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Chip Kelly spoke to the media prior to today's Eagles practice and touched on number of subjects.
The "big" news to come out of his media session was that Nate Allen will start at safety against the Washington Redskins on Monday night. Allen was already listed first on the Eagles (unofficial) depth chart. BGN's Mike Kaye explained earlier today why starting Allen is the right decision for the Eagles.
Allen and fellow starter Patrick Chung won't be the only safeties who see the field on Monday, however. Rookie S Earl Wolff is expected to see some action. Chip said Wolff has been "pushing" Allen from a competition standpoint. Wolff confirmed the notion about his playing time after practice:
Wolff just said he was told by Chip he will likely play at least some in "every quarter". Says that he thinks time will basically be split
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) September 4, 2013
Today was also the first time Chip had addressed the media since the team cut down the roster to 53 players on Saturday, so naturally he was questioned about some of his roster decisions. An interesting note:
Kelly: We said it from day 1, there are three ways to make this team - special teams, special teams, special teams.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) September 4, 2013
If it wasn't obvious by now, Kelly really cares about special teams performance. Some questioned Chips' decision to keep ILB Casey Matthews, but it seems to make sense considering Matthews was a top performer on special teams in 2012. According to Chip, special teams performance is also why the Eagles cut Emmanuel Acho and added Najee Goode.
On the injury front, CB Brandon Hughes and OT Dennis Kelly are still suffering from injuries and likely won't be ready to go in time for the week 1 matchup.