If you ask around it would be common safely assumed knowledge that to run Chip kelly’s up-tempo offense, you need a running quarterback. Many even going as far to say that the offense wouldn’t work without a runner under center.
If you actually ask Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, that is simply a common misconception.
Per CSNPhilly.com
“[There’s] perception vs. reality,” Kelly said. “My quarterback last year [at Oregon], Darren Thomas, who is up in the CFL, we played in 14 games, he ran for 200 yards. Everybody is like, ‘Well, you run a running offense.’ Well, look at the statistics, it’s not that. We don’t run designed quarterback runs or we’re snapping the ball to him and then running quarterback power.“Two years ago we played Collin Klein [of Kansas State] in the [Fiesta] Bowl game. The year before, Collin Klein carried the ball 317 times and [Oregon running back] LaMichael James carried it 271. They’re snapping the ball and he’s running. Tim Tebow, they’re snapping the ball, he’s running counter, he’s running power, it’s direct-snap stuff.“I’ve never been that way. We’ve run zone-read concepts, man-read concepts, where it’s a mathematical game. If there is an extra defender in the box, your quarterback can read him and by controlling him and reading him he is basically blocking him.”
Interesting thoughts by Kelly.
While he may say he doesn’t necessarily need a quarterback with the ability to run, I believe his offense is at its best when the signal caller does have the ability to at least move somewhat.