101 replies to this topic

[scoregon]

So, as a long-time Oregon fan, who is also excited to see what Chip Kelly will do in the NFL, I have been reading your forum all day. Here are some thoughts from somebody who has followed Chip Kelly and what he did at Oregon closer than any of the national pundits who have been spewing opinions all day. I'm going to try and focus on stuff I haven't seen much about, because it's the kind of stuff I'd be interested in if he was coming to my team.

-He is a brilliant QB coach and evaluator. As a coach, he made Dennis Dixon (a guy who was an interception throwing, time-splitting head case his junior year) a Heisman Trophy favorite before his injury. He then made Jeremiah Masoli (a guy who is 5'10" on a good day and can't throw for crap) into a household name. He follows that by taking Darron Thomas (a solid talent at best...as evidenced by the lack of NFL interest) and making him into a collegiate star. And now this season, he finally has Marcus Mariota (a true talent and future NFL QB) and he becomes one of the top QB's in the country as a Freshman. One thing we quickly learned at Oregon is if Chip offered a QB (no matter what the recruiting "experts" said), then he is going to be a stud. Oregon was the first school to offer both Mariota and Johnny Manziel (and in fact both originally committed to Oregon before Texas A&M got into the picture). He also once had a verbal from Taj Boyd of Clemson. So, when it comes to quarterback, if Chip decides on Vick or Foles or brings in a Dixon (backup possibility) or Alex Smith or decides to draft someone, his track record would suggest he knows what he's doing.

-Two other quick points on QB's. He wants a passer who can run, not the other way around. Chip also stresses to his QB's that they should avoid taking unnecessary hits. Philosophy is first down, touchdown, get down. He wants them to be a threat in the read option game, but not to take a shot to pick up a few extra yards here and there. Though Marcus Mariota gained 700 yards rushing this season, I'd say he took about 2 big hits all season on running plays (took more than that in the pocket, but those happen no matter your offensive philosophy).

-He is known as Big Balls Chip because of his 4th down decision making. When he took over as head coach, he analyzed the mathmatical data that says coaches punt and kick field goals far more often than they should if they're trying to maximize points scored. Plus he just believes that going for it more often puts strain on your opponents and sets an aggressive tone for your team. I suspect he will be a little more conservative in the league, but that just means he won't go for it on 4th and 4 from his own 38 (did it multiple times this season) on the opening possession. I still think he will go for it on any 4th down of a manageable distance once his team crosses the 50.

-An athletic center is a key to doing all the things he likes to do with his offense. Oregon had Max Unger (all pro for Seattle this season) when Kelly arrived and now have a future NFL'er in Hronnis Grasu. These guys are used in a ton of different ways. They pull a ton, are expected to get to the second level often and are huge in the screen game. I'm not sure what the Eagles current center is like, but if he is athletic, that will be a big plus. Oregon had Jordan Holmes (solid, but not a stud) in between the two guys I mentioned and they were forced to scrap some of their most effective plays.

-He will often play multiple backs at the same time, as long as one has the ability to be a threat catching the ball. In his early years as OC this happened less because he didn't have that versatile back, but over the past 3 seasons, he found tons of ways to get combinations of LaMicheal James, Kenjon Barner, and DeAnthony Thomas on the field at the same time. This lead to huge matchup issues and headaches for opposing defenses. It seems Philly has some guys well suited for some of this.

-His offense is great for tight ends and he uses them in a myriad of ways. When he had Ed ****on (Ravens), he flexed him often because he was a great receiver and blocked well in space. With David Paulson (Steelers), he put him on the LOS more often because that's where he was most effective and now he has Colt Lyerla (crazy athlete) and used him all over the place.

-His Oregon teams basically never had a letdown. They didn't play close games against inferior opponents, they obliterated them and then played backups the entire second half. He was a master motivator and has, by all accounts, some of the most efficient/unique practices in football at any level. How that will translate is up to debate, but my money would be on him figuring out how to make it work with the Eagles.

