Post by Guvmintcheeze on Sept 10, 2015 17:09:50 GMT
Eagles coach Chip Kelly: Julio Jones elite, obviously
When the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles square off Monday night, a lot of the attention will be on two-time Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones as he looks to get off to a fast start.
Eagles coach Chip Kelly is well aware of the challenge ahead for his defense. He talked about Jones during a Thursday conference call.
"We think Julio is an elite receiver in this league, obviously," Kelly said. "He presents a lot of problems because of his combination of size and speed. Usually guys that are 6-foot-2-plus, 6-3, 220 don't run as fast as Julio. So, he's a tough matchup just from the speed standpoint. Then when you add on that he's 6-3, 220, it's a tough deal. He's got great range, outstanding hands, very disciplined route-runner in what he does. We think he's one of the elite receivers in this league."
So how will Kelly and the Eagles contend with Jones?
"Got to make sure we have somebody on No. 11," Kelly said. "That's our game plan."
The Eagles have a few new faces in the secondary, most notably former Seahawks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond. Maxwell, who got $10.5 million per year in a six-year deal, isn't the quickest corner, but he's big, long, physical and smart. He would be the best candidate to get up and press Jones, although Jones could break loose and run right by him.
Expect the Eagles to give Maxwell or whoever is on Jones help over the top. The secondary also includes cornerback Nolan Carroll, safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Thurmond, and Eric Rowe off the bench.
Jones, who set a Falcons' franchise record with 1,593 receiving yards last season, led the league with 31 receptions of 20-plus yards last season.
The biggest question Monday night might be whether quarterback Matt Ryan even gets enough time to deliver Jones the ball, with lingering concerns about the rebuilt offensive line.
When the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles square off Monday night, a lot of the attention will be on two-time Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones as he looks to get off to a fast start.
Eagles coach Chip Kelly is well aware of the challenge ahead for his defense. He talked about Jones during a Thursday conference call.
"We think Julio is an elite receiver in this league, obviously," Kelly said. "He presents a lot of problems because of his combination of size and speed. Usually guys that are 6-foot-2-plus, 6-3, 220 don't run as fast as Julio. So, he's a tough matchup just from the speed standpoint. Then when you add on that he's 6-3, 220, it's a tough deal. He's got great range, outstanding hands, very disciplined route-runner in what he does. We think he's one of the elite receivers in this league."
So how will Kelly and the Eagles contend with Jones?
"Got to make sure we have somebody on No. 11," Kelly said. "That's our game plan."
The Eagles have a few new faces in the secondary, most notably former Seahawks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond. Maxwell, who got $10.5 million per year in a six-year deal, isn't the quickest corner, but he's big, long, physical and smart. He would be the best candidate to get up and press Jones, although Jones could break loose and run right by him.
Expect the Eagles to give Maxwell or whoever is on Jones help over the top. The secondary also includes cornerback Nolan Carroll, safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Thurmond, and Eric Rowe off the bench.
Jones, who set a Falcons' franchise record with 1,593 receiving yards last season, led the league with 31 receptions of 20-plus yards last season.
The biggest question Monday night might be whether quarterback Matt Ryan even gets enough time to deliver Jones the ball, with lingering concerns about the rebuilt offensive line.