Adrian Fedkiw
Chip Kelly is the ex-girlfriend that Philadelphia just can’t seem to let go.
While Kelly kept throwing Howie Roseman under the bus, trashing the front office structure when he was here and not putting any blame on himself, Doug Pederson fielded questions from reporters at another NFC Coaches Breakfast table Wednesday.
Yes, he was there too!
The Philadelphia Eagles head coach talked about how Sam Bradford being his quarterback was a big reason why he took the job.
“He’s a guy that makes good decisions, he’s an accurate thrower, he’s got a good arm,” Pederson said. “He can make all the throws that are necessary for the passing style of game that I’ll bring.”
Pederson also compared Bradford to his former quarterback in Kansas City, Alex Smith.
“We did a lot of things with Alex, utilizing one of his strengths was his mind, allowing him to think. Sam’s that same type of quarterback, that sharp guy that I can use to get in and out of situations. Put more on his plate so to speak,” he said.
Pederson explained that because Bradford isn’t rehabbing from an injury this offseason like he has in the past, it’s given him more time to focus on strength.
Bradford has actually put on five pounds. Keep hitting those weights Sammy!
Pederson did acknowledge that he’d like a “bigger guy” at quarterback.
“You would because of the durability issues … but it’s not a concern,” he said.
As for the quarterbacks in this year’s NFL Draft class, Pederson admitted that it’s important to evaluate all of them, but he prefers individual workouts instead of attending Pro Days. He said that he will not be at Carson Wentz’s Pro Day.
Pederson also discussed using some up-tempo this season. The Chiefs ran a slow and methodical offense in Kansas City, running the second fewest plays per game. Under Kelly, the Eagles ran the second most.
“I think that’s a benefit for any offense is to be able to play fast,” he said. “I want to use some of that, they’re used to that, they’re comfortable, the no-huddle system. Give the quarterback some more freedom.”
When Andy Reid took the Eagles head coaching job in 1999, one of the first things he did was hire a sharp defensive mind as his defensive coordinator. That was Jim Johnson. Pederson did the same with the acquisition of Jim Schwartz.
“He (Reid) expressed how important it was to find that guy that you trust on defense,” he said.
Each coordinator, however, has their own philosophies when it comes to defense. Obviously, Johnson loved to bring the blitz, but Schwartz likes to rush with four and drop back seven.
“These quarterbacks are smart today and they’re coming in and understanding blitz packages, understanding where open zones are. They get the ball out of their hands so fast. So the blitz sometimes doesn’t affect you,” he said.
When asked about needs, Pederson stated that the team still has holes on the offensive line and that he’d still like to upgrade at linebacker, in the secondary and bring in a couple more pass rushers.
Pederson claimed that the starting left guard is currently on the roster, but hesitated for several seconds before answering the question. He also brought up that tackle Jason Peters could play guard down the line.
“As he continues each year is there a chance that he could possibly move inside, that remains to be seen,” he said. “In his case, he has the mobility, he has the strength to move inside.”
Pederson did acknowledge there’s a difference between tackle and guard because the tackle is upright, while a guard puts their hand in the ground.
“It’s a different viewpoint, it’s tighter and guys are on you faster,” he said.
Some other notes, Pederson said the Jordan Matthews will play on the outside during the spring, he wants to bring in a fullback, Connor Barwin will see snaps at defensive end, there will not be any joint practices and he will call the plays before sending them to offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who will relay them into Bradford’s helmet.
Kelly’s session might’ve been more eye-popping and attention-grabbing, but Pederson’s was more football oriented and interesting.
He’s the Eagles coach now, it’s time to let Chip go.