I know this is a long post, but hopefully (for those that stuck with it) you got some interesting tidbits of information. If you have any questions I might be able to answer, I'll be checking back and will do my best to answer them.

[VaBeach_Eagle]

WAY too many words to read this late at night... Welcome to the EMB though.

Does Oregon have a message board? I'd like to see what they're saying about the move.

[E v 2.0]

Great post man and thanks.

Sounds like the Eagles have a ton of guys that fit Chip perfectly on their roster including on the oline and the skill positions.

[BirdGang45]

Quack S/O to my fellow Duck fan

[Dirty 30 Sucks]

fantastic post man and great input. Its so crazy to see how with Kelly leaving them still so many supporters.

[gibsonplyer]

Good stuff.  

Not taking big hits IMO is another strike against Vick.  He just refuses to play that way.

Kelce is our center and he's athletic without a doubt.  He sounds like a perfect fit.  One of the reasons why I was interested in Chip in the original go round was because I heard he liked athletic linemen which meant we could keep the guys brought in for Mudd these last few years particularly Kelce.

BTW why is the censor so intrusive all of a sudden I don't remember it blocking 'swear words' when they just occur in another word like ****on before.

[Swifty]

Thanks a ton for the input. Hopefully people will finally realize what I and some other posters have said: that he DOESN'T want a running QB and how much he values his QB's not taking unnecessary hits while running unnecessarily.

[eagle45]

Really helpful post.  Sounds like Kelce just might be the right fit for a center in this offense...

One thing about McCoy...he's fantastic in space and is a great screen back out of the backfield, but he isn't necessarily the best back to motion out wide and run routes.  Guys like Reggie Bush/Westbrook/Sproles ran routes like wrs and were routinely asked to do so.  Mccoy is versatile, but he's not the true wr those backs were.

[PhillySmoke]

great post, the info is appreciated. some of us are skeptical that he'll be able to completely adapt to the pros.  we all hear about what a genius he is, but most of us haven't watched enough Oregon games to really have a valid opinion on the guy.  I'm really looking forward to seeing this offense because I believe we have exactly the right kind of team and philosophy to make it work. it really is gonna come down to Nick foles ability to pick it up and run it effectively.

[CMPunk]

Awesome post man. Welcome.

[scoregon]

Glad to have contributed. Sounds like Kelce is a good fit. At Oregon, the centers have been the most important lineman, not the LT's like you see in most places.

One little thought of the keep an eye on it variety...It wouldn't surprise me at all if Chip takes a long look at Matt Scott (QB from Arizona) as a mid-late round draftpick. Would be quite ironic since he was Foles' backup in Tuscon, so only started his Senior year, but there were quite a few Arizona fans who thought he was the better quarterback the previous season. If he displays NFL accuracy on the all-star game, combine, pro-day circuit, he is definitely a guy with a Chip Kelly QB tool set.

[Cappeeler]

Nick Foles ran the spread set offense at Austin Westlake H.S. here in Texas and broke Brees records. I don't see the big deal there.

[time2rock]

@ the OP ... thanks for stopping by and posting this - great read.

Good to know Kelly excels at developing QBs - you absolutely need good QB play to win in this league.  Also very glad to read he "wants a passer who can run, not the other way around" - I admit to having been concerned with seeing more of a running QB running our offense.  I've seen enough of that over the past 14 years.

I was also concerned how Kelce might fit into a new OL scheme now that Mudd (who prefers the smaller but more athletic linemen) is gone.  Seems he will be a good fit for what Kelly will want to do (assuming he'll want to do the same here with the OL that he did at Oregon).

[Couch Potato]

Superb post, Scoregon - please feel free to enlighten us as often as you like about all things Chip/Ducks-related!

Good to hear that we appear to have a number of jigsaw pieces in place already - that's assuming Kelce is good to go after his knee injury. Another suitably athletic guy to back-up Kelce sounds like an off-season priority.

Interesting to hear you say that C was more important than LT at Oregon - until now I was a big advocate of us taking a OT with our first pick in April, but you have now given me some food for thought.

