I don’t think they fare any better than we did last year.
I actually think it’s a little early to declare the drafts a bust, even though they may not end up being stellar, but again, Reid (Roseman) had essentially one good draft in the last 5 years of his tenure. Yes, we are reaping the benefits right now of that draft, but for the most part it takes time to develop talent in the NFL–it’s way too early to tell whether Chip can do that or not.
I was a huge Andy Reid supporter, and I’m not trying to minimize his accomplishments because he deserves a ton of credit for what he did during his tenure. But, I truly believe that Chip has what it takes to surpass what Andy did. Maybe I’m drinking the Kool-aid too much, but I think he’s actually accomplished a lot in 2 years so far, and I’m very optimistic about what the future holds.
98 RobNE said at 10:08 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I’d hate to read what you would have to say about him if you weren’t a fan of his.
99 Ben said at 10:09 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Oh by the way, God forgives you for not appreciating his gift to Football.
100 Mitchell said at 11:07 PM on July 13th, 2015:
It’s hard to judge a draft after only 1 year.
101 A_T_G said at 11:56 PM on July 13th, 2015:
First, kudos for “all intents and purposes” and not “all intensive purposes.”
I am disappointed to see the term dumpster fire preparing to flame out. When a trendy phrase goes from being reserved for only the most extreme situations to so common that we have forgotten less sensational alternatives, like bad or awful, and instead we feel the need to differentiate the proximity to dumpster fiery-ness, the phrase is on the down slope. I am a little sad; I liked that one.
Finally, well played duping Mitchel into admitting he wants his balls kicked by Parkey. I always thought that smile looked a little pervy.
102 MattE said at 1:02 PM on July 14th, 2015:
Simply put are we talking past success or future potential?…. I believe CK is still being spoken about in future tense, I literally HATE the statement “He hasn’t won anything so why are you acting like he has”….. no one said he won anything. It’s like seeing athletes actually on the field actually passing the eyes test, to me CK has passed the “eye test” coaching, GM’ing we will see.
103 MattE said at 1:03 PM on July 14th, 2015:
any other arguments are nit-picking/anecdotal evidence
104 Sean Stott said at 1:15 PM on July 14th, 2015:
I agree that he should be good for our future, and never disputed that. All that I did was point out a lot of our shortcomings, and tempered the CK fever.
Everyone (not really you but I don’t know who to reply to) is acting like I’m a goddamn Cowboys fan because I talk realistically about where this team is at over the past couple of years.
I hope we win the SB with CK in 2015. I think it’s totally possible, and I thought it was possible last year as well.
105 A_T_G said at 8:37 PM on July 13th, 2015:
Wow!
106 Ben said at 10:07 PM on July 13th, 2015:
The good news Snott, is that Chip is here to stay.
You remind me of an old saying that goes like this.
If you had a brain, you’d be dangerous.
107 Sean Stott said at 1:12 PM on July 14th, 2015:
You remind me of a logical fallacy called ad hominem.
108 Ben said at 8:45 PM on July 15th, 2015:
That’s pretty good that you can use words that nobody else uses. Kind of like your posts.
109 Ben said at 9:42 PM on July 13th, 2015:
I am the wrong person to answer to this post, but I can’t keep my mouth shut for any length of time so here I go.
I feel like Tommy feels, in that I wanted Chip over anyone else.
Now that he is here, I am ecstatic that Chip made that call before the Gus bus got rolling.
I am probably Chips biggest fan, with the exception of a few Oregon guys that followed him into the pros.
From the way our Eagles practice to their nutrition, the smoothies and sleep monitors.
There is like a kazillion reasons I can come up with on why I love this coach.
He knows exactly what he wants to do, and he doesn’t seem like a guy who will settle for mediocre in any endeavor he chooses.
I really think that Chip has already changed the game in a variety of ways.
The Hyper Uptempo of his offensive attack is Chips, especially at speed we run it.
The days he chooses to rest his players to what foods they should be eating.
All his quips, like “big people beat up little people” and ” F’ing score points, what’s your plan?”
When he says Culture beats scheme and the fact he truly believes it in his heart.
The way he keeps out of the public eye, to how awesome he is at every single presser.
