What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Here’s a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles this week.

ESPN.com’s Jeffri Chadiha goes after Chip Kelly for the way he handled the DeSean Jackson situation. Here are a couple snippets:

Someday we will hear Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly explain the thought process that went into the release of Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson a couple weeks ago. Until then, it’s best to assume Kelly’s ego had as much to do with this as Jackson’s alleged misbehavior.

This is the situation that Kelly created for himself and it’s doubtful he’s sweating it right now. He’s so arrogant that he’s felt no need to talk publicly about Jackson’s release. He also has enough leverage from last year’s success that he might feel his decisions need no defense. This is another by-product of leading a collegiate powerhouse. The best coaches always feel an immense sense of control over their environments.

On the other end of the spectrum, Dave Tuley of ESPN.com thinks the Eagles (at 25 to 1) might be worth a flier to win the Super Bowl:

Yes, they lost Jackson, but as great as he was in Chip Kelly’s system (and he was a big part of my fantasy team’s success last season, so I watched him a lot), it’s clear that Nick Foles is going to spread the ball around. They re-signed Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, and I’m sure they’ll find other receivers and put up similar overall numbers again this year. They should be right in the hunt and again appear a cut above their division rivals.

Chris Burke of SI.com suggests trade scenarios for each team:

Should consider trading up for: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix or Calvin Pryor.

The thought of Philadelphia trading up for a safety or a wide receiver is not exactly a far-fetched one. The Eagles would like to add talent at both of those spots, so it may just be a matter of who catches Chip Kelly’s eye. The safety position does not offer the luxury of depth WR does — if Philadelphia wants a starter-caliber safety, it must strike in Round 1.

Malcolm Jenkins tells the NFL Network that Jackson joining the Redskins is a concern:

“Once he stayed in the division,” Jenkins said, “that’s when a little bit of concern comes in.”

Playing for the Saints last season, Jenkins explained that Jackson was dangerous enough to dictate New Orleans’ coverages in the January playoff matchup. The new Eagles safety admits Jackson could be more imposing with a chip on his shoulder this coming season.

Josh Norris of Rotoworld mocks Alabama inside linebacker C.J. Mosley to the Eagles at No. 22:

I know inside linebacker is not consistently mentioned as one of the Eagles’ needs, but Demeco Ryans can be cut after this season thanks to a large cap number and Mosley offers so much range. He would not come off the field.

Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com suggests Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks:

Cooks has traits like DeSean Jackson and he had 128 receptions last year. If the Eagles decide to hold off on a receiver and go defense, there are a number of solid defenders left on the board. The Eagles reportedly tried to trade for Dion Jordan and that should indicate their desire for defensive help.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle also has the Eagles selecting Cooks.