Takeaways From Chip Kelly’s Final Media Appearances of 2014

Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Marcus Smith (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kelly Might Increase his Flexibility in some areas, but will remain steadfast in most

I thought one of the interesting aspects of Kelly’s press conference was talking about possibly tweaking his practice regimen to possibly include more walkthroughs and visuals. Having attended multiple Eagles practices under both Andy Reid and Chip Kelly, the biggest difference is the phrenetic pace of Kelly’s. There is no time spent standing around and it is a sometimes dizzying feeling watching an entire practice where there is almost no interaction between coaches and a larger group. Instead, it is apparent that most of that discussion takes place in film sessions in between ‘training’ in order to maximize efficiency and muscle memory. Perhaps Kelly feels that installing some more in-practice interaction between team and coach might help cut down on some of the issues that hurt his team this season Despite this possible development, I don’t see Kelly bending on most of the matters that have distinguished him to this point. Every minute on the field will be earned and those who don’t put in the work will not have anything handed out to them. Kelly made this perfectly clear when in regards to first round pick Marcus Smith.

I admire Kelly’s emphasis on earning a spot on his roster. If he could somehow find a way of maximizing his talent level with enough people who put forth the work to garner such high praise, I think the intangibles are as such that this could be a Super Bowl contending team. I think Kelly’s decision to play his starters in the final game of the season was a decision that will pay off for him in the long run in terms of maintaining the level of respect of his team. He really seems to value every aspect of a player and not just the physical talents. Whether or not it will lead to his undoing, I do not expect Kelly to adjust too much when it comes to his coaching philosophies. It almost seems as if he values the time spent from Monday-Saturday more than the performance on the field Sunday. He wants players who will buy into sharing that same mindset and, for those who don’t, playing time will be hard to come by.