Four-for-Four: The Hope Springs Eternal Edition

EAGLES

Feb 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman speaks during a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

CENTER OF ATTENTION

Of all the Eagles’ flurry of moves that have occurred in the last couple of days, there is not one that makes me happier as a fan than the contract extension signed by Jason Kelce. More and more, the center position is becoming one of the most important positions on the field and it looks like the Eagles may have a great one.

Kelce’s modest deal and his explanation of how he plans to handle his money is all one needs to know about the on-field brains of the Chip Kelly operation.

"“I think I’ve got, at this point, more than enough to be comfortable, I wear sweatpants and T-shirts every day. I don’t wear jewelry or anything. This is certainly more than enough to live comfortably.”"

It’s almost mind-boggling thinking of where the Eagles were two years go compared to the direction they are currently heading. As the lone ‘hit’ of the 2011 Draft class, Kelce has emerged as a team leader and one of the best at his position in the NFL. He wants to be an Eagle and realizes there is something special brewing in the locker room that has been absent in recent years. For how smart of a player that Kelce is, it should bring a lot of hope that a player of his caliber is taking a deal like he did. He knows that the current group has the making of a team that could do something no other Eagles team has ever done before, win a Super Bowl. Honestly, I would not be surprised if Kelce is even better next season.

HATS OFF

In addition to signing Jason Kelce, the Eagles also solidified the most important position on the offensive line by signing Jason Peters through 2018. The All-Pro left tackle appears that he will retire as an Eagle and continue to maul pass-rushers for years to come in Philadelphia. As an undrafted free agent tight end out of Arkansas, Peters is the model of perseverance and will power. Now, inking a deal that should set up his family for generations to come, Peters decided to crank up the swag when signing his deal. This picture, courtesy of the Eagles Twitter account.

The only shame is that Peters’ fedora is covering up his trademark cornrows. Nevertheless, have to respect a man who can pull off a hat like that.

THANKS, BIG RED

It’s kind of weird to think about Andy Reid in a positive light, now that he is coaching elsewhere. That said, it’s remarkable how well this offense is put together. Even during the lean years towards the end of Reid’s tenure, the Eagles still moved the ball as well as they ever have. Turnovers and poor decision-making often cost the team wins and points, but to say that Chip Kelly is some sort of miracle worker with sub-standard talent is incorrect.

Depending on how things shake out, the Reid-heavy offense should remain the norm for the next few years. The team is relatively young on that side of the ball and, after signing three of their offensive players to extensions in the last week, the Eagles should look rather similar for a while. Although he also left us duds like Alex Henery and Casey Matthews, be thankful for Andy Reid today. The Eagles might not be as close to contending as they are were it not for the Big Guy.