Posts Tagged ‘Chip Kelly’

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One Month ‘til the Draft: Who’s the Best Pick for the Philadelphia Eagles?

Monday, March 25th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

As March draws to a close, football’s focus turns increasingly to the upcoming 2013 NFL draft, which is exactly one month away.  The Philadelphia Eagles will get the spotlight early, selecting fourth due to their abysmal 4-12 2012 season.  With the stakes so high, Philadelphia cannot afford to miss with their draft choice.

 

This year’s draft will be different from that of 2012, including the fact that the first and second choice picks are not known.  In fact, there is not a clear consensus as to which prospect will be drafted first.  There isn’t the killer crop of quarterbacks that we saw last year.  But the draft is always a different animal from year to year.  The Eagles need to make the most of the talent present in 2013 and choose wisely.  So who might they choose?

 

There is a lot of buzz surrounding Alabama corner Dee Milliner (6’0, 201), particularly after the deficiencies of Philadelphia’s secondary in the past few seasons.  The corner is known for a remarkable combination of athleticism and size.  Milliner appears on Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft as the second-best overall player in the draft, saying

 

“Nnamdi Asomugha won’t be wearing an Eagles uniform in 2013, and in a division with Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Robert Griffin III, the Eagles can’t simply attempt to piece together the secondary.  They need talent, and Milliner offers the best cornerback talent in the draft.  Not a tough pick.”

 

Can the Birds get him?

 

Mike Mayock ranks 6’2, 311 pound Star Lotulelei of Utah as the top defensive end for a 3-4 system, which certainly has to make him of possible interest to the Birds, particularly after racking up 42 tackles, 11 for loss, 5 sacks in his senior year.

 

Chip Kelly is plenty familiar with 3-4 outside linebacker Dion Jordan (6’6, 248), also ranked as the top in his position in the draft.  His height allows him to quickly cover a lot of ground and get to tight ends and slot receivers in the open field.

 

Philadelphia could also use some help on the offensive line, with Jason Peters and Jason Kelce coming off of ACL injuries and former first rounder Danny Watkins showing repeatedly that he cannot provide what the line needs.  Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel (6’6, 306) is considered by many to be the top overall talent in the draft.  However, if he still around when the Eagles are on the clock it will be a pick that will be hard to refuse.  If Joeckel is not available, perhaps the Birds will consider Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher (6’7, 306), who NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks describes as, “adding an athletic edge blocker with tremendous potential.”

 

Half of the fun of the draft is the anticipation.  The waiting, the wondering, the storylines that may unfold leading up to draft day that may change a player’s standing.  But the Eagles have got to hit their pick out of the park and pick up a player that will add immediate impact to team.  Who will that player be?  Only 31 days left to find out.

 

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

 

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From Despair to Hope for Philadelphia Eagles’ Defense?

Monday, March 18th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

The Philadelphia Eagles’ woeful secondary was the biggest concern for the team heading in to free agency.  With the release of Nnamdi Asomugha and the signing of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie by the Denver Broncos, the team’s starting corners of the past two seasons disappeared into the sunset in just a matter of days.

It soon became apparent that some of the biggest defensive backs available in free agency, like Darelle Revis and Dashon Goldson, would not be heading to town, and concerns began to increase.  How were GM Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly ever going to address the dire needs on the team’s defense?  We’re trying to trust you, Chip, what is it that you have up your sleeve?

Tuesday brought five solid signings but with no “wow” factor.  But that’s okay — we had enough of that in the shortened offseason of 2011, didn’t we?  But then the Eagles went silent on Wednesday while the anticipation grew.  Okay guys — what’s the plan here?

Then came Thursday and with it, sighs of relief.  Philadelphia added three players — all to defense, and two of those to the secondary, bringing safety Kenny Phillips, cornerback Cary Williams and linebacker Connor Barwin to the City of Brotherly Love.  All are players who didn’t break the bank but should add immediate improvements to the team’s defense.

Kenny Phillips. (Image via nj.com)

In a low-risk, high reward scenario, Philadelphia signed 26-year old safety  Kenny Phillips (6-2, 217) to a one-year deal.  The safety is quite familiar with the Eagles, as he comes from the division rival New York Giants.  But we’ll try not to hold that against him.  In his time with Big Blue’s secondary, Phillips totaled eight interceptions and 26 passes defensed, in addition to 263 total tackles. He was a first round draft pick for New York in 2008 out of the University of Miami.  Phillips was a standout in the team’s 2011 championship season with career-high four interceptions and ranking fifth in tackles with 72.

