Smart or not, Eagles? Chip Kelly not playing Sam Bradford isn?t a good sign ? Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com
On one hand, it might mean nothing.
On the other, it could be a sign of things to come.
Eagles head coach Chip Kelly announced Friday that quarterback Sam Bradford, coming off of back-to-back season-ending ACL injuries, will not play Sunday in the team?s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
The decision, which Kelly said was his and not the decision of team doctors, was a surprising one.
Bradford has yet to miss a practice or snap yet this preseason, taking part in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills. He has looked healthy while doing so, even looking healthy during a short (and slow) run on Thursday.
Eagles Analysis: 5 Players to Watch For in Preseason Opener
Tim Tebow
This may be the most anticipated debut of a third string quarterback, ever. Tim Tebow will be making his debut in midnight green on Sunday and should see plenty of action. Tebow, playing in his first game since the 2013 preseason as a member of the New England Patriots, is battling Matt Barkley for the third quarterback spot on the Eagles roster. As of now Barkley is listed ahead of Tebow on the Eagles first unofficial depth chart, which doesn?t mean much, but it?ll serve Tebow well if he outplays Barkley considering both have had an up and down training camp so far.
It?ll be interesting to see how much progress Tebow has made as a quarterback. This will be his first game since Tebow revamped his throwing motion. I?m personally interested in seeing how comfortable Tebow is running the offense. Is he looking to take of running when his first read is covered or is he going through his progressions like an NFL quarterback should? We should go a couple answers Sunday.
Walter Thurmond III
Walter Thurmond III is not only playing his first game as an Eagle but also his first game as a safety in the NFL. Thurmond has reportedly had a good camp as he transitions from slot cornerback to safety. He?s been all over the field in coverage forcing turnovers. The converted corner is looking to impress at a position the Eagles sorely need improvement from in 2015.
Thurmond has had injury concerns throughout his career so it?s questionable if he?ll be able to stay healthy at a more physical position like safety. He?s tackling is also something I?ll be watching closely. Don?t expect to see Thurmond for more than a series of two as is the case with the rest of the starters on team but it would be encouraging to see flashes of good play at the safety portion next to Malcolm Jenkins.
Marcus Smith II
This is a big opportunity for Marcus Smith II and could go a long way in helping Smith shed the premature bust label he?s received in Philadelphia. The Eagles are counting on the second year pass rusher to fill Brandon Graham?s role from last season as third outside linebacker. With Graham now a starter Smith has big shoes to fill and has to prove to the coaching staff that he can be trusted.
After not recording a single tackle last year Smith?s future looked bleak. However Smith?s name has been mentioned with more positive news than bad among coaches and teammates so far in camp which is encouraging. It remains to be seen if he can carry that over in to game action but he has the skill set of an intriguing young pass rusher. Look for Smith to see plenty of time at outside linebacker with the second team defense and on special teams. Sunday should be a good chance to see how far Smith has come.
Nelson Agholor
The Eagles first round pick makes his NFL debut tomorrow against the Colts. Nelson Agholor has looked the part of a first round pick in camp as he?s mixed in more and more with the first team offense as training camp has progressed, so he must have a good grasp of the offense early on. This may be the first step in Agholor ascending to the starting line up.
Agholor should see at least a quarter or two worth of action so hopefully he gets a good amount of targets. His play will obviously be effected by who?s throwing him the ball so hopefully the quarterbacks play well and give him a chance to make plays. Agholor will also get a chance at returning kicks, which could be a way for him to see the field early as a rookie. Look out for his big play ability and burst that he showed at USC.
Andrew Gardner
The Eagles listed Andrew Gardner along with John Moffitt, Matt Tobin, and Julian Vandervelde as co-starters at right guard on their first unofficial depth chart. However it should be noted that Gardner has received more days with the first team offense in training camp than his competition so you can consider him the leader in the clubhouse at this point. The job may be Gardner?s to lose so he must play well to fend off his competition.
Gardner started 8 games last year, more than any of the other 3 players he?s in competition with. That may be a major factor in why he?s getting first crack at the starting gig. I expect each player to see a quarter worth of playing time give or take. The Colts should be a good test for Gardner and company as someone looks to stand out and claim the starting job.