Please could you give us your opinion on some of the Oregon prospects in the up-coming draft? I have drawn up a (long!) short-list of potential targets for the Eagles, which includes Dion Jordan, Kyle Long and Kiko Alonso.

[eephraim]

Thanks for the post.

I'm worried about Kelce quite honestly. I didn't see a lot out of him the last 2 seasons. He's a poor pass protector...but it didnt help that he had Watkins beside him much of the time.

If Kelly can implement an offense that "hides" this olines faults it will be the ultimate magic trick.

[Phila.:chip]

Swifty, on 17 January 2013 - 02:30 AM, said:

Thanks a ton for the input. Hopefully people will finally realize what I and some other posters have said: that he DOESN'T want a running QB and how much he values his QB's not taking unnecessary hits while running unnecessarily.

he doesn't want a QB that can't run either. Vick is a better fit for his system than Foles.

[Selgae]

great insight! thanks for the post

[time2rock]

Couch Potato, on 17 January 2013 - 08:06 AM, said:

Superb post, Scoregon - please feel free to enlighten us as often as you like about all things Chip/Ducks-related!

Good to hear that we appear to have a number of jigsaw pieces in place already - that's assuming Kelce is good to go after his knee injury. Another suitably athletic guy to back-up Kelce sounds like an off-season priority.

Interesting to hear you say that C was more important than LT at Oregon - until now I was a big advocate of us taking a OT with our first pick in April, but you have now given me some food for thought.

Please could you give us your opinion on some of the Oregon prospects in the up-coming draft? I have drawn up a (long!) short-list of potential targets for the Eagles, which includes Dion Jordan, Kyle Long and Kiko Alonso.

Definitely.

[forevereagles]

Like everyone else, first  thanks for your input  regarding Chip. What he likes in his  players. How he runs his team. Very insightful and helpful to understand what we can expect and look forward to.

I too, was a bit skeptical when we first persued Chip as the future HC . But I have heard a lot of great things about him from those who have called his games on TV/radio and it really changed my thinking considerably.

I too, was afraid when listening to the media ( imparticular the talking heads on the sports networks) that we would need a more mobile QB than what Foles demonstrated in his first few games this passed season. So fearful that Vick would again (being hyped as the best option by the media) to run his offense would continue to be a Philadelphia Eagle. He still might be. Depending on what Chip sees when studying the film on him and his history. But I'm hoping  he goes with Foles.

Vick though certainly far more mobile and with a much stronger arm than Foles, isn't the kind of QB you discribed as what Chip preaches and demands of his QB's. He does put himself in situations that causes him to take unnecessary hits. And is always looking to make the big play, rather than the smart one, for the betterment of himself or the team.

We've read a comment that Kelly made regarding Foles. He seemed highy impressed with the kid. As many of us here are. In fairness to Nick, he really had very little to assist him in the handful of games that he played in when Vick got injured. Except for one game he had nothing but back up players on the field with him.

But he displayed a lot of ability and skill. Not to mention intelligence. I've watched some film on him at Az. He does have the ability to run ( he had a rushing td for us this passed season) but doesn't use it as a means to make a play (unless its there to be made) but instead to  escape pressure. He keeps his eyes down field all the time. That is one of the things I like the best about Nick. He is always looking to see where he can take advantage of the defensive formation. He also uses the pocket well.

Anyway, again,( welcome to the Eagles MBs') and for your insight into our new HC. And what we can look forward to in the comming seasons. As others have said hope to hear more from you.

[TV Guy]

eephraim, on 17 January 2013 - 08:25 AM, said:

Thanks for the post.

I'm worried about Kelce quite honestly. I didn't see a lot out of him the last 2 seasons. He's a poor pass protector...but it didnt help that he had Watkins beside him much of the time.

If Kelly can implement an offense that "hides" this olines faults it will be the ultimate magic trick.

He played a game and a half this season before going down with a knee injury.

[SilverChaosVII]

Great post. Still extremely unsure how it will translate to the NFL.