The downside of Phillips is that he has a history of knee injuries.  However, as pointed out by Roseman after the signing,

“It’s different looking at players that are 25, 26 coming off injuries than guys who are 31, 32.”

If he can stay healthy then Phillips can make a real impact for the Birds.

Welcome to Philadelphia, Cary Williams. (Image via Russell Street Report)

28 year-old  CB Cary Williams (6-1, 190) comes to Philadelphia from the Super Bowl winning Ravens with a three-year, $17 million deal.  With the Ravens, he started in all 16 regular season games and recorded four interceptions  (as well as two in the postseason) with 17 passes defended and 67 tackles.  Originally drafted by Tennessee in 2008, he joined Baltimore and 2009 and moved to the role of starter in 2011.

According to Pro Football Focus, Williams was targeted 102 times last year, the 10thmost of any corner in the league.  He joins only three other players in the league to be targeted over 100 times in the 2011 and 2012 seasons (along with Sean Smith, Tim Jennings and Tramon Williams).  And, prepare yourselves, Eagles fans: the man can tackle, missing only three last year.

Williams and Jeremy Maclin have enjoyed a loving relationship in the past, and I’m sure that that will continue (see below).

Ahem.

The Eagles expressed quite a lot of confidence in their move to sign linebacker Connor Barwin (6-4, 268), inking him to a six-year, $36 million deal ($8 million guaranteed).  Barwin comes to the Birds from the Texans, where he recorded 109 tackles, 19 sacks, two fumble recoveries and 16 passes defensed.  Barwin was acquired by Houston in the second round in 2009 from the University of Cincinnati. He shifted to outside linebacker from defensive end following the 2010 season. The change turned out to be a wise decision, as Barwin notched a team high 11.5 sacks in 2011, ranking third in the AFC.

As Philadelphia is widely expected to make the change to a 3-4 defense, they need versatile players who are proven in that type of scheme.  Barwin meets both criteria.  But more than that, according to Roseman, the real reason the Eagles inked the linebacker is for his pass-rushing ability.

“We want to be able to make sure we can get pressure on the quarterback.  Getting pressure on the quarterback, preventing pressure, that’s always going to be stuff that’s important to us.”

Us too, Howie.

So, what do you think?  Has Philadelphia successfully managed a blueprint for a much improved defense, particularly in the defensive backfield, in the 2013 season based on their moves thus far in free agency?

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles Focus on Defense and Special Teams in Free Agency

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

It wasn’t a full-on frenzy for the Philadelphia Eagles in the first day of free agency, but they certainly made a splash by signing five players.  CB Bradley Fletcher and LB Jason Phillips signed 2-year deals with the team, while TE James Casey, S Patrick Chung and DL Isaac Sopoaga struck 3-year deals.

The fact that four of the five deals made were with defensive players reflects Philadelphia’s strongest overall need.  And with the release of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie being allowed to walk into free agency, replacing the severely depleted Eagles secondary is chief among the priorities for this team.

Unlike that infamous summer in 2011, the Birds aren’t waving money around at the biggest names available in free agency.  Rather, they have so far taken a  more low-key approach, inking lesser-known players who they believe will truly make an impact on the team.  There was also a decided emphasis on strong special teams performances with these signings.

Some background on each player:

S Bradley Fletcher – Fletcher (6-0, 200) was a third round selection of  the St. Louis Rams in 2009 out of Iowa.  In four seasons with the Rams, he posted 169 tackles and five interceptions, starting in 26 of 43 games.  The 26-year-old played in all 16 games in 2012, making four starts and notching 25 tackles, eight passes defensed, one forced fumble and one sack.  Bradley’s best season came in 2010 when he started in 15 of 16 games and led the team with four interceptions.

TE James Casey – Casey  (6-3, 240) was a fifth round draft choice of Houston in 2009 out of Rice University, where he was a running back on the team.  He is a versatile presence, playing in 61 games (20 starts) in four years with the Texans as both a fullback and tight end.  The 28-year-old set career highs in 2012 in receptions (34), receiving yards (330) and touchdowns (3).  He has notched a total of 66 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns in his NFL career.