On one hand, it might mean nothing.
On the other, it could be a sign of things to come.
Eagles head coach Chip Kelly announced Friday that quarterback Sam Bradford, coming off of back-to-back season-ending ACL injuries, will not play Sunday in the team?s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
The decision, which Kelly said was his and not the decision of team doctors, was a surprising one.
Bradford has yet to miss a practice or snap yet this preseason, taking part in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills. He has looked healthy while doing so, even looking healthy during a short (and slow) run on Thursday.
Eagles Analysis: 5 Players to Watch For in Preseason Opener
Tim Tebow
This may be the most anticipated debut of a third string quarterback, ever. Tim Tebow will be making his debut in midnight green on Sunday and should see plenty of action. Tebow, playing in his first game since the 2013 preseason as a member of the New England Patriots, is battling Matt Barkley for the third quarterback spot on the Eagles roster. As of now Barkley is listed ahead of Tebow on the Eagles first unofficial depth chart, which doesn?t mean much, but it?ll serve Tebow well if he outplays Barkley considering both have had an up and down training camp so far.
It?ll be interesting to see how much progress Tebow has made as a quarterback. This will be his first game since Tebow revamped his throwing motion. I?m personally interested in seeing how comfortable Tebow is running the offense. Is he looking to take of running when his first read is covered or is he going through his progressions like an NFL quarterback should? We should go a couple answers Sunday.
Walter Thurmond III
Walter Thurmond III is not only playing his first game as an Eagle but also his first game as a safety in the NFL. Thurmond has reportedly had a good camp as he transitions from slot cornerback to safety. He?s been all over the field in coverage forcing turnovers. The converted corner is looking to impress at a position the Eagles sorely need improvement from in 2015.
Thurmond has had injury concerns throughout his career so it?s questionable if he?ll be able to stay healthy at a more physical position like safety. He?s tackling is also something I?ll be watching closely. Don?t expect to see Thurmond for more than a series of two as is the case with the rest of the starters on team but it would be encouraging to see flashes of good play at the safety portion next to Malcolm Jenkins.
Marcus Smith II
This is a big opportunity for Marcus Smith II and could go a long way in helping Smith shed the premature bust label he?s received in Philadelphia. The Eagles are counting on the second year pass rusher to fill Brandon Graham?s role from last season as third outside linebacker. With Graham now a starter Smith has big shoes to fill and has to prove to the coaching staff that he can be trusted.
After not recording a single tackle last year Smith?s future looked bleak. However Smith?s name has been mentioned with more positive news than bad among coaches and teammates so far in camp which is encouraging. It remains to be seen if he can carry that over in to game action but he has the skill set of an intriguing young pass rusher. Look for Smith to see plenty of time at outside linebacker with the second team defense and on special teams. Sunday should be a good chance to see how far Smith has come.
Nelson Agholor
The Eagles first round pick makes his NFL debut tomorrow against the Colts. Nelson Agholor has looked the part of a first round pick in camp as he?s mixed in more and more with the first team offense as training camp has progressed, so he must have a good grasp of the offense early on. This may be the first step in Agholor ascending to the starting line up.
Agholor should see at least a quarter or two worth of action so hopefully he gets a good amount of targets. His play will obviously be effected by who?s throwing him the ball so hopefully the quarterbacks play well and give him a chance to make plays. Agholor will also get a chance at returning kicks, which could be a way for him to see the field early as a rookie. Look out for his big play ability and burst that he showed at USC.
Andrew Gardner
The Eagles listed Andrew Gardner along with John Moffitt, Matt Tobin, and Julian Vandervelde as co-starters at right guard on their first unofficial depth chart. However it should be noted that Gardner has received more days with the first team offense in training camp than his competition so you can consider him the leader in the clubhouse at this point. The job may be Gardner?s to lose so he must play well to fend off his competition.
Gardner started 8 games last year, more than any of the other 3 players he?s in competition with. That may be a major factor in why he?s getting first crack at the starting gig. I expect each player to see a quarter worth of playing time give or take. The Colts should be a good test for Gardner and company as someone looks to stand out and claim the starting job.
