Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

Chip Kelly stands behind Bradford

Sam Bradford completed only 50 percent of his passes and passed for 118 yards in the Eagles' 24-17 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, but coach Chip Kelly continued to support his starting quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly talks with Philadelphia
Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) during a time out against the New
York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday,
Sept. 27, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly talks with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) during a time out against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J.Read more(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Sam Bradford completed only 50 percent of his passes and passed for 118 yards in the Eagles' 24-17 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, but coach Chip Kelly continued to support his starting quarterback.

"I think Sam's doing a good job," Kelly said. "There are some throws Sam probably wants back. There are a couple in there that he missed, but there are also some drops, too, that I think could have really extended some drives for us. But we are pleased with Sam right now."

There were two dropped passes that could have resulted in big plays. If those passes were caught, Bradford's numbers would look different. But there were also open receivers that he missed. The inconsistencies have been present for three weeks.

"Just setting his feet," Kelly said about the times Bradford missed receivers. "I think on some of those, he had time to set his feet, but was just off target with the throw. That's just kind of a fundamental thing."

Kelly also pointed out impressive passes that Bradford made, including hitting Jordan Matthews on a crossing pattern in stride with a blitz in his face.

"With everybody on the offensive side of the ball, there just has to be more consistency in terms of what we're doing," Kelly said.

The Eagles need more productions from their wide receivers. Matthews was the only receiver to catch a pass on Sunday. Kelly said the plan was to hit the targets in the middle of the field - namely Matthews and Zach Ertz - and take advantage of running backs covered by linebackers. That was because the Jets have perhaps the best cornerback tandem in the NFL.

But the lack of production at receiver was not limited to Sunday's win. Nelson Agholor, Riley Cooper, and Josh Huff - the team's top three outside receivers - have combined for 11 catches for 100 yards and no touchdowns in the first three games.

"We don't care who does it or who contributes to it, as long as you come out with the victory," Kelly said.

They did that on Sunday, but even Kelly admitted it was an ugly performance. The Eagles had five three-and-outs in the second half and never went past the Jets' 49-yard line.

The Eagles played a good first half in New York and a good second half in Atlanta. Otherwise, the offense has struggled for eight of 12 quarters this season. Kelly is still searching for an elusive 60-minute effort.

"It's inconsistency and it's not one specific thing," Kelly said. "Usually with this group, you get one first down and that leads to more first downs. It's really those opening first three plays and within there, there can't be any inconsistency on those three plays."