S Patrick Chung – Chung (5-11, 210) was a second round pick for the Patriots in 2009.  Head coach is familiar with Chung’s skill set, as the player was a four-year starter at Oregon.  In four seasons with New England, he totaled 235 tackles, seven interceptions, three sacks, and 19 passes defensed.  Chung has played in 50 games in the NFL with 30 starts and has  racked up 25 special teams tackles.  In a win over the Miami Dolphins on 10/4/10, Chung blocked a punt, blocked a field goal, and returned an interception for a touchdown, all in the same game.

LB Jason Phillips – Phillips (6-1, 240) was a fifth round selection of Baltimore in 2009 out of Texas Christian University.  He  ultimately spent  time with both the Ravens and Carolina Panthers in his four-year career as a reserve linebacker and special teams contributor, appearing in 29 total games.  The 27-year-old played in all 16 games (two starts) for the Panthers in 2012 and led the team with 16 special teams tackles.

DL Isaac Sopoaga – Sopoaga (6-2, 330) has been a key contributor to the 49ers defensive line over the last nine seasons, recording 447 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 125 career games (80 starts).  He was originally a fourth-round pick from Hawaii of the 49ers in 2004.  Sopoaga has experience at both defensive tackle and nose tackle.  In 2012, Sopoaga played in 15 games (10 starts) and amassed 55 tackles and one sack.  He also had eight tackles and one sack in the postseason.  At 31-years old Sopoaga is older than the rest of the free agent signings but his experience, versatility, and success in a 3-4 defense speak for themselves.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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It’s Official: Nnamdi Asomugha Cut by the Philadelphia Eagles

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The symbol of the failed Philadelphia Eagles free agent signing frenzy of 2011 has finally been released by the team after two tremendously disappointing seasons.

A statement released by GM Howie Roseman is a follows:

“Coach Kelly and I each had a chance to speak with Nnamdi earlier and he took the news with a lot of class.  We expected nothing less than that from him.  He has been a true pro on and off the field for this organization and our community and we wish him all the best as he continues his NFL career.  We spoke to his representatives at the Combine about his future status with the team and wanted to take time to analyze and make a decision.  In the end, Coach and I both felt we needed to move in a different direction at the cornerback position for 2013 and beyond.”

Along with the firing, Asomugha took with him the $4 million dollars still owed to him by the team per his contract.  The Pro Bowl corner will now test how much his disappointing performance with Philadelphia has impacted his value on the free market.

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Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles Load Up on Quarterbacks

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

The Philadelphia Eagles added yet another quarterback to their roster on Tuesday, bringing the grand total to five.  That list includes Mike Vick, Nick Foles, Trent Edwards, Dennis Dixon, and now G.J. Kinne.

Erm…who?

Kinne (6-2, 234), was signed to a two-year deal with the Birds.  Obviously, he’s not a big name.  But he has ties to some presently with the Eagles organization.  He played at Tulsa with wide receiver Damaris Johnson and was coached by the Birds’ offensive quality control coach Press Taylor.  So, there’s that.  During his three-year career at Tulsa (he transferred there after attending the University of Texas his freshman year), Kinne ranked second in the school’s history in passing yards (9,472), total offense (10,831 yards), and passing touchdowns (81).

In 2012 Kinne was an unsigned free agent of the New York Jets before being waived by the team in June.  After the NFL didn’t pan out for Kinne, he held a brief stint in the UFL with the Omaha Nighthawks and in the AFL with the San Antonio Talons.

Confused as to what Chip Kelly’s overall vision is for the Eagles’ quarterback position at this stage?  Join the club.  Options can be good, but this latest signing seems to cast the proverbial net as wide as possible.  And, of course, the signing of Kinne gets us no closer to having an idea of what Kelly has in mind for his first NFL offense.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Newsflash: Mike Vick’s Not Changing

Monday, February 18th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Vick. Not changin’.
(Image via NJ.com)

The news that broke one week ago today – that Mike Vick had restructured his deal to extend his stay with the Philadelphia Eagles – was met by strong reaction by the team’s fans.  As usual when Vick is concerned, emotions fell on opposite sides of the spectrum.

Toss out Vick along with Andy Reid and the dishwater.  If we are truly in rebuilding mode, let’s start with something new.  Let’s see what we have in Nick Foles.

Conversely, there are those who blame Reid and Marty Morhinweg and their horrific play calling as well as a cobbled-together offensive line in Vick’s recent struggles with the Birds.  Philadelphia signed him because of what makes him dynamic, then wanted him to turn into something that he’s not.  Let Vick be Vick!  With a healthy o-line and more balance with the run game, Vick can help this team to succeed.

