With criticism continuing to flow about how Eagles coach Doug Pederson handled Washington’s final week 17 defeat, including some from inside the Philadelphia locker room, veteran Jason Kelce wanted to clarify his position on what happened.
The 10-year-old veteran wrote a long Instagram post noting that he was aware that Pederson had plans to replace Jalen Hurts with Nate Sudfeld at some point towards the end of the season. Kelce also blamed the defeat, which for many looked like the Eagles were not making the effort to win, for the entire team, not just the defender.
“I thought about clearing the air just to clarify and describe more precisely what happened during the game on Sunday,” wrote Kelce. “At the end of the third quarter, I was informed at the bench that Sudfeld was going to the game. I went over to Doug and asked if he was making (H) urts, he said ‘yes, I think Nate won the right to play,’ I said ‘is everyone staying at home? ‘He said,’ absolutely. ‘ So I went to find Suddy. I started taking pictures on the sideline with him, called the other (linemen) and made them listen to his snap count to make sure everyone was at his rhythm, and then left for the next drive.
“In no time, nothing about me or anyone else in conflict. We all knew before entering the game that Sudfeld should be ready to play and that Doug wanted to see what he could do in a game situation. The week before we were excited about Nate, a guy who has been with us for 4 years to have an opportunity in a real game to show the world what he can do. We all have full confidence in Nate as a player, there’s a reason he’s been here for so long and that’s one of the reasons the team brought him back. And that’s because we feel like Nate is a guy we can win with.
“I understand the look of his appearance and I would be lying if I weren’t a little surprised, given the circumstances in which the change happened when it happened, but each of us did our best, and we all believe we can win with Nate Sudfeld. It was a difficult situation to put in place, especially when you have a 10 year old Center that doesn’t give you a clear shot on your second shot. I know we can win games with Nate, because I know Suddy can play, it didn’t work out in Saturday, but as always, it’s not just him. “
Kelce’s clarification comes after reports suggest the center was seen asking Pederson why he removed Hurts from the game. From the point of view of the center, the discussion was not as conflicted as it had been characterized.
In light of the Sunday night affair, a previous video of Kelce from early December talking about how winning should always be a priority for NFL teams has surfaced. Played juxtaposed with the perception of the Eagles’ moves on Sunday, it was not a good look for Philly.
Most importantly, Kecle’s Instagram statement confirms Pederson’s claims that he planned to put Sudfeld in the game. While the decision still seems unstable – even Kelce admits it – a veteran leader supporting his coach could go a long way to crushing the off-season consternation that could sour Pederson’s position in the locker room towards the 2021 season.