The Eagles got back on track today with an impressive 34-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Stadium. They dominated this game from the start grabbing an early lead, never allowing the Chiefs a chance to keep it close.
While the defense played well, it was the play of QB Kevin Kolb that should get the credit for this win. True to the Bird's offensive scheme he was able to spread the ball around to seven different receivers with WR DeSean Jackson and TE Brent Celek, who both had over 100 receiving yards leading the way. On the ground, rookie RB LeSean McCoy filled in admirably for the injured Brian Westbrook, rushing for 84 yards on 20 carries with 1 TD. Another rookie, WR Jeremy Maclin, who started in place of Kevin Curtis who was sidelined with a knee injury had 4 receptions for 33 yards.
While much of the focus in this game was on the return of Michael Vick who has been officially reinstated and eligible to play this week, this win was all about the depth of this team's offense with McNabb, Westbrook, and Curtis out of the lineup. It didn't hurt that they were playing the Chiefs at home, but I was still impressed by the performance of these player's replacements as this was a great example of the importance of having capable backups at the skill positions.
Eagles' defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott went back to an attack style defense that smothered Kansas City QB Matt Cassel preventing him from ever getting settled in the pocket. Consider this a lesson learned after last week's loss where New Orlean's QB Drew Brees was given all day and picked the Bird's secondary apart. Granted, the Chiefs are not the Saints, but it was a step in the right direction as this team is still tying to recover from the death of Jim Johnson and the loss of Brian Dawkins.
Philadelphia has a bye next week which will give everyone that is banged up a chance to heal. Two weeks from now they will host Tampa Bay in their third straight game at the Linc. With McNabb back under center, Westbrook in the backfield, and Curtis in the slot this offense will be back to full strength. The good news is that if anyone of these players is not ready to go, there are some studs on the sideline licking their chops to take their place.
I think Brent Celek is the tightend the Eagles have been looking for.
ReplyDeleteHe has a real knack for getting open and making plays. I hope the quarterbacks keep going to him.
Celek is definitely a stud. Every Super Bowl team over the past several years always had a go to tight end that was a huge part of their success. Brian Celek seems to fit the bill.
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