April 1 arrives, and so do the Eagles
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
April 1 arrives, and so do the Eagles
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Monday is more than opening day for the Phillies. In a certain way, it could also be considered an opening day for the Eagles, too.
Since Chip Kelly was hired, he has been ambiguous and evasive when asked about plans pertaining to specific players because he has not yet had the chance to work with them, or even talk football with them. Conversations have been limited to get-to-know-you discussion -- where do you live, how's your family, etc. -- but nothing about actual Xs and Os, per the collective bargaining agreeement.
Kelly did not complain about the rule, but it has limited all his evaluation to film.
"We knew the rules going in," Kelly said. "I’ve never looked at it and said, `Boy, I wish I had these guys in March.’ It’s just what you’re dealing with. The thing about this league that’s awesome is everybody has the same rules. It’s consistent."
However, it begins to change today. It's April 1, which is technically the first day of the Eagles' offseason program. Phase 1 begins in earnest this week, when players can lift weights, condition, and there can be team meetings. That lasts for two weeks. Here are the key upcoming dates.
First Day: April 1
OTA Offseason Workouts: May 13-15, May 20-22, May 28-31
Voluntary Minicamp: April 16-18
Mandatory Minicamp: June 4-6
The voluntary minicamp is an interesting to note, because the Eagles are one of eight teams that get this camp. Teams with new head coaches get this camp, so this will be the time Chip Kelly actually gets to work with his veterans. The team will be present, on the field, with the coaching staff.
This is the first time the Eagles can actually practice, and the last time before the rookies join the mix. Phase 2 is a three weeks of the offseason program, and includes individual on-field instruction and team practices on a "separates" basis. There is no live contact allowed, nor team offense vs. team defense.
The next four weeks are Phase 3, which allows for 10 days of organized team activities (OTAs). This does not allow for live contact, but teams are allowed to have 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills.
More dates to watch in coming weeks will be the rookie football development program, which can last seven weeks and begins May 13. The Eagles will also hold a rookie minicamp on either the first or second weekend following the draft.
The offseason program is especially significant for the Eagles. Kelly's time so far has been devoted to assembling staff, planning for the draft and free agency, and going through free agency. But he has not yet been allowed to actually coach. That changes this month, which is why Monday is an important day for Kelly.
As Kelly feeds on his evaluations we will soon have something of substance to chew on. It will be interesting not only to hear his opinions and plans, but to find out just how candid he will be. I am really looking forward to this, let the good times roll . . .— EagleEye61- Anything is better than the last two years... I have high hopes for the Kelly / Howie partnership....— cdedrick05
- Umm, howie's been the GM for the past four years, genius. He signed demtress bell. He raved about the fireman, Danny Watkins. He picked jaiqwan Jarrett. He told Reid to hire Washburn and install the wide nine gimmick, with Jason babin as the centerpiece. If you're looking forward to more of roseman's full blown buffoonery you must be drunk or mentally handicapped
- Barca your a fool,are you trying to tell me that Andy Reid, having ten plus years as head coach,was forced to "hire Washburn and install the wide nine gimmick" but then Chip Kelly,having no NFL expeariance,was allowed to choose his coordinaters and install his own system? I find that hard to believe,along with placing poor draft blame on his shoulders,anyone who thinks the GM makes the draft picks is a total dope. And as far as bringing in FA's,Roseman has done a fine job of bringing in the best available,the fact that those guys got paid then quit playing is not his fault. — greensob
- Yea I dont think you know how football works,you sound like like a Yankees fan,he should just stop messing around and put 53 pro bowlers on this team and until he does he really really really stinks.And could you please tell me again why Kelly gets to choose his coordinaters and system buit AR didnt? — greensob
- Kelly should be happy he wasn't here 2 years ago when they didn't have the OTA's. He would have been a basket case.— watsonmr
- So far I like what I see he has gone with size and speed. Remember that is also how seattle is build with a lot of defensive size. Good luck coach.— skills
- Chip I'm rooting for you. I'm generally pleased with what you've done. I have bought in, I would have anyways.— Yoey
- STOP ENABLING LURIE IN HIS LAME ATTEMPTS TO STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT FROM OTHER IN-SEASON TEAMS (THAT ALSO ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN HIS PATHETIC BIRDS).— jman
- Jman-perfect
The Eagles and NFL manipulate the writers assigned to the team with nothing important to write about for this time of year. Boring.— Ballgame - Hannibal, this is Scipio. Ditch the tough-guy, cynical, whining, know-it-all act. It's tired. Being a wet-blanket cynic is easy and doesn't require wit or intelligence. It's the coward's choice. Now, behave or you'll end up like Hasdrubal.— fortegentile
- Opening day for the Eagles is when the dog killer is long gone and the clown owner has sold and moved back to Boston. Till then they are just trash clogging up our sports page.— Scope33
- They had the SOLAR system that just installed at the Linc this year, and then brought Chip in to run a science football philosophy in town. What an evolution mind !
Good luck Coach Reid.
— phillafuN - There will always be some form of malcontent looking for a reason to spew vinegar and salt. Be careful what you wish for or you could end up with a guy from France and a team in LA.— bonnerlou
