The Eagles returned to the practice field Wednesday to prepare for the season opener against Atlanta. Head coach Chip Kelly addressed the media before joining the team, discussing how to prepare for a team with a new coaching staff, Zach Ertz's progress and more …
On preparing for the Falcons:
Kelly: You have to look at the coordinators and where they can from and prep for in-game adjustments when it comes to new head coaches
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly said the matchup between the #Eagles secondary and the Falcons pass catchers will be a big one with Julio Jones and Roddy White
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly: The Atlanta defense looks sound and on the same page under Quinn. Said Vic Beasley will be a test for both Peters and Johnson
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly said that the Seattle defense shut down the Eagles last year with both scheme and personnel. Best CB and best pair of safeties
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly said that the team has a game plan. Just don't expect him to explain it in the press conference.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Coach Kelly: You can't really single out any one playmaker on the Falcons. They have a lot of good players on offense.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 9, 2015
On Ertz:
Chip Kelly: Everyone will practice today. Zach Ertz was cleared to go.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly: Ertz has improved as a blocker from a technical standpoint, can be seen in drills
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
On QB Stephen Morris:
Kelly said Stephen Morris was highest-rated QB on waiver wire.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Coach Kelly: Stephen Morris was our highest rated QB available on the waiver wire. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland knows him well.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 9, 2015
On RG Andrew Gardner:
Kelly said that Andrew Gardner is the starting right guard.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly said Andrew Gardner has been a lot more consistent. He has a real good grasp of the offense, real smart. Always where he needs 2B
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
On the Eagles' defense:
Kelly: We're hoping to get similar type of production out of Connor Barwin this year.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Coach Kelly: I think Eric Rowe can have a significant role right away. We're confident in Eric going into the year.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 9, 2015
Kelly said that Vinny Curry is at OLB full time now.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly said that Vinny Curry is at OLB full time now.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
On Lane Johnson:
Kelly: Lane Johnson was raw. We saw a guy with great potential and we think he's fulfilled that here.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Coach Kelly: Lane Johnson has a great skill set. He's tall, long and physical... He's fulfilling his potential as a top-4 pick.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 9, 2015
On Rasheed Bailey:
Kelly: Rasheed Bailey did a very good job, but we had Freddie Martino and Quron Pratt rated higher.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
Kelly said that he talked to a CFL team about Bailey and hopes he gets an opportunity.
— Dave Spadaro (@EaglesInsider) September 9, 2015
On injuries:
Coach Kelly: I expect all 63 players to practice today. We'll monitor Ertz and Marcus Smith, but they're cleared to go today.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 9, 2015
