Written by Michael Moss, Philadelphia, PA
Right now, the 2015 Philadelphia Eagles sound like a very interesting concept, perhaps leading to dominance, even though they have yet to touch the field as a unit. Until that happens, we’re left to sit with our own predictions about how this season will turn out.
Courtesy: USA Today
I’ve seen a wide range of predictions and assumptions made about Chip Kelly and the upcoming Eagles season. Now that the 2015 NFL Draft has concluded there’s more stability about what might come next.
Keep this in mind: I’m one of those Eagles fans that wanted Chip to give up everything to move up in the draft and pick Oregon quarterback, Marcus Mariota. He ended up not making that move. The more I think about it the more I’m okay with it.
When we traded the St.Louis Rams for former #1 overall pick, Sam Bradford, we only had to give up Nick Foles, who was drafted in the 3rd Round, and a 2nd Round pick to get him. Yes, the price was low due to injury concerns. But that’s a steal for Chip Kelly.
If you’ve watched film of Bradford over the last few years–even with below-average wide receivers to work with–you can see how well he’ll fit in Coach Kelly’s offense … if he can stay healthy. Bradford ran a similar offense in college under Bob Stoops at the University of Oklahoma, where he played with teammate, DeMarco Murray.
Courtesy: fathead.com
Chip Kelly gives Bradford something the Rams never offered–a team around him. In St. Louis, all the pressure was on Bradford. With the Eagles, he comes to a team with a newly rebuilt defense, a three-headed monster at RB, and an elite offensive line. The weakest spot on the team is at WR, but Bradford (as he did with the Rams), is the type of QB that can make WRs play beyond potential.
With the fast-paced offense, a healthy Sam Bradford could have a huge comeback season. Come January, I can see him as a possible candidate for League’s Most Valuable Player.
In my opinion, Bradford is significantly better than either Nick Foles or Mark Sanchez. Last season, that combo threw for 4,581 yards–6th in the NFL–ahead of Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, and even more than Super Bowl-winning QB, Tom Brady. They also had about the same completion percentage as Colts QB, Andrew Luck, while leading the Eagles to 10 wins.
The 2015 Philadelphia Eagles have all the pieces to make this an exciting season. A healthy Sam Bradford could make it a historic season for him and for Coach Kelly–the first season that Kelly has had complete control of all transactions.
Everyone has different expectations, both high and low. Only time will tell, but the game’s next great innovator, Chip Kelly, could be on the verge of starting a dynasty with his unconventional concepts and schemes.
Courtesy: sportstravel.com
As far as this season goes, if the team’s chemistry comes together and without major injuries, I can see us playing in the NFC Championship Game. And I predict a meeting between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets come Super Bowl Sunday in Santa Clara.
Let’s just hope everyone, especially injury-prone QB Sam Bradford, can remain healthy for all 16 games in 2015.