The debate will continue to rage this offseason among fans, but one thing we know about Vick – sooner or later he lets you know exactly where he stands.  In an interview on Saturday with 97.5 The Fanatic, Vick made clear that he likes who he is as a person and a player and has no intention of changing who he is.

“Well if you think about what I endured [last season] and how many hits I took, I stayed upright for seven games and took about 180 hits.  I am going to train the way I train, I’m not going to change anything.  I’m going to be who I am and I’m not going to change.  I think everybody just has to accept it.  I am going to put in all the hard work to be the best player I can be, but it’s not just about me.  It’s about team, it’s about unity, it’s about everybody playing together.  That’s the only way we’re  going to win.”

C’mon.  Regardless of which side of the issue you reside those comments can’t really surprise you, can they?

Part of the challenge facing Chip Kelly this offseason is making an honest assessment of what he has at quarterback inVick, Nick Foles, and Dennis Dixon.  What are truly their strengths and how can they be played up in Kelly’s offense?

We saw with Andy Reid’s time in Philadelphia with Vick that trying to turn the quarterback into a pure pocket passer simply will not work.  And what do you do about the risky decision making that so often leads Vick to injury?  If Kelly is to keep Vick and make him a starter (which remains to be seen), he has to accept him as he is – the good, the bad and the ugly.  Another great offseason of film study is not going to transform the polarizing player into something that he is not.

And therein lies the reason for concern among so many Eagles fans.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Mike Vick to Stay with the Philadelphia Eagles After Reaching One-Year Deal

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Like it or not, Mike Vick will have another chance with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Monday was supposed to be a day to put the spotlight on Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and his coaching staff.  Instead, Mike Vick stole the show.

Not literally.  The quarterback was not present at the press conference.  But word of his restructured contract to come to a one-year deal worth $10 million with the team dominated the day’s headlines and news cycle.

The question of Vick versus Nick Foles still remain and indeed, we will have to see if other factors at QB enter the equation.  But for now, despite what many anticipated, as we head into mid-February both Vick and Foles remain on Philadelphia’s roster.

And Kelly said to get used to having both names on the roster.  He expects both men to be with the Eagles come the start of the season and that it is an open competition for who starts under center.

“There is an open competition.  Michael knows that.  Nick knows that.  Nick knew every step of the way what we were doing.  I wanted to make sure Nick was included in the plans, and I think both of them have outstanding qualities in terms of being quarterbacks in this league.  Both of them have started in this league.

So I also know in this league, you better have two, so I’m excited about the two of them.  They’re both going to compete.  And who the starting quarterback is to start the season off is going to be won on the practice field.”

Yes, the offensive line was decimated in 2012.  But Vick’s play was decidedly lackluster.  Or downright awful, depending who you ask.  So what convinced Kelly that the quarterback could be a good option for the team in 2013?

“I think in terms of Michael, we look at everything.  What I look at is skillset first and foremost.  What he can do, how he can throw the football, how he can beat people with his feet.  There are a lot of different factors he has.  And you have to look at the landscape for other quarterbacks.

I guess the best way I can put this is I agree there is a change of scenery going on here.  For Michael Vick, there is a change of scenery, but not a change of address.”

In reality, none of the options for the Eagles are ideal.  Many assumed that Vick would go the way of Andy Reid come the close of the season.  But where would that have left the team?  With a quarterback in Foles who shows promise but whose ability to lead a team is still largely unknown.  Dennis Dixon makes sense to give a try, as he is the only NFL quarterback with experience in Kelly’s offense.  Alex Smith has got to be an intriguing option for Philadelphia and a host of other teams around the league but are the Eagles willing to pay the steep price he will surely command on the open market?  And with no slam dunk options at QB in this year’s draft, what’s a head coach to do?

Despite being fed up with the team at the end of the season (and let’s be honest, who wasn’t at that point?), Vick is thrilled to have a chance to remain in midnight green.

“I am grateful and proud to be a Philadelphia Eagle.  My heart is in Philly and this community is important to me.  I look forward to playing for Coach Kelly, Jeffrey Lurie and the entire Eagles organization, the city of Philadelphia and the fans.  I am training hard this offseason and will be ready for Coach Kelly’s team vision and leadership.  Our goal is to win.”

