As Playoff Hopes End, Confusion Reigns
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On Saturday, the Eagles' playoff hopes ended with a loss to Washington. The aftermath have left more questions than answers.
Chip Kelly addressed the media on Monday, and his answers to many of the questions did little to clarify several issues surrounding the team. One topic of discussion was the results on the field in Kelly's first year with more power in the organization. Kelly attempted to dispute the notion that he is serving as the general manager.
"I'm not the general manager," said Kelly. "I don't run our personnel department. I'm not in charge of scouting.
"I didn't tell our scouts we're they're going. Ed Marynowitz does a great job with that. The only difference is that I was in control of the 53-man roster. Now, I'm in control of the 90-man roster."
Yet, when the Eagles announced the restructuring of their front office almost a year ago, the following sentence was listed in the team's press release on January 2nd, 2015:
"Head Coach Chip Kelly will now oversee the player personnel department."
So in the words of one former U.S. president, who's minding the store?
The answer would appear to be Kelly despite his remarks in Monday's news conference. That also means Kelly will have a host of tough decisions to make in the off-season. One of the biggest issues is the status of Sam Bradford. The soon-to-be free agent quarterback has stated he would like to return. Kelly also said he wants Bradford back. In the past, the teams have given new contracts to players during the season, but Kelly said he was told the team is taking a different approach.
"We don't negotiate during the season with anybody," Kelly said. "That wasn't a 'we don't want Sam back'.
That's just the way it is. Players shouldn't be worried about a contract while the season's going on. That will be something we'll address after the season."
Kelly also has issues to deal with on the field before the season comes to an end on Sunday. Left Tackle Jason Peters came out of the game in the second half last Saturday. Reports surfaced that Peters took himself out to avoid further injury. Kelly defended Peters and insisted he simply goes by what he is told by the trainers.
"We were just told he couldn't go any longer," said Kelly. "I know he got banged up early in the game. Jason has been playing hurt all season long. I don't think people realize what he's gone through to get out on the field. I will never question his toughness."
Kelly was not asked about Peters' future with the team, but the future of Peters as well as several other players in Philadelphia appears to be in question. The Eagles are 6-9 and finishing up one of the most disappointing seasons in recent years. Despite all of the mistakes and several questionable off-season moves, Kelly insists he still has a talented football team.
"It didn't go our way," Kelly said. "But I don't think we're a bad football team by any stretch. I can point to plays. I think we're not consistent, and that we need to be consistent. I don't think we've done a good enough job as coaches in putting them in position to make plays. I don't think we need to revamp this entire group of guys."
