Sections

Advertisement

ESPN showed a close-up of Chip Kelly's play sheet on 'MNF'

An ESPN camera spied the play sheet of Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly during his team’s win on Monday Night Football, raising questions about the ethics of showing such close-ups and, just as importantly, why the Eagles have so many plays named after pickles.

Is that a Drew Brees reference on the top left? Given the way Chip Kelly utilized former Saints running back Darren Sproles on Monday, he might want to keep that one in the playbook. Shoot, I’d also name a few plays after Joe Montana, Peyton Manning and Tim Riggins, just to see what happens.

The quick shot of the play sheet led to some consternation on the Internet. (I know — crazy, right?) Matt Lombardo of NJ.com had a measured take, but still thought “ESPN took some liberties with this shot and got a little too close for comfort.”

Should television broadcasters ever show a coach’s play sheet? I don’t see why not. It’d be one thing if networks were using spy tactics to sneak a peek. But when Kelly is holding up a sheet that has clearly-legible plays written in big, black, block letters, it’s open season. It’s not as if anyone would be able to match “Load Z Top 143 Tony Hash” with a specific formation anyway. Anyway, Chip Kelly hasn’t been shy about showing his hand before.

(AP)

(AP)

As predicted, Kelly didn’t seem to mind.

More NFL