Thanks to JB-Sage-Lion for setting us straight on the actual definition of a "zone-read-option" style of offense as run by new head coach Chip Kelly.
This Sage is on fire. The former Nebraska fullback deserves his own show—or at the very least, a Charlie Casserly-type gig on a football network.
The Sage made his point yesterday like a professor in a lecture hall: "Schematically… Chip runs Zone-Read-Option. Formationally…. he runs the Spread."
That's an important understanding for fans in the know. Too often, I slipped into the lazy habit of labeling Chip Kelly's system as a "spread offense"… But as JB-Sage-Lion teaches, that's just half of the equation.
The Sage also made the point that for a zone-read-option offense to work, there must always be the possibility that the QB will take off on a run if uncovered. That's why Shaggy Foles does not fit in a zone-read-option offense which is run from a spread formation.
"The QB will keep the ball when the read says to," explained the Sage. "If the DE is undisciplined and crashes… the QB will keep the ball. So if you play vs. some DE that goes rogue and tries to help out on the RB dive or speed sweep all day… then the QB will have bunches of carries."
"If the DE plays disciplined defense… like virtually every team Oregon played… then he will take the QB out of every play… and therefore… the QB won't get near as many carries. But without the threat of a QB run… Chip's 'O' simply wont work."
"Any option football scheme is the same… you are blocking defensive players with offensive players that wouldn't normally block them… i.e. … their DE… and your QB. [Maybe your QB only ends up running the ball 6 times…] So 6 runs per game by the QB is 6 runs by the QB. But there were 15 other option plays where the threat of the QB's running broke huge plays for the RB… all achieved by option football… and your QB's blocking their DE… all based on only a threat of a running QB."
That's some nice chalk-talk by the Sage to help fans like me understand the basic premise of the Chip Kelly methodology. It also partially explains why the Eagles signed yet another quarterback to add to the pre-season mix yesterday.
Former Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne agreed to a deal with the Eagles on Thursday, according to a source. Kinne worked out for the team and passed his physical. The paperwork is expected to be submitted Friday to the NFL to make the move official.
The 24-year-old started his college career at Texas before transferring to Tulsa. It was there he made his mark. Kinne threw for 28 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions his senior season. He also ran for another 405 yards and three touchdowns.
Kinne was signed last year by the Jets as an undrafted free agent. He was released during the summer.
At 6-foot-2, 234 pounds, Kinne recently signed with the Arena Football League's San Antonio Talons. He played for UFL's Nebraska Nighthawks last year.
The Texas high school legend — he finished his prep career third in state history in passing yards and second in touchdown passes — also has a unique backstory. His high school coach and father, Gary Joe, was shot by the father of a disgruntled player. G.J. was told his father had passed. He survived and was eventually back on the field despite being given just a 10-percent chance to live.
It's a great story-line that has Kurt Warner written all over it.
But if you ask Shady McCoy, the QB who ends up running the show this year is still Michael Vick.
"I think Michael Vick is the starting quarterback," McCoy said in an interview with NJ.com.
McCoy, who worked out with Vick recently, says the veteran quarterback is as determined as ever to win the starting job in Chip Kelly's zone-read-option scheme..
"People forget- this is Michael Vick," McCoy said. "He's got a lot to prove this year, but he's ready to roll. He knows people are questioning if he can get it done, and he's gonna prove this year he can."
McCoy has been mostly quiet this offseason, while the organization has undergone major changes since the last time he took the field. Part of the reason for his silence was the fallout from the Twitter spat he very publicly got into with the mother of his child. With minicamps and OTA's on the way, however, McCoy said he is ready to move on and focus on rebounding from last year.
"You work hard each year to play the whole season, and when I got banged up, it was tough," McCoy said during a photo shoot for BODYARMOR energy drink. "This year I'm looking to bounce back and take off again."
Early indications are that McCoy is going to get every chance to do so, as both Chip Kelly and Pat Shurmur have spoken at length about their intent to run the ball. That is likely music to McCoy's ears. While the number of running plays might go up, that does not necessarily mean that McCoy's carries will rise. Bryce Brown emerged as a real threat in the run game last year when McCoy missed time with a concussion. Could MCoy find himself part of a spilt backfield next season?
"I feel like I've shown I'm a No. 1 guy, but it's a team sport. A guy like Bryce has to get the ball," McCoy said.
McCoy said that he has met with Kelly this offseason and that he is excited to find out how his offense will translate to the NFL. Noting the speed he and his teammates have, McCoy was confident that his team could turn it around quickly.
"He's meant to coach our team. He has the players he's looking for- speed guys with tons of talent," McCoy said. "It's just a matter of unleashing it. He can win with this roster. "
Can they do it with Vick at quarterback? "Oh my God yes," McCoy said.
Speaking of revelations…
Brozer dropped a mock bomb on us yesterday with a little trade action thrown into the recipe. Last year's Mach 10 Champion teased the Bored with a revised sample of his 7-round model:
1) LUKE JOKE
67) MARGUS HUNT !!!! (I sent Nick Foles to KC to re-cupe this pick. No big whoop).
98) Dallas Thomas !!!! Perfect in Coach Chip's Offense !!!!!!
129) HONEY BADGER !!!!
190) Dewayne Gratz (cb UCONN)
194) JJ Wilcox BOY DOG BULL DOG !
196) Philip Lutzenkirchen TE !!! AUBURN !!!
* Plus Kyle Long !!!!!
"The best player in the draff is in the above Mock !!…Also, the 2nd best player (Luke Joke), and 4 of the next best 60 players as well ! "
An inspirational approach to the Eagles draft by Broz…but does anyone else smell fish? There's at least one red herring in that delicious-looking dish. I hope Brozer eats that fish.
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