The fact that he dedicates his entire life to the game.
His offensive scheme is top notch and how QB friendly this scheme has been to every QB that starts.
His boldness cannot be understated either.
HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE A GUY WHO’S NICKNAME IS BIG BALLS?
I will stop here, but know this, I could have gone on for another thirty minutes of typing on why I have a man crush on Chip Kelly.
And I am not ashamed to admit it.
This coach is going to get the city of Philadelphia a Superbowl.
That is the biggest reason of all.
Again…Gus who?
110 eagleyankfan said at 7:38 AM on July 14th, 2015:
I’m a huge CK fan. Huge. Was annoyed when he left the first time without a contract. I stuck by his decision to drop DJ when most were lining up on the bridge to jump or to use their long range scope. Back then(like it was a long time ago) most thought CK made decision based on a whim. I’m not glad to see most are on the CK band wagon. I know there are one or two still holding their tongues about CK and are waiting for the day it all falls apart. There are still head scratchers I’ll never understand (LB Mathews n S Allen) but still I admire his decisions.
…..
With all that said — who is my favorite all time Ealges coach? The one that wins a SB. IF CK never wins the show, all this stuff is for naught. If, as some predicted here last year, CK’s tenure may be short, the next HC might not be into Chipisms. IF that HC comes in here, say next year and wins the SB, he’s my favorite. Don’t get me wrong.. I want CK to deliver us a SB win. I think he can deliver more than 1. Plain and simple, I want a SB win. Win a SB and that city of Philly will love you forever…..
111 OregonDucker said at 11:01 AM on July 14th, 2015:
Completely agree eagleyankfan. Also believe a SB will only come with a healthy, franchise QB. Culture will get you to the NFC Championship, a franchise QB will get you everything. Very happy that Chip is rolling the dice on Bradford, 7 come 11 baby!
112 botto said at 12:51 PM on July 14th, 2015:
roll those laughing bones
113 eagleyankfan said at 7:55 AM on July 15th, 2015:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvpmD6NXPfw
Not sure how to post a link but figured this would appropriate :). They younger crowd may never have seen this…
114 OregonDucker said at 11:56 AM on July 15th, 2015:
Thanks eagleyankfan. You made my day!
115 tomw said at 12:33 PM on July 14th, 2015:
So your two favorite Head coaches are Buck Shaw and Greasy Neale . At the moment .
116 xmbk said at 11:58 AM on July 14th, 2015:
Not many organizations I’d rather have in Philly right now. Green Bay, maybe Seattle. Respect Baltimore and Pitt. But it’s a good time to be an Eagles fan. (Wrote Philly fan at first, had to correct)
117 Fufina said at 12:48 PM on July 14th, 2015:
For those who do not follow Jimmy ‘the hack’ K on twitter he has just started to do his ‘dumpster fire’ segment – starting with The Washington Racists which is fabulous and actually informative since i had no idea quite how bad The Washington Racists were the last 2 years.
Here is the link: bit.ly/1gzZGEF
118 Insomniac said at 10:39 PM on July 14th, 2015:
If Stephen Jones breaks the bank for Dez Bryant then you can expect Chip to keep drafting/signing cheaper WRs instead of overpaying for them. We don’t have a WR near the level of Dez but luckily we don’t have one that’s as unstable as he is.
119 eagleyankfan said at 7:41 AM on July 15th, 2015:
we don’t need the Dez signing to learn anything. We’ve already learned that lesson with Maclin….
120 Insomniac said at 4:04 PM on July 15th, 2015:
Maclin has always been a #2 WR. Dez is a perennial all pro candidate in one of the most stacked WR eras ever. Apples to oranges comparison really.
121 eagleyankfan said at 2:48 PM on July 16th, 2015:
how Mac performs vs. Dez has nothing to do with the pay they are requesting. Mac wanted a lot of money and CK said bye bye. CK is not breaking the bank for any type of player. CK’s belief is does not need elite talent to win.
….
So it’s not apples and oranges … it’s money and CK won’t pay. He if was interested in paying … we’d have Mac still on the roster….CK openly likes Maclin a lot. So it’s not a ‘fit’ issue with Maclin, it’s money. Macliln wasn’t asking Dez type money either….