by Billy Rich
2013 Philadelphia Eagles
2012 Record: 4-12 (last in the NFC East)
Head Coach: Chip Kelly (1st year)
What does the 2013 version of the Philadelphia Eagles have in store for their fans? For the sake of sanity, let’s hope it is not another 4-12 season. There were major changes in Philly this off-season, not the least of which was new head coach Chip Kelly. Bringing his high-powered offensive scheme to the NFL, Kelly, the former head coach of the wildly successful Oregon Ducks, will have a major task ahead of himself in overhauling not just the offense, but the defense, special teams, the coaching staff and the overall mentality of the Eagles’ on-field organization. That’s quite a job description. But if there is anyone who can pull it off, it’s Chip Kelly. The man lives and breathes football. So, how will he do it?
On the offensive side of the ball, Kelly has named Michael Vick the starting quarterback. Practically speaking, that is the right choice.The 33 year old Vick, not a young man anymore in pro football terms, does possess the physical skills to do the things a Chip Kelly-directed offense demands. Yes, Pat Shurmur is officially the new offensive coordinator but have no doubt– the offense will be directed by Kelly. Sounds great! But the problem with that approach is that Michael Vick cannot carry a team by himself, but he will try to do just that, which is a recipe for failure. Vick, as he does every year, will get injured, he will throw errant passes, make poor decisions, and will frustrate Kelly’s offense to no end.
As for weapons to throw to, with tight end Jeremy Maclin out, Vick will turn to speedster DeSean Jackson, veteran tight end Brent Celek, and draft pick tight end Zach Ertz as primary targets. Don’t be surprised if Ertz moves into the number one tight end spot at some point in the season. Coming out of the back field, the Eagles have one of the best backs in the league in LeSean McCoy. That core has the talent to drive the rest of the offense forward; all the way to the end zone.
The offensive line, which was horrible in 2012, is another key to how successful the Chip Kelly offense will be. To start the season, the O-line will be healthy and athletic. With the return of Jason Peters, who missed all of last season, the addition of fourth overall pick Lane Johnson (who could turn out to be a stud), the consistent play of veteran Todd Herremans, and the return of Jason Kelce to his more natural center spot will improve the overall play of the offense and help the Eagles sustain a more consistent offense this year. The Eagles’ new Chip Kelly offense will certainly be exciting; let’s hope it works.
In 2012, the Eagles’ defense basically stunk. This new year brings major changes in its overall scheme. Moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 set up will present some clear challenges for the defense. Coordinator Billy Davis is building a D around the 3-4–not from scratch, but from the combination of existing players, key free agent signings and draft picks that he and Kelly hope will pan out. Davis has said repeatedly, “It is a process.”
In one of the biggest moves, key players Trent Cole and Brandon Graham will transition to the linebacker position from defensive end. The move should be smoother for Graham based solely on age, but Cole is good enough to make the switch. Draft pick Bennie Logan has versatility to play in the 3-4 and could see playing time if Fletcher Cox has trouble making the transition. Some key free agent additions will also aid the transition. Isaac Sopoaga and Connor Barwin have experience with a 3-4. Trouble is, the rest of the linebacking core may not be ready or talented enough to get the job done.
One of the biggest problems the Eagles faced in 2012 was talent. There is turnover and there are new players in the mix, yet, finding the right combination of talent and abilities will take time, and it will not happen right away. The Eagles’ defensive back field should improve just on the departures of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. In their own right, these two are good players, but they did not fit the Eagles’ schematics. At safety, Earl Wolff is giving Nate Allen a run for his money, and is eager to play. The Eagles have never been able to replace Brian Dawkins, and should not try as the team needs to look ahead not back.
In a nut shell, 2013 will be a re-building year for the Birds. The Eagles will look to find themselves, but 2013 will not be the end-all; Kelly will need at least two years to find the right mix of players to best fit his organizational philosophy, and a third year to get it done.
Biggest upside for the Eagles in 2013: Andy Reid is gone. No more old and tired and no more “I got to do a better job.” Look forward, Philly fans. The Eagles certainly are.
Bill’s Biggest questions for the Eagles in 2013: Can a totally new Chip Kelly offense work in the NFL? How long will the team need to gel? How will the switch to a 3-4 defense turn out on the field? I believe the offense will work–eventually– but only time will tell how long it will take to come together. With the right personnel, the defense will do just fine, but finding that mix will continue to challenge the Eagles for at least two seasons.
Bill’s Final Eagles Thoughts and Prediction:
Bill’s 2013 Eagles Prediction 8-8 (tied for third/last with Cowboys in NFC East). The Eagles will beat the Cowboys twice and own the tie-breaker.
Edited by: Todd LaPlante
