Impact of Chip Kelly's Departure on the Philadelphia Eagles' Offseason Plans

Chip Kelly's activities during the last off-season have left a significant mark on the Philadelphia Eagles for at least a couple of years. As someone who has admired Kelly as a coach, it is important to delve into the events that transpired and their impact on the Eagles' future plans.

Reviewing Recent History

To understand the current situation, it's essential to look at the recent past. When Robert Griffin III (RG3) attempted to transition to a pocket passer on his own, it led to a series of issues. He was criticized for holding the ball for too long and not being able to read defenses effectively. While RG3 may not be the ideal pocket passer, Shanahan—a coach who built RG3's career—was also heavily criticized, often unfairly, for the team's struggles.

When Gruden took over and struggled with RG3, the focus shifted to the quarterback's performance rather than any systemic issues. Despite the criticisms, it is clear that the responsibility lies more with the quarterback than the system.

Chip Kelly's GM Era and Its Outcomes

Chip Kelly's tenure as General Manager (GM) was characterized by a mix of successes and failures. His evaluation of players was heavily based on their measurable attributes rather than their demonstrated skills and talents. Kelly sought to fit players into predetermined molds rather than allowing them to develop their true potential. This led to the alienation and departure of Desean Jackson, one of the team's best receivers.

The Eagles faced several significant challenges during this period. Bradford, their quarterback, was merely average and is now a free agent, leaving uncertainty for the upcoming season. Mark Sanchez, while not in consideration, is known to have suboptimal performance. The team also lost their top two receivers—Jackson and Maclin—with no significant replacements.

Assessing the Current Situation

The Eagles' current roster is in dire need of improvement. They need multiple quarterbacks, as they currently have Bradford, who cannot play 16 games. Mark Sanchez is also a poor choice. The team's receivers remain a significant weakness, with no replacements to speak of.

The running back situation is similarly troubling. Matthews, the best runner on the team, is aging, while Sproles, though still valuable, is past his prime. Murray, who had a good season, is likely to have only a couple more seasons left. The offensive line, often criticized, is also in need of bolstering.

Future Strategy and Draft Plans

The Eagles' best hope lies in their future draft picks and the free agency market. With Kelly no longer calling the shots, the team now has the opportunity to select actual talent and address their immediate needs. Taking a quarterback in the draft might be crucial, followed by the development of wide receivers and offensive linemen.

The advantage the Eagles have is their high draft pick, which could be used to their advantage to improve the team significantly. They can also take advantage of the free agency market to strengthen their roster without the limitations and missteps of the previous era.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a long road ahead, but with the right personnel decisions and strategic planning, they can revitalize their team and return to competitiveness in the NFL.