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Too often, players in the NFL, especially those fresh from the draft, have a hard time adjusting to life in the NFL. It requires hard work, but it also requires a high level of responsibility. The problem is that these young men are also newly wealthy people, and when they're given too much free time, bad things will often follow.
Under head coach Chip Kelly, the Philadelphia Eagles' practices are designed to be as quick and efficient as possible, according to according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Under Andy Reid, players were given much more free time throughout the day, but the workday would last from morning till evening. Under Kelly, the workload will be more concentrated, giving players more time outside the Eagles' facilities.
The idea is a sound one. By concentrating practices in a shorter, more efficient time frame, players will be able to develop better sleep cycles, as well as eating habits. Still, the added freedom comes at a cost, and it's yet to be seen if that cost outweighs the benefits.
There are lot of opportunities for trouble in the lives of young NFL players. The idea behind Andy Reid's schedule was that players would have less time to get themselves into trouble. Under Kelly, players will have more than enough time to get into trouble.
We'll have to wait to see how the new schedule impacts the Eagles' players. Veterans will likely handle the adjustment with more ease than younger players. Under Reid, there was still time for players to get into trouble, and that will never be eliminated. My hunch is that players will benefit, overall, from the adjustment, but there may be some casualties in the form of arrests as well.
