The Philadelphia Eagles had one of the team's worst seasons in recent memory after going just 4-12 and after the franchise decided to fire longtime head coach Andy Reid, former Oregon head coach Chip Kelley took over and so far the players are excited about it.
According to Pro Football Talk, Eagles wide receiver Damaris Johnson is eager to see what he can do in the new offense, while he also expects big results from Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson. Each player possesses speed and agility, which is expected to be something Kelly uses to his advantage this season in the NFC after taking over.
As a rookie Johnson was solid and showed some flashes of brilliance, but another year in the NFL will give him more experience to work with as he goes forward. He came out of college as a prolific returner and receiver and he went to Tulsa where he ended up setting records in the NCAA for all-purpose yards (200 yards per game on average) and now he gets to put those skills to use for Kelly and his offense. Vick is expected to be the starter after being banged up for part of last season, while McCoy and Jackson are also returning from injuries. Johnson may get used as a runner on the outside and Kelly has experience bringing back receivers into the backfield.
The Eagles went just 4-12 last season and ranked 13th in both passing and rushing yards per game, while giving up the ninth and 23rd ranked passing and rushing yards per game on defense. The team has a tough schedule to start the year and doesn't have a bye until Week 12, playing teams like the Broncos, Giants and Bucs all on the road in a row, while also playing Oakland, Dallas and Green Bay. Vick is also ready to breakout again after a couple of tough seasons, as he feels that he is the fastest quarterback in the league and is excited to get started with Kelly in training camp.
"These guys are young and they're fast and they're quick; the thing I do have is a very quick get-up," Vick said. "I really don't feel like there's a quarterback in the league who can beat me in a 40-yard dash. If somebody wants to set something up, I'll be more than glad to accept the challenge. But as of right now I'm going to say me. But Colin Kaepernick is fast and RG III is fast as well."