And right now my biggest concern is defense. I think he will find a way to make the offense pretty good at the very least... my concern is that our defense is going to continue to be as pathetic as they are now.

[dmor]

It sounds like Chip, from an OL perspective, may have similar philosophies as did Howard Mudd.

[damolazz]

Great post, thanks. Many, myself included, are intrigued by Chip, but not sure if he can be successful at the next level. Stuff like this gets me excited, but I'm definitely taking a 'wait and see' approach. Thanks again for your insight.

[flyerdog]

SilverChaosVII, on 17 January 2013 - 08:59 AM, said:

Great post. Still extremely unsure how it will translate to the NFL.

And right now my biggest concern is defense. I think he will find a way to make the offense pretty good at the very least... my concern is that our defense is going to continue to be as pathetic as they are now.

and that is a very good point...and I think the draft will dictate a lot this year...if we go heavy on D , as we should, I think it will signify that the FO is following the right course..if we draft all these high -powered offensive players and virtually ignore the D...well that is a bad sign....In a way we have to draft for need in 2013...given our secondary is a mess, and we need depth at LB...

on offense we have lots of pieces....a few additions here or there is good, but it's up to Chip to put those guys in a position to make plays.......OMG!!!! DID I JUST SAY THAT???????

[Dirty 30 Sucks]

dmor, on 17 January 2013 - 09:06 AM, said:

It sounds like Chip, from an OL perspective, may have similar philosophies as did Howard Mudd.

Howard Mudd was never a problem. Vince Lombardi cant get 4 backup offensive lineman to play well. Howard Mudd's "system" is just zone blocking as is Shanahan's.

[bobbywizdum]

scoregon, on 17 January 2013 - 01:49 AM, said:

So, as a long-time Oregon fan, who is also excited to see what Chip Kelly will do in the NFL, I have been reading your forum all day. Here are some thoughts from somebody who has followed Chip Kelly and what he did at Oregon closer than any of the national pundits who have been spewing opinions all day. I'm going to try and focus on stuff I haven't seen much about, because it's the kind of stuff I'd be interested in if he was coming to my team.

-He is a brilliant QB coach and evaluator. As a coach, he made Dennis Dixon (a guy who was an interception throwing, time-splitting head case his junior year) a Heisman Trophy favorite before his injury. He then made Jeremiah Masoli (a guy who is 5'10" on a good day and can't throw for crap) into a household name. He follows that by taking Darron Thomas (a solid talent at best...as evidenced by the lack of NFL interest) and making him into a collegiate star. And now this season, he finally has Marcus Mariota (a true talent and future NFL QB) and he becomes one of the top QB's in the country as a Freshman. One thing we quickly learned at Oregon is if Chip offered a QB (no matter what the recruiting "experts" said), then he is going to be a stud. Oregon was the first school to offer both Mariota and Johnny Manziel (and in fact both originally committed to Oregon before Texas A&M got into the picture). He also once had a verbal from Taj Boyd of Clemson. So, when it comes to quarterback, if Chip decides on Vick or Foles or brings in a Dixon (backup possibility) or Alex Smith or decides to draft someone, his track record would suggest he knows what he's doing.

-Two other quick points on QB's. He wants a passer who can run, not the other way around. Chip also stresses to his QB's that they should avoid taking unnecessary hits. Philosophy is first down, touchdown, get down. He wants them to be a threat in the read option game, but not to take a shot to pick up a few extra yards here and there. Though Marcus Mariota gained 700 yards rushing this season, I'd say he took about 2 big hits all season on running plays (took more than that in the pocket, but those happen no matter your offensive philosophy).

-He is known as Big Balls Chip because of his 4th down decision making. When he took over as head coach, he analyzed the mathmatical data that says coaches punt and kick field goals far more often than they should if they're trying to maximize points scored. Plus he just believes that going for it more often puts strain on your opponents and sets an aggressive tone for your team. I suspect he will be a little more conservative in the league, but that just means he won't go for it on 4th and 4 from his own 38 (did it multiple times this season) on the opening possession. I still think he will go for it on any 4th down of a manageable distance once his team crosses the 50.

