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Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Musts for a Win against San Diego Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Musts for a Win against San Diego Chargers
After getting off to a winning start in Chip Kelly’s inaugural game as head coach, the Philadelphia Eagles now look ahead to Week 2 against the San Diego Chargers and the opportunity to build on their breakout performance.
The defense proved in Week 1 that they can produce, but maybe not on a consistent basis. Their first half provided stops, rest and three turnovers, none of which were probably expected going into the game or season. The blitz packages that defensive coordinator Bill Davis put together caused havoc for the Washington Redskins at the beginning. But making a change in the second half made the defense ordinary again. Philip Rivers will definitely present a different look for the Eagles and figuring out how to make things difficult for him will be most important.
On the other side of the ball, the offense exploded as many expected it would. But behind the wheel of the racecar, Kelly took his foot off the pedal in the second half and not much came of the time Philadelphia had with the ball. The three standout stars, in his collection of weapons, all produced in the spotlight of Monday Night Football. However, continuing to find ways to effectively open them up may become more difficult if others don’t step up. Look for the Eagles to have another ‘must see’ performance, assuming they can continue to limit the turnovers. Being in front of the energizing home crowd should help to provide anything extra needed to help get the Eagles to 2-0, come Sunday.
Bob Francis is a Philadelphia Eagles contributor for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @rfrancisjr, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
5. Getting Another Receiver Involved
DeSean Jackson caught seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. But if the Eagles are to continue to power the spread offense, they’ll need to get another receiver involved. The most catches on the field after Jackson was two, so going forward, the ball will need to be spread around a bit more. Riley Cooper is the obvious choice to expect a performance from, being that he is opposite Jackson, but don’t be surprised to see veteran go-to Jason Avant step into the void the Eagles are looking to fill.
4. Putting Pressure on Philip Rivers
The San Diego Chargers, led by Philip Rivers, will provide a totally different look and challenge than what the Eagles dealt with in Week 1. Rivers will distribute the ball to receivers much quicker trying to negate any blitz package that Bill Davis has in mind. In order for Philadelphia to be successful and move to 2-0, it will be necessary for the front seven to find ways to pressure Rivers and force him into quick, difficult throws.
3. Offensive Line Performance
Against the Washington Redskins, the performance of the offensive line was one for the ages and something that the Eagles hope becomes the expectation. The blocking up front made Shady McCoy seem untouchable, and Michael Vick was provided with the necessary time on a consistent basis to get the ball out to his receivers or make things happen with his legs. In order for the Eagles to build on their performance from a week ago, the offensive line will need to become the staple of Chip Kelly’s high powered offense and continue their output in Week 2.
2. Defensive Backs Performance
A major question mark for the Eagles entering the season was the secondary, which saw three new players join the starting lineup from a year ago. Superbowl Champion Cary Williams was the most notable, but seemed more recognizable for his talk rather than his play, until Week 1. He, along with the rest of the secondary, stepped up to play an acceptable game in the Eagles first win. If Philadelphia plans to build on their early success, the secondary will need to continue to perform and get better as the weeks pass by.
1. Avoid Turnovers
On Monday Night Football, the Eagles offense seemed like a well-oiled machine, at least in the first half. Regardless of the lackluster second half, they did well to keep possession of the ball all night. Moving forward, the success that they achieve this season will be largely based on them avoiding turnovers, which in past seasons have plagued them. Making sound decisions and continuing to build on the spotlight performance of Week 1 will help the Eagles to control the tempo and move to 2-0 come Sunday’s end.
Related:
5 Things to Watch for in Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Diego Chargers Game
Philadelphia Eagles' Offensive Line Impresses in Debut, Still Has Room to Improve
