Atlanta Falcons matchup preview: Philadelphia Eagles
Dec 20, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
What have the Eagles done well, not so well?
FB: It’s been a busy offseason for Chip Kelly and the Eagles. They now have one of the best running back groups in football; if Sam Bradford can stay healthy they could have improved quarterback play. The defense will benefit from the additions of Kiki Alonso and Byron Maxwell, and second round draft pick Eric Rowe looks a good one.
With all the chaos, what’s the best offseason move the Eagles have made?
AD: This may sound like a cop-out, but the Eagles best offseason move was giving head coach Chip Kelly full control of all personnel decisions. Usually giving a coach full control of the team is a dangerous move in any professional sport, but Kelly is a rare individual that has a certain type of player and person that he looks for in term’s of forming his team. Thus giving him full control of the roster was a crucial move.
As far as any specific player related move the team made, I’m a huge fan of signing cornerback Byron Maxwell. Anyone that’s watched the Eagles play the past few seasons knows just how awful their secondary was. Although they signed him to a huge, questionable contract, Maxwell fits the mold on and off the field that they look for and should flourish in their defensive scheme.
FB: What’s the worst move?
AD: The worst move was not addressing the safety position in free agency or the draft, that includes letting former starter Nate Allen walk as well. Although Allen wasn’t the greatest starter in the league, he was a steady, consistent player. Of course the safety market got a bit out of control in free agency as far as contracts go but now the team has a giant hole at their starting safety spot opposite of Malcolm Jenkins and that’s a huge concern.
Next: Is Sam Bradford the answer?