Notes: Dallas Prep, Foles And A New Safety


Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

It is not all that common to be playing a division opponent twice within the span of three weeks, so many of the questions posed to Chip Kelly Wednesday were about the potential obstacles or unique challenges that such a situation presents.

The head coach didn’t hold anything back the first time around in anticipation of this matchup, he said, and doesn’t intend on drastically changing his approach the second time around.

“Just go play. I think you can paralyze yourself by trying to overanalyze it,” said Kelly. “I would imagine DeMarco Murray is probably going to carry the ball a lot against us in our game. I think they’ll probably try to throw the ball to Dez Bryant in our game. They’ll probably try to find the tight end a lot in probably third-down situations in our game. We’re going to give the ball to LeSean McCoy in our game. It’s kind of similar to what happened the last time. It’s really about going out and executing and which team can execute better and which team can block better and which team can tackle better.”

One difference might be the play of Tony Romo, who will have plenty of time to rest his ailing back before Sunday. Kelly said they are anticipating the best form of Romo, which means they have to be at their best as well.

— As Sheil wrote yesterday, Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner said that the Seattle defense “knew what plays were coming” and called the Eagles offense “pretty basic.” Some members of the Niners had similar comments following their matchup with the Eagles. Kelly was asked about his philosophy when it comes to sticking with plays that you run well versus keeping the opposition off-balance.

“I think everybody kind of knows what’s going on. You have tendencies when you get through 13 games,” he said. “We knew what defense they were going to line up in, too. It’s still about executing and playing football.”

— The Eagles signed rookie safety Jerome Couplin III (6-2, 215) off the Lions practice squad Wednesday.

“He was active for eight games. Big, tall safety. We think he’s got potential,” said Kelly. “And the only way you can get a guy like that is you have to add him to your active roster. You can’t take somebody from a practice squad to a practice squad…We’ll work out, see where he is, see where his skill set is. He could be a dime [corner] for us. He’s got a unique skill-set.”

Roc Carmichael was released by the Eagles on Tuesday.

Nick Foles continues to throw during the training sessions. While still not officially practicing, his level of activity seems to be gradually increasing. He’s throwing to receivers, catching some footballs and bouncing around a bit more. He’s expected to have his collarbone re-evaluated after the Dallas game.

Josh Huff (hip) was limited on Tuesday, Kelly said. He was taking part in the early portion of Wednesday’s practice but Kelly wasn’t sure that’d he be a full-go.