John Moffitt is getting serious looks from Eagles coaches. Photo by Al Thompson

Head coach Chip Kelly and his staff, like any NFL coaching unit, is never going to show their personnel moves hand to anyone much less the media or fans.

They are just as unlikely to disclose their intentions for bringing in a particular player.

So all we can do to have fun is guess.

The Eagles released All Pro guard Evan Mathis and did not replace him in the draft or free agency.

One guess is that the Eagles brought in John Moffitt, a 6-foot-4, 319-pound guard who has played on both sides of center to be the starting right guard on opening day.

The former Wisconsin standout entered the league in 2011 through the front door with as promising a future as any player could wish for only to leave just two years later with a backdrop of suspension from substance abuse and alcohol problems.

Moffitt went from third-round draft pick to NFL starter to retired. His self-inflicted wounds included off-the-field challenges that clearly the Eagles are convinced Moffitt has beaten.

Moffitt started 15 games with Seattle from 2011-2012. He was traded to Denver and played two games in 2013. And he hasn’t played since he announced his retirement in November of 2013.

Nine starts for Seattle as a rookie and then he suffered a season-ending knee injury and was suspended during that time for violating the NFL’s policy on a performance-enhancing substances.

Moffitt got in six starts for Seattle in 2012 but was reportedly involved in some off-the-field issues.

Soon, after a trade to Denver and a near-trade to Cleveland, Moffitt walked away from the game.

“I just really thought about it and decided I’m not happy. I’m not happy at all,” Moffitt told The Associated Press at the time. “And I think it’s really madness to risk your body, risk your well-being and risk your happiness for money.”

Moffitt said he has had time to reflect on that decision. He apparently had a moment of sanity about his drinking other demons and decided he was going to give the NFL a chance if there were teams who would give him a chance.

“The last two years have been a process of growth for me,” Moffitt said after practice earlier this week. “I’m happy where I am right now.”

John Moffitt
Photo from www.delawareonline.com

Several teams wanted to give Moffitt a chance. It was reported Moffitt turned down more money to come to the Eagles.

The 28-year-old has more NFL starts than any of the other guards trying out for the one of two guard spots. It is generally believed veteran Allen Barbre has the left guard spot as his to lose.

Since Moffitt has starting experience at both guard spots he could end up on the right side.

Moffitt would not take the bite on any predictions.

“I don’t think about it like that,” Moffitt said. “I know Chip wants everyone to compete and try to do that everyday.”

Moffitt said the blocking schemes in Philadelphia are different that what he did in Seattle but similar to what the Denver Broncos did when he played there.

“I think it’s a great scheme,” Moffitt said of the Eagles up-tempo themes. “Here it is more that I need to get myself back into the groove and fit myself here more than them (Eagles) fitting me.”

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland are giving MOffitt all the opportunities he can handle.

At practice Moffitt is working with virtually every unit a blocker can be used for during a football game.

Moffitt said he is happy for the reps.

“Absolutely…I am happy for the opportunity,” Moffitt said. “Any work is good work.”

Moffitt said he knows he has a ways to go but has been encouraged by his progress.

“I don’t think I’ve performed badly but obviously I have stuff to work on…it’s been two close to two years.”

Moffitt says he is getting acclimated to the pace of Chip Kelly’s offense.
“It feels good,” Moffitt said after recent practice. “Obviously it s something I have to adjust to.”

“I think it’s mental, I think is physical,” Moffitt continued. “Camp is trying for anyone who took as much time off as I did nut it feels good. The ‘normalilcy’ is starting to kick in and muscle memory starts to return. You get good muscle memory by doing the right things.”

Shurmur would not make any predictions who was starting, but did say Moffitt had some catching up to do during training camp since he came on after OTAs and Mini Camp.

“He’s one of those guys that’s in the mix there,” Shurmur said. “I think for him he’s got to do extra on the side to catch up. He’s one of only two players that didn’t go through the whole process on offense with us. But he’s a smart guy. He’s been in other systems, and it’s just a matter of kind of converting what he knew. What they used to call inside zone is
what we call it now in some of the techniques. And then certainly all the pass protection stuff which is critical. But he’s done a good job.”

NFL is a cruel business. The Mathis situation was a tough, cold call.

Three lineman who have been in the Eagles locker room for a few years thought they were getting their chance, and they are. But with Moffitt coming in out of nowhere is proof that no job or opportunity is safe or a lock in the “Not For Long.”