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles Announce Finalized Coaching Staff Under Chip Kelly

Friday, February 8th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

Ex Cleveland head coach Pat Shurmur joins the Eagles as offensive coordinator.

 

The Philadelphia Eagles elected not to acknowledge or confirm reports on additions to their coaching staff under Chip Kelly until all hires were finalized.  With the issue of a press release on Friday, they have announced that all moves are finally complete.

The final list is as follows:

Pat Shurmur (offensive coordinator)

Bill Davis (defensive coordinator)

Dave Fipp (special teams coordinator)

 

Greg Austin (assistant offensive line)

Jerry Azzinaro (defensive line/assistant head coach)

Bob Bicknell (wide receivers)

Erik Chinander (assistant defensive line)

Mike Dawson (defensive quality control)

Matt Harper (assistant special teams)

Josh Hingst (strength and conditioning)

Shaun Huls (sports science coordinator)

Bill Lazor (quarterbacks)

John Lovett (defensive backs)

Todd Lyght (assistant defensive backs)

Bill McGovern (outside linebackers)

Rick Minter (inside linebackers)

Justin Peelle (assistant tight ends)

Duce Staley (running backs)

Jeff Stoutland (offensive line)

Press Taylor (offensive quality control)

Ted Williams (tight ends)

Shurmur was most recently head coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.  His hire has been widely reported.  News that Davis, formerly linebackers coach of the Browns, would serve as the new defensive coordinator for Philadelphia just broke on Thursday.

A lot of love given to former Browns staff  in key positions for whatever reason.  Obviously Eagles fans hope and pray that the results will be far better than what has been seen from the Browns in recent years.

Dave Fipp (Special Teams Coordinator) served as the assistant special teams coach for the Miami Dolphins from 2011-12.  During his two years in Miami, the Dolphins ranked 2nd (2011) and 4th (2012) in the NFL in overall special teams rankings according to the data compiled by Dallas Morning News columnist Rick Gosselin.  Prior to the Dolphins, Fipp worked for three years as the assistant special teams coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2008-10.  Before his time in the NFL, Fipp spent 10 years coaching in the college ranks at San Jose State (2005-07), Nevada (2004), Cal Poly (2001-03), Arizona (2000), and Holy Cross (1998-99).

Other highlights from the newly announced coaching staff, which rejoin several former members of Oregon’s coaching staff:

Jerry Azzinaro (Defensive Line/Assistant Head Coach) rejoins Coach Kelly as defensive line coach after serving in the same role on his staff at Oregon from 2009-12.  During that span, the Ducks defensive line compiled a total of 76 sacks.  Prior to joining the coaching staff at Oregon, Azzinaro was the defensive line coach at Marshall University in 2008 and at the University of New Hampshire in 2007.  Azzinaro also had stints with Duke (2004-06), Syracuse (1999-03), Maine (1998), UMass (1992-94, 1997), Boston College (1995-96), American International College (1987-91) and Western New England (D-III, 1986).

Bob Bicknell (Wide Receivers) most recently completed a three-year stint with the Buffalo Bills as their wide receivers coach (2012) and tight ends coach (2010-11).  Prior to that, he spent the previous three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs as assistant offensive line coach (2007), offensive line coach (2008) and tight ends coach (2009).  Before joining the NFL ranks, Bicknell was the offensive line coach at Temple in 2006 and coached in NFL Europe from 1998-2005.

Bill Lazor (Quarterbacks) joins the Eagles after spending the previous three seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Virginia.  Lazor boasts seven years of NFL coaching experience and most recently served as the quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks (2008-09) and Washington Redskins (2006-07).  Lazor made his NFL coaching debut with the Atlanta Falcons in 2003 as an offensive quality control coach before becoming an offensive assistant with the Redskins from 2004-05.  In the collegiate ranks, he also held coaching stints at Cornell (1994-00) and the University of Buffalo (2001-02).  Lazor’s own experience as a player includes as an All-Ivy League quarterback at Cornell.

John Lovett (Defensive Backs) comes to Philadelphia with nearly four decades of coaching experience on his resume, primarily at the collegiate level.  He initially was hired by the University of Cincinnati this offseason after serving as the defensive backs coach at Texas Tech in 2012, mentoring a unit that led the Big 12 conference in pass defense.  Lovett’s career includes stints as defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.), Bowling Green, Clemson, Auburn, Maine and Cincinnati.  He also spent one season as the defensive quality control coach for the New York Jets in 1984.  A graduate of C.W. Post in 1973, Lovett was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame after playing there as a linebacker and safety.

