It's not often the offensive coordinator for the 27th-ranked offense in the NFL could be considered an upgrade over the supposed offensive guru he's replacing. How can a guy who steered a unit that finished in the bottom third be on the same level as the coach who is two years removed from leading the most explosive offense in NFL history?
Simple. He's more efficient.
Doug Pederson called plays during the second half of the final 12 Chiefs games, a streak where they went 11-1, despite not having their world class running back. During those games, the Chiefs averaged 13.25 points during the second half, a number, if doubled, that would have ranked in the top-five in points per game last season. Chip Kelly's Eagles finished 13th in the same category.
The real difference between Pederson's and Kelly's offensive systems is how Pederson takes care of the ball and makes his snaps count. Kelly was often quoted for saying he only cared about running more plays than the opposition and in a vacuum, that does make sense. It would benefit an offense to run as many plays as possible in order to overcome its deficiencies.
But football isn't played in a vacuum. Kelly's explanation did not take into account his stale play-calling or the fact that his defense was getting punished by all the extra work they had to do. Add in turnovers and a high number of drops, and the supposed mad scientist watched his experiment fail on the field 60 minutes at a time.
The Eagles out-gained the Chiefs by over 500 yards last year, but the Chiefs still scored more points, thanks to their emphasis on taking care of the football. Kansas City had just 15 turnovers all year, less than half of the 31 the Eagles committed a season ago.
These factors all led to the Chiefs averaging more points per game and points per drive, despite their low yardage output. Pederson was able to understand that sometimes you need to fight for field position or that after your defense was on the field for 13 plays, it isn't particularly smart to go no-huddle and end up with a three-and-out, sending that gassed unit back on to the field.
No one would argue that Pederson is as innovative as Kelly, but he plays it safe. And when you're building an offense around Sam Bradford and a collection of receivers who have not proven that they can be effective pass catchers in the NFL, you don't need inventive. You need someone who understands how to pick up easy yards and live to fight another day.
If Pederson can turn Bradford into the next Alex Smith, the Eagles will have their QB situation figured out and can rely on the talent of their front seven and developing offensive line to carry this team back into contention.
Prospect Rewind
Once again, here is another current Eagle's scouting report from when they were coming out of college. The mystery bird will be revealed on Thursday.
Positives: Lockdown corner. Very physical at the line, has a strong punch to knock receivers off their route. Attacks ball carriers behind the line, making secure tackles. Also willing to assist in tackles downfield or inside. Effective playing off receivers as he can flip open his hips and accelerate, close quickly on the ball in front of him or change direction to mirror receivers. Stays with even the fastest receivers down the sideline. Plays free safety on occasion and has all of the tools to succeed there in the NFL. Excellent hands for the interception, and he has the vertical to high-point the ball and strength to fight for it. Can make plays with the ball in his hands.
Negatives: Creates havoc on the blitz but doesn't always finish. Will take chances to make a play on the ball. Could improve his tackling in the open field — will occasionally drop his head instead of watching what he hits. Inconsistent taking on and getting off receiver blocks, and will hesitate to get to ball carriers coming into his area. Must prove he has the mental discipline needed to handle getting constantly challenged as a rookie after rarely being thrown at in college.
Tucker Bagley is a columnist for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @tbagley515.
