Eagle's Coach Chip Kelly Will Be Fired at the End of the 2014 Season

Will the Release of DeSean Jackson and the Loss of Michael Vick Cause the Eagles to Fail?

 

The Philadelphia Eagles flipped the script from 2012 to 2013 completely turning around a 4-12 season into a 10-6 season with a playoff berth resulting in a devastatingly close loss to the New Orleans Saints, by a two point margin, 26-24. There is no doubt, this resurrection from the ashes was the firing of Andy Reid and the hiring of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly. A leap of faith by owner Jeffrey Lurie paid off despite the naysayers that Chip Kelly's high octane offense couldn't work in the traditional NFL. They were so wrong it was hysterical.

Chip Kelly changes the game, sort of

From the opening game, Philadelphia amazed people with the volume of plays it was running and the games they lost were defense-related losses and couldn't be blamed on the offense. In the last few months, some weird happenings have been occurring in Philadelphia and I would opine they will prevent the Eagles from duplicating their 2013 run. I predict that they will be lucky to be 8-8, thus regressing. Attention, Chip Kelly, the honeymoon is over, defensive coordinators have went over every inch of tape and there are no surprises to pull out of the hat. They see the man behind the curtain pretending to be the Wizard. Enjoy the NFL, you won't be around much longer.

Off season hijinks of the 2014 season

DeSean Jackson, DJax, was released for allegedly flashing gang signs by the Philadelphia Eagles. They tried shopping DJax and failed because they "poisoned their own pool." Whether or not DJax is a gang banger has no relevance on anything. DJax has denied the rumor vehemently and hasn't had any legal issues because of alleged affiliation or anything else for that matter. DJax had a Pro Bowl season catching 82, passes, 9 TDs and over 1,300. Philadelphia eventually releases him and gets nothing in return. Huge bonehead move that makes them totally retool any plans for the 2014 NFL Draft.

Michael Vick is the next amazing occurrence in Philadelphia as they don't tender an offer to him and just let him walk with again no compensation. Granted QB Nick Foles is the starter but Vick did express a desire to return and had no objection to being a back-up. Kind of crazy that Chip Kelly couldn't see the value in having a QB that already new his wacky system of placards and vernacular. Vick has plenty of gas in his tank and still a shotgun for a left arm. Getting older but can still beat all but the fastest players on the field. So, it's a mystery why the Eagles wouldn't sign him to a short term deal.

Riley Cooper Eagles WR last season had the misfortune to show his racism in public that is caught on video and goes viral on YouTube. The Eagles turn a blind eye to the racial incident and he plays the season out having a few big catches. What happens is the next wacky event, they sign him to a 5 year $25 million dollar deal. Barely catches three balls a game and is an obvious issue since the NFL is a polarized locker room, but they re-sign him anyways. WTF!

Summary

Just like I am willing to say the quick turnaround in the Philadelphia Eagle's record is due to Chip Kelly, I will also lay 100% of the blame for these events at his feet as well. He owns them lock, stock, and barrel. He is the primary change on the team, not Vick and not DJax. Agreed, DJax was a prima donna and whined a lot, so what, he didn't do anything illegal and had a bona fide contract. Agreed, Michael Vick went to prison for running and financing a dog fighting enterprise, ancient history, get over it. Riley Cooper is a racist, and that hasn't changed. The NBA expels Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, for vile racial comments and conduct detrimental to the league but we allow the Eagles to fire a player with no misconduct, only alleged affiliations, and at the same time allow them to re-sign a player who extols the same racist behavior as Donald Sterling. When did knowing someone become an actionable offense? Why does the NBA have a higher standard than the NFL? How is this equitable and why aren't lawyers battling it out in court somewhere? Blind Insanity.


Bottom Line

Philadelphia Eagles get rid of two black players and they resign the white racist. DeSean Jackson signs in Washington making the Redskins a viable playoff team immediately. The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Washington Redskins twice a year which should make DJax very happy to bury Chip Kelly on the field. Michael Vick signs with the New York Jets and possibly will be their starting QB. Philadelphia Eagles will be forced to change their entire draft strategy now trying to find a replacement or two for DJax.

Winners

Michael Vick wins getting a chance to start for a much improved New York Jets. DeSean Jackson wins going to a team that has a new chance with a fresh coach and all the tools to make them a playoff contender.


Losers

Philadelphia fans are the losers here as they watch their team regress and implode in Chip Kelly sophomore season. Jeffrey Lurie will realize the "real mistake" is Chip Kelly and fire him. Takes more than making flash cards and drawing Xs and Os to be a head coach in the NFL. Enjoy the 2014 season Philadelphia, it should be one helluva ride.