New Eagles assistant draws high praise

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The Eagles' new defensive backs coach won't have the same Pro Bowl talent in Philadelphia that he did in Denver. Three of the four starters from the Broncos secondary are in the Pro Bowl on Sunday, which reflects well on Cory Undlin, who came to the Eagles from Denver this week.

But Undlin can't bring the Pro Bowlers with him. Cornerback Aqib Talib, cornerback Chris Harris, and safety T.J. Ward are all in the Pro Bowl from Denver's secondary. Undlin also coached Colts safety Mike Adams, who made the Pro Bowl in his first season after leaving Denver.

"He's a good guy, gets along well with his players," Ward said of Undlin. "I feel he's really good at diagnosing and breaking down the film. He does a good job with third down, and what they'll do with these downs and distances. He's a pretty good X's and O's guy."

Undlin's unit produced 16 interceptions this season. The Eagles had only 11 from their defensive backs. Undlin also must help a unit that allowed an NFL-high 18 passing plays of 40 or more yards. The Broncos allowed only four of those plays, the fewest in the NFL.

"It'll definitely be an improvement, because Cory's very detailed," Adams said. "Sometimes he can be annoyingly detailed, because as a player, when a coach keeps reminding you of something and drilling it in your head, it's a good thing, but sometimes you don't want to hear it. But it sticks with us. And we know not to let the ball go over our head. So that's a plus."

Chip Kelly is now in full control of the Eagles' football operations, but the players do not feel as if much has changed.

"I don't know if it's going to affect us, and I don't know that it's going to be too much different to the players, to tell you the truth," center Jason Kelce said. "We already answer to Chip. He's been the head to us all along as far as running the organization's culture and everything. From the front office's perspective, I kind of stay out of it."

It could affect the players when contract decisions are made. Kelly will need to decide about the futures of expensive veterans such as Trent Cole and Todd Herremans. He will also need to determine whether to renegotiate deals for Pro Bowlers such as LeSean McCoy and Evan Mathis.

"I have no idea if it will affect one way or another," Mathis said. "That's yet to be seen."