And yay – Deuce Staley stays with the Eagles but will coach running backs after spending the last two seasons as the team’s special teams quality control coach.  He also assisted Ted Williams in coaching the team’s running backs during his time here and has played a key role in the development of LeSean McCoy.  One of the most popular and toughest players to ever suit up in an Eagles uniform, Staley was originally a third-round pick of Philadelphia in 1997 and spent seven seasons with the team.

For the full background on each member of the staff, go here for the offensive assistants and here for the defensive assistants.

Chip Kelly will meet with the media on Monday at 1 pm to discuss the hires.

What do you think of Kelly’s hires, his first major task as Eagles head coach?

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Mike Vick to Remain on Philadelphia Eagles Roster Past February 6 Deadline

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the entire 2012 season, we’ve thought that February 6, 2013 — three days after the Super Bowl — was the do-or-die deadline for the Philadelphia Eagles to make a decision on whether Mike Vick would stay or go.  It now appears as if that is not the case.  The team has a bit more wiggle room.

 

It was previously thought that if Vick remained on the roster on February 6 the Birds were on the hook for paying the quarterback $3 million.  However, according to Tim McManus of Birds 24/7,

 

“There is a provision in the contract that puts the Eagles on the hook for the $3 million only if he does not make that amount next season with another team.  Vick will almost certainly find work next season and for at least $3 million, making the ‘deadline’ pretty irrelevant.”

 

This means that the Eagles and head coach Chip Kelly are in no rush to make a decision on Vick.  Which means that there is even more time to wonder just what Kelly seeks in his starting quarterback for the 2013 season.

 

After meeting with Kelly, Vick is high on the opportunity to work with Philadelphia’s new coach and remain in Philadelphia.  But does Kelly feel the same way about Vick?  That remains to be seen.

 

Meanwhile, as previously speculated, now that the Baltimore Ravens are Super Bowl champs, the Eagles are in hot pursuit of the team’s practice squad quarterback, Dennis Dixon according to CSNPhilly’s Geoff Mosher.  The strong appeal of Dixon for the Eagles organization is that he is the only NFL quarterback who has experience running Kelly’s option offense during his college days at Oregon.  Will it be the ultimate answer that the team is seeking?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  But it will likely provide some insight into what Kelly needs to change when adapting to the ranks of professional football.

 

For now, the quarterback situation is like virtually everything else about what the Chip Kelly era in Philadelphia Eagles football — a mystery.  Will training camp feature Vick, Dixon and Nick Foles competing for the team’s starting QB position, or will another variable enter the equation by that point?  I’m going with Option “B”.  With a whole lotta months between now and then, it’s probably best to sit back and expect the unexpected.

 

It will be a long offseason but if it’s any consolation for Eagles fans, it should be a fascinating and eventful one.

 

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles Raise Ticket Prices After Abysmal Season

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

Have a miserable 4-12 season and looking for a way to get back into the good graces of your fans?  Why, why not raise ticket prices!  That is, at least, what you do if you’re the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

The team will raise ticket prices for the first time since 2009 for the 2013 season.  The increase amounts to an $8 increase on average, or 9.45% increase.

 

Per the Eagles’ website:

 

Lower Level Sideline seats and Upper Level Loge seats have increased from $95 to $105.
Lower Level Endzone seats have increased from $85 to $95.
General Upper Level seats have increased from $70 to $75.

 

The average price for tickets for an Eagles game will now be $93, placing the team 11th in the league in terms of cost but still making the cost of a ticket to a game in Philadelphia the lowest in the NFC East.

 

Team President Don Smolenski explained the increase as follows in a letter to season ticket holders:

 

“We have made some dramatic changes this offseason, including the hiring of Coach Chip Kelly.  But one thing that hasn’t changed – and Coach Kelly appreciates this – is that the passion [the fans] display and the support [the fans] provide with [their] loyalty to [the] Eagles makes this a special place to play football.”

“We are also embarking on a two-year stadium improvement plan at Lincoln Financial Field focused on enhancing the game day experience.”

 

Translation: We’re doing it because we can and we know you’ll still come.

 

A little tip to Mr. Smolenski and the Eagles organization: improvements to the Linc won’t improve the game day experience if the team isn’t winning.

 

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

 

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