Eagles putting trust in young players
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.
| Like TGS on Facebook | Follow TGS on Twitter |







Last week, Mike Goodson, who was signed by the Jets two months ago to a three year, $6.9 million contract, was arrested on weapons and drug charges. The running back allegedly was in possession of marijuana and a semi-automatic .45-caliber gun. While Goodson was not driving the SUV that when it was pulled over, that didn't absolve him from responsibility.
The Browns have one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. Brandon Weeden did nothing last year to prove that he was "the man" moving forward, and Jason Campbell could be a stop-gap quarterback at best.
Dwight Freeney has a new contract with the San Diego Chargers, and he didn't do bad for himself in free agency.
Manti Te'o has recovered nicely after it was revealed that his deceased girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, never actually existed.
Brandon Weeden will go into training camp later this offseason as the favorite to win the Browns' starting quarterback job, if for no other reason than being the young incumbent. Still, that doesn't guarantee that he'll be starting the season as the Browns' starter.
While Reggie Bush's stint with the Saints wasn't enough for him to stick in New Orleans, it did give him an understanding of a high tempo offense. The Lions run a similar offense, and it's given Bush a sense of comfort in the offense.
On August 11 of last year, Chad Johnson allegedly head butted his then-wife, leading the Dolphins to cut the receiver, effectively ending the receiver's career as no team had any interest in signing him.
After choosing to retire earlier in the week, David Garrard my be staying with the Jets after all, just not as a coach.