Shurmur: This Is A QB-Friendly System

Mark Sanchez has looked pretty comfortable at the controls of this Chip Kelly offense in the few times he has taken it out for a test drive. He opened some eyes during the summer with his fluid play and quick decision-making even though the system was foreign and the speed lighting-fast. While there were some mistakes, he seemed at home in relief of Nick Foles on Sunday in Houston as well.

While the real grading begins now, it appears that he has a pretty firm grasp of the offense despite not being around it for very long. Foles and Michael Vick picked it up pretty fast as well.

Is there something about the system that allows for a quick development out of the quarterbacks?

“I think we run a quarterback-friendly system,” said Pat Shurmur, “as long as you’re a good decision-maker. The number one attribute for a quarterback is being able to make good, solid decisions. Then you have to have a sense of timing. Then you have to be an accurate thrower. And really all three of the guys we’ve been talking about — Nick, Mark and Matt [Barkley] — can all do those things.”

What makes it QB friendly?

“It’s friendly because the progressions are pretty cut and dry, where we want the football to go based on what the defense [is showing]. And then you always factor in matchups. We don’t bog them down with a lot of silly things and so the ball can come out quickly.”

Shurmur echoed Chip Kelly by saying that the offense will not change much now that Sanchez is in charge.

“I think we can call a game in a very similar way regardless of whether Nick or Mark are playing quarterback for us,” said Shurmur. “We did it the other night. Mark came in in a backup role and we didn’t call the game any differently than if Nick was in there. Now, there are certain things that maybe Mark likes a little bit better than Nick and those are the things that we’ll tailor, and it may not be obvious to the casual observer.

“He went in the game in a backup role and performed very well for us. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do with a full week of preparation within our offense in a regular-season game.”

McCoy sits; Allen returns

LeSean McCoy was sidelined at practice Wednesday as preparations began for the Panthers. He told reporters after practice that he is just under the weather and should be fine for Monday night’s game.

Nate Allen returned to the practice field after sitting out all last week with a hamstring injury. He expects to play against Carolina.

Jason Kelce (sports hernia) appeared limited during the portion of training open to the media. Evan Mathis came off short-term injured reserve Wednesday, though he’s been practicing for the last two weeks. He’s on track to play. Matt Tobin is running with the first team at right guard in Todd Herremans‘ absence.