Jeffrey Lurie met with reporters for the first time in what felt like forever tonight, sitting down with some familiar faces at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix. From Carson Wentz to Joe Mixon, there were a variety of topics discussed, but here are the five biggest takeaways from Lurie’s conference.
No Kelly Green..yet:
Unfortunately, fans pining for those glorious Kelly Green uniforms are still left disappointed that the proposed rule change regarding alternate helmets was denied. However, it wasn’t for the want of trying at the expense of Jeffrey Lurie. The Eagles Owner stated that he is more than open to seeing the long awaited return of the iconic uniform.
Jeffrey Lurie wants the Eagles to use Kelly green as an alternate and Thursday night jersey. Waiting for league approval on helmets.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 29, 2017
Re: going back to Kelly green permanently, Lurie said he wants to see it as an alternate first. Likes both midnight green and kelly green.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 29, 2017
Lurie said decals would be an option to get around the rule, but he "wants a Kelly green helmet."
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) March 29, 2017
We may not see the return of the infamous Kelly Green this year..but Lurie seems intent on bringing it back..one way or another.
The long-term plan:
If there’s one thing we can takeaway from the conference, it’s that Lurie is very confident in where the Eagles are headed..and is also unwilling to deviate from what is clearly a long-term plan.
Lurie says hiring Joe Douglas was the "pivotal moment" last offseason.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 29, 2017
Lurie said his role in personnel and coaching decisions has not changed during his ownership. Asks a lot of questions, but doesn't decide.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 29, 2017
Lurie said key in free agency was optionality. Having an opportunity to sign a FA who another team can't keep and ability to keep him
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 29, 2017
Lurie admits the #Eagles are not one player away and have tons of holes to fix
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 29, 2017
Lurie: “The draft board will be set by Joe and the final decision will be made by Howie.” Notes the two are “unbelievably collaborative.”
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Lurie says Eagles are “hellbent” on not just focusing on short-term needs. Says Eagles rly need to focus on drafting best player available.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Through this storyboard of tweets, it’s safe to say that regardless of the free agency additions and current salary cap situation, the Eagles are intent on pursuing the same direction which they had originally laid out upon Doug Pederson’s arrival last year. Building through the draft..and planning for the future.
The collaboration between Roseman and Douglas is also a huge factor. The impact of Douglas has been well documented already, but by having a front office all on the same page, who can work together and ensure that every decision is right for the franchise, it removes the trigger-happy moves of years and eras past..and of course enhances accountability and trust between the key players behind the scenes.
The front office, now with Weidl and Douglas onboard, don’t want to compromise the future of the franchise for short-term gain..and that for fans, may be the most reassuring thing to hear from an owner who started a clean slate just 12 months ago.
In the mix-on?:
Lurie also didn’t rule out the possibility of drafting Joe Mixon when asked. Although he declined to talk about any players specifically on that front, it’s interesting to see that the Eagles are still very comfortable with their “second chance” mentality. Not that this is any indication the team would make a move for the Oklahoma running back, but it wouldn’t be the first time in the last few years that the Eagles have looked past a troubled background, to create a promising future.je
Lurie declines to speak about Mixon individually, but says the Eagles are a team that values second chances, but also values character.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) March 29, 2017
Wentzylvania:
The last time we heard from Jeffrey Lurie was at the league meetings last season. Since then, the future of the franchise has changed drastically..and now it’s Carson Wentz leading the team out onto the Linc on Sundays. So, how does Jeffrey feel about his cornerstone quarterback, whom the team traded up for so assertively one year ago?
Lurie says Howie did a "heck of a job" trading up for Carson Wentz #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 29, 2017
Lurie touting Carson Wentz and the move to get him. Said time will show how it works out.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 29, 2017
Lurie said Eagles had 80 pages of notes on Carson Wentz during draft process.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
Lurie says he was 99.99% confident who the Rams were taking at No. 1 (Goff) and that’s why they traded up to No. 2 to get Wentz.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Lurie on Wentz:
1) Physical talent
2) Leadership
3) Intelligence & obsession to be good.
4) Impressive w/ teammates. Humble & hard working.— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
"We were both mutually obsessed," with trying to get that franchise QB if the right situation was there. — Jeff Lurie on he and Roseman
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) March 29, 2017
Well..I don’t think anymore needs to be said really. It’s safe to say that the entire front office are extremely comfortable with the results of last year’s frantic offseason and rollercoaster regular season..and confident in the man who was at the center of it all.
Knock, knock!:
The Eagles owner was also asked whether or not the Eagles would appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks this year.
Lurie said the Eagles will not be doing Hard Knocks.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
The Birds’ tick all the criteria for the annual documentary and are one of the eight teams that could be forced to participate. But unfortunately for fans, it seems as though that we may have to wait a little longer to gain a much deeper look into Training Camp. The good news is, the Eagles produced a phenomenal weekly series this year called “The Journey”, which if you’re a fan of Hard Knocks and haven’t seen yet, I would highly recommend you do.
If you’re looking to get even closer to the Eagles, but don’t have time to watch 5 episodes of a web-series, we have our debut issue of – = + dropping on the 29th of March, including some incredible exclusive interviews.
Bonus takeaway:
SHOTS FIRED!
Jeff Lurie loved that Doug Pederson didn't have ego get in the way of keeping some coaches from Chip's staff.
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) March 29, 2017
Lurie notes how Chip Kelly left a fractured locker room behind and Doug Pederson helped bring players back together. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
Lurie: Chip's job performance did not meet expectations.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 29, 2017
Lurie also acknowledges how the players loved playing for Doug & how he walked into a difficult spot from obstacles in Chip's locker room.
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) March 29, 2017
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
