The void Jim Johnson left when he passed away back in July of 2009 has not yet been filled. The Eagles went through three defensive coordinators in the last four seasons, and they all fell short. It is one of the biggest reasons why Andy Reid is now coaching the Chiefs.
The importance of assistant coaches can be lost to a degree when so much focus is on the head man. Chip Kelly is the story, he is the draw. He is also nothing if his staff can’t pull its weight.
The Eagles are showing interest in quarterback Dennis Dixon, a league source confirmed to Birds 24/7.
Dixon, who spent this past season on the practice squad for the Super Bowl Champion Ravens, is free to sign a futures contract with another team. The Eagles and Dixon’s representation have been discussing a potential deal. If negotiations go smoothly, the former Oregon Duck will be reunited with Chip Kelly.
What does it all mean?
Let’s focus back in on EJ Manuel.
The former Florida State quarterback was on 97.5 The Fanatic Wednesday and restated his desire to come to Philadelphia to play for Chip Kelly.
“I’m just hoping that he gives me the opportunity,” said Manuel. “I would love to come and play in his offense, I would love to play for him and I would love to be his guy. It’s kind of starting off his tenure in the NFL, and I would love to be his first quarterback. I think it would be a great relationship.”
Mobile, Alabama was taken over this week by scouts, coaches, agents and, of course, Birds 24/7 writers, all looking to spot the next big thing. There is value to Senior Bowl week, as the NFL decision-makers get to visit with the prospects and watch them compete up close against top-tier collegiate talent. It is also dangerous to put too much stock in what you see.
With that in mind, a look at some players whose arrows appear to be pointing up after a week in the Mobile sun. We’ll focus on potential positions of need for the Eagles.
A tiny nugget to start with:
There is a good chance the Eagles switch over to a 3-4 under Chip Kelly — a sizable project in what will turn out to be a rather extensive remodeling effort this offseason.
Kelly hasn’t publicly committed to the transition, and perhaps it would be best to officially have a defensive coordinator in place before doing so. But there is a sense that he would like to make the move.
According to Howie Roseman, the team’s preparations for such a change predate Kelly coming on board.
If you play offense for the Eagles, chances are you are pretty pumped right about now.
Fast break. High-octane. Dreams of stats, points, and more stats. The Chip Kelly attack is coming Philadelphia.
“I’m real excited,” said Brent Celek in a phone conversation with Birds 24/7. “It’s obvious from his track record in college how good he was. I’m excited to see how it translates and for us to play well.”
As Week 2 of the coaching search nears its conclusion, a lot of Eagles fan are asking: What is going on with Gus Bradley?
It was back on January 4 when word came down that the Eagles requested and were granted to speak to the Seahawks defensive coordinator, but all has been quiet since then.
The focus will be on the head coaching search for a while. We’ll follow the rapid movements like a cat does a flashlight until a leader is chosen. Then the attention will go back to the roster.
When it does, we’ll be reminded that the assembled talent not only went 4-12, but did so in large part as a result of a lack of effort.
“If guys cared, if they focused their attention on something other than what’s going on around them…It’s all about focus and dedication and commitment, and until you get guys who are willing to better themselves week in and week out, and want to win, you’re not going to win,” said Michael Vick. “I just haven’t played with guys like that, and it’s unfortunate for coach that things turned out the way they are and they could have been a lot better, and this locker room could have dictated that.”
As Tim and I spend the day with our families, we wanted to extend another thank you to all the Birds 24/7 readers out there.
The Eagles’ 2012 campaign will end Sunday, but this franchise faces a crucial offseason. Decisions made in the next few months will determine the success of this organization for the next four or five years – at least.
We’ll have it all covered – from coaching staff changes to free agency to the draft.
Since we launched the site in late July, we’ve been overwhelmed by reader response and traffic numbers. So be sure to keep checking back early and often as we bring you complete coverage of the offseason.
And of course, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your families.
Nnamdi Asomugha was asked on Wednesday how important it is to him that he stays in Eagles green beyond this season. The question was tied to his sizable contract, and the reality that changes surely are ahead.
“I think really important. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” said Asomugha.
So you would make decisions potentially coming from that stance? If sacrifices were asked to be made?
“Yeah, I mean all I can say right now is I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he replied. “I definitely want to be back here.”
And with that, we have our first indicator that Asomugha could be open to restructuring his deal.
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Sheil Kapadia has been writing about the Eagles since 2008. His previous Philly.com blog, Moving the Chains, was named one of the best in the state by the Associated Press. Sheil's main joys in life are family, football and finding good parking spots.
Tim McManus is a bulldog reporter with a nose for news and story angles that will get people talking. He'll talk about it himself on 97.5 The Fanatic, where he serves as a host and Eagles beat reporter. Tim, an award-winning journalist, will be with the team around the clock.
