The final score tells me the Eagles won last night, but the offensive stat sheet tells me that they will be no match for Green Bay on opening day if they continue to play the way they did against the lowly Chiefs.
The bright spot in this mess was the play of the first team defense. This ball hawking bunch was able to create some key turnovers that led directly to points. First round draft pick Brandon Graham and second rounder Nate Allen are already making an impact which is good to see. The main concern on this side of the ball was an ankle injury to Trent Cole. Fortunately at this time it does not appear to be serious.
There is not much to say about Kevin Kolb's performance other than he was mostly ineffective under relentless pressure, but what other NFL quarterback would not be under the same circumstances? Everyone's concern about the Eagles offensive line was and is still very valid. If this group does not tighten up their protection, Kolb and the Bird's offense are in for a long season.
Given the fact that the final preseason game against the Jets on Thursday night will be used to make some final evaluations of talent to see which players make the team and which ones do not, there will be little chance to work these problems out on the field before the regular season opener.I do believe in miracles, but the reality is at this point Philadelphia's offensive line will be no match for the Packer's front seven unless something radically changes between now and September 12.
The Eagles success this year does not depend of Kolb's ability to replace McNabb, DeSean Jackson's circus like catches, or the running of LeSean McCoy rather it depends on the five guys up front's ability to come together as a unit to provide the necessary run blocking and pass protection to make this high powered offense perform like it can.
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