First it was DeSean.
Now it's LeSean.
Both are Le-Gone!
No, Sam Hinkie is not running the Eagles. But make no mistake - Chip Kelly is. This is his decision, his move and his gamble.
It's only been a couple of weeks since Jeff Lurie handed the reins to the Eagles over to his brash, young coach. A day after General Manager Howie Roseman jettisoned Chip Kelly's guy in the front office, Lurie clearly sided with his coach, giving him full control over the roster and personnel.
Today, LeSean McCoy is on his way to becoming a Buffalo Bill.
Most reports indicate Kelly is swinging a deal in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso. A couple of things to note: Alonso had a standout rookie season, but missed all of last year with a knee injury. And yes, he's an Oregon Duck, a guy Kelly recruited.
That was not the only move Kelly made yesterday. He cut ties with the often burned defensive back Cary Williams, who also had the temerity to question Kelly's practice routine, saying he was tired and that the grueling weekday pace was affecting the team on Sunday.
Also expected to be cut loose are linebacker Trent Cole and defensive lineman Brandon Graham.
But clearly the blockbuster news is the trade of McCoy, considered one of the premier running backs in the NFL.
Suddenly the Eagles have cleared a ton of money off their cap.
My take on what is going on with the Eagles?
This is all about Marcus Mariota. I think Kelly wants the Oregon quarterback he recruited and believes is the perfect signal caller to run Kelly's offense.
With the cap space, Kelly can now focus on fixing his defense in the free agent market, and also sign his own free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
Then he can put all this draft picks in a mega-package to move up to get his guy, Mariota.
Still, going from No. 20 to a spot, which would have to be in the top five, to get Mariota, is going to take some doing.
With first the move to shed DeSean Jackson, and now his divorce from one of the best running backs in the NFL, Kelly also is sending a message to his locker room.
It's all about culture, guys. Specifically, my culture. Get on board or get on board the bus out of town.
Just one thing, coach.
It's something every Eagles coach has learned eventually. Just ask Andy Reid.
This arrogant, dismissive attitude that wreaks of "I'm smarter than you are" only works when the team does.
In other words, you better win.
Start losing and the grumbling will grow louder every week.
But first Kelly has to devise a way to reel in his prize catch, Mariota.
If he can't, I'm not really sure what all this is about.
And what about Nick Foles, the guy who just two years ago threw 27 touchdown passes and only 2 picks, before struggling and then getting hurt this season.
I would refer to DeSean and LeSean.
No one on this roster is safe.
Comments