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Eagles Notes: Birds will go all-out vs. Bears, Kelly says

Chip Kelly said that the Eagles will play all their starters against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, regardless of the result of Dallas' game with Washington earlier that day.

Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)
Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)Read more

Chip Kelly said that the Eagles will play all their starters against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, regardless of the result of Dallas' game with Washington earlier that day.

If the Cowboys lose, the Eagles can clinch the NFC East title with a win over Chicago. However, if the Cowboys win, the Eagles cannot clinch the division unless they beat Dallas on Dec. 29 - even if the Eagles lose to the Bears.

If the Cowboys win Sunday, the Bears game still matters to the Eagles. It could dictate playoff seeding, affecting a potential first-round matchup and second-round opponent.

"We've got to play," Kelly said. "We're not in a situation where we can rest anybody. We have to get back on the winning track."

Coming off of a loss, Kelly said, the Eagles must improve - not rest.

"Our philosophy is it's on the line every single time you play," Kelly said. He added: "We need to get better as a football team. Everybody needs to play."

The Cowboys game is at 1 p.m. so it will be over long before the Eagles and Bears kick off. Kelly acknowledged that it's impossible not to pay attention to what happens in the Dallas game, but he does not want it to affect his team.

"We'll know the score. We all have phones and televisions and all that other stuff," Kelly said. "But am I going to be glued to the set? No. It is what it is. Whatever happens in that game still doesn't affect us. We still have to go out and play the Chicago Bears."

Kelly on rumors

First it was Southern California. Now it's Texas.

When a high-profile college job opens, Kelly's name is mentioned. But the coach said again that he's not seeking any other job and plans to be in Philadelphia.

"I'm the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles," Kelly said. "I'm preparing for the Bears, I'll prepare for the Cowboys after that, and hopefully we have an opportunity to prepare for the playoffs, and I plan to be here for a while."

Kelly said he does not know why his name keeps coming up regarding other jobs.

"I don't talk to anybody," Kelly said. "I really don't know. It's just speculation."

Kelly was told that rumors start because of his history as a college coach. When asked if he feels like a pro coach, Kelly alluded to the Eagles' 8-6 record.

"I consider myself a pro coach eight times this year," Kelly said, "and six times I haven't [been]."

Injuries

Cornerback Brandon Boykin is going through the league's concussion protocol, general manager Howie Roseman said on his radio show on WIP-FM (94.1). Kelly said he spoke with Boykin after the game and that the player was "doing OK."