Chip Kelly Says Fans Are 'Direct Result' Of Success At Home
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- October 27th, 2013. Giants 15, Eagles 7.
It was the Eagles' tenth consecutive loss at home and first-year head Chip Kelly declined to 0-4 at Lincoln Financial Field. In fact, the Eagles' hadn't won at home in over a full calendar year.
Fast forward to October 12th, 2014. Eagles 27, Giants 0.
The Eagles improved to 5-1 with their eighth consecutive victory at the Linc, which is their fourth-longest home winning streak and the longest since an 11-game streak from 1991-93.
"I don't know about perfect, but I'll tell you what, one thing our team loves is playing at home," Chip Kelly told Angelo Cataldi on the 94WIP Morning Show about the Eagles' near perfect win over the Giants. "We started off last year not very good at home, but winning eight straight there's a direct result of what type of atmosphere our people have created at the Linc and it was a lot of fun last night."
Listen: Chip Kelly on the 94WIP Morning Show
Draped in all black uniforms for the first time ever on "Black Sunday" in South Philadelphia, the Eagles completely dominated the Giants behind a ruckus crowd that clearly had an impact on the game. Giants quarterback Eli Manning seemed frazzled all game, eerily similar to the Eagles' cartoon released on Friday, sans the underwear.
Eight sacks to one. 448 yards of offense to 253. 24 first downs to 12. It wasn't even close.
"Good morning Angelo and I'm sorry, I want to apologize to you right off the jump," Kelly joked as he started his weekly Monday morning call-in. "We didn't give you much to complain about. Your week is going to be awful."
One of the big concerns entering the game was running back LeSean McCoy, who had been struggling this season. Shady silenced all critics, rushing for 149 yards on 22 carries. It was McCoy's sixth highest rushing total of his career and his 20th 100-yard game tying him with Brian Westbrook for second most in franchise history.
"Obviously he didn't have success in a couple earlier games, but you know, with great players that doesn't last," Kelly said. "You know what I mean? He's a special, special talent. He works extremely hard. He's really pushing himself right now. He is. I think he did play with a little chip on his shoulder, which is a good thing."
The Eagles other running back, Darren Sproles, tied a career high with his third rushing touchdown of the season. He also had 57 punt return yards, including a 43 yarder that nearly went the distance, before suffering a knee injury late in the game.
"I just saw him after the game and he told me he'll be fine, but you'll wait to see what happens," Kelly explained. "The one thing, I would never count Darren out of anything. He's just such a tough kid or tough man. He's really---we need him and I hope everything comes up positive today."
The Eagles have won 10 of their last 13 games and 12 of their last 14 regular season games under Kelly. As Eagles head coach, Kelly is now 15-8 (.652).
"We're moving in the right direction," Kelly said. "Still have a lot of work to do, but we feel like we got some good things to build upon. I think our players are continuing to develop in our system, and we're starting to see that. Guys are getting more comfortbale, they're more used to playing with each other. They understand how to work with each other."
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