-An athletic center is a key to doing all the things he likes to do with his offense. Oregon had Max Unger (all pro for Seattle this season) when Kelly arrived and now have a future NFL'er in Hronnis Grasu. These guys are used in a ton of different ways. They pull a ton, are expected to get to the second level often and are huge in the screen game. I'm not sure what the Eagles current center is like, but if he is athletic, that will be a big plus. Oregon had Jordan Holmes (solid, but not a stud) in between the two guys I mentioned and they were forced to scrap some of their most effective plays.

-He will often play multiple backs at the same time, as long as one has the ability to be a threat catching the ball. In his early years as OC this happened less because he didn't have that versatile back, but over the past 3 seasons, he found tons of ways to get combinations of LaMicheal James, Kenjon Barner, and DeAnthony Thomas on the field at the same time. This lead to huge matchup issues and headaches for opposing defenses. It seems Philly has some guys well suited for some of this.

-His offense is great for tight ends and he uses them in a myriad of ways. When he had Ed ****on (Ravens), he flexed him often because he was a great receiver and blocked well in space. With David Paulson (Steelers), he put him on the LOS more often because that's where he was most effective and now he has Colt Lyerla (crazy athlete) and used him all over the place.

-His Oregon teams basically never had a letdown. They didn't play close games against inferior opponents, they obliterated them and then played backups the entire second half. He was a master motivator and has, by all accounts, some of the most efficient/unique practices in football at any level. How that will translate is up to debate, but my money would be on him figuring out how to make it work with the Eagles.

I know this is a long post, but hopefully (for those that stuck with it) you got some interesting tidbits of information. If you have any questions I might be able to answer, I'll be checking back and will do my best to answer them.

i appreicite this input and while i'm not fully sold that this was the right direction for the eagles to go in i have to ask you....how can you say they never had a let down when i think chip's record was something to the tone of 3-7 against top 10 teams? It's nice that he dominated cream puffs but the nfl doesn't have any. A bad nfl team is a lot closer to the best nfl team than even two top ten programs can be in college at times. My other question from your perspective is what kind of value does kelly put on the defensive side of the ball. I haven't heard much about oregon having a great defensive team and if we are going to be going for it on 4th down from our own 38 we better have one heck of a defense !! That being said overall i welcome the addition even though i was on the gus bus. I'm just hoping chip isn't in over his head.

[DawkUsTheWay]

Great stuff

The one thing the Eagles have right now is that athletic center in Jason Kelce (assuming that he returns from the knee injury 100%). He seems to be the ideal center for Chip's scheme.

I think the team needs to upgrade the RB position from a versatility standpoint. I am not sure Bryce Brown would be the ideal back for his system. He is too much of a North/South guy who offers little flexibility in the pass game. McCoy sounds like he would thrive in his scheme but I do see him going after some more versatile backs in the draft like NE has in Ridley and Vereen (maybe he'll go after his guy late in the draft).

[Iggles_Phan]

eephraim, on 17 January 2013 - 08:25 AM, said:

Thanks for the post.

I'm worried about Kelce quite honestly. I didn't see a lot out of him the last 2 seasons. He's a poor pass protector...but it didnt help that he had Watkins beside him much of the time.

If Kelly can implement an offense that "hides" this olines faults it will be the ultimate magic trick.

[delphil]

Great post. Loved the insight.

I was wondering if you could discuss a bit his defensive philosophy, I was more interested in that since i dont know much about that.

Thanks

[Tumtum]

Ok so:

This offense is ready made for him.  He just needs his guy at QB...whoever that may be...trust in chip.  We could end up getting amazing value due to his difference in philosophy from everyone else.

I could be grasping here but it sounds like shorter guys can work well in his system (not a ton of standing tall in the pocket).

Watkins probably won't fit the mold...  Keep building the o line as always.

Also... I need an Eagles visor.