Chiefs Talk
Posted: September 16th, 2017 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 31 Comments »PHI vs KC. That’s not a rivalry that jumps to the front of your mind, but the teams do have some interesting history.
Dick Vermeil coached both teams. Ditto for Andy Reid. Herm Edwards played for the Eagles and coached the Chiefs. They’ve had some interesting games over the years. There was the game in KC in 1992 when the 4-0 Eagles were upset by the Chiefs. Gang Green focused on stopping Christian Okoye (16-48), but Dave Krieg burned them through the air (272 yards, 3 TDs). There was the crazy game in 2005 when the Chiefs got out to a 24-6 lead, only to see the Eagles score 31 straight points and win. Amazing comeback.
The teams played in 2013, when Big Red returned to Philly as coach of the Chiefs. KC won that game 26-16. That meeting takes some of the Reid vs the Eagles hype away from this game. The Reid-Pederson angle is there, but this really is more about a couple of good teams facing off.
This is a big opportunity for the Eagles. A win in KC would send a message to the NFL that this team is a serious playoff contender. The only road win last year came in Chicago, hardly a daunting place to visit. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the toughest places to play. Winning there would be seriously impressive.
As I said in the preview, I expect the Eagles to be aggressive. That means taking chances, but I think that’s what you have to do. Alex Smith wasn’t challenged enough in the opener. The Eagles will try to get after him, with the 4-man rush and the blitz. Smith loves to throw the ball short. If you pressure him, he’s more likely to get the ball to the first open target.
Rodney McLeod could be a key player in this game. He needs to stay deep and make sure Tyreek Hill doesn’t get behind him. No Eagles DB has the speed to run with Hill. You must defend him by playing smart. The Eagles did face DeSean Jackson last year and obviously he’s got similar speed (Ferrari vs Lamborghini type of argument). Jackson burned them so let’s hope the defense learned their lesson.
Crowd noise could be a factor for Carson Wentz and the offense. The Chiefs pass rushers will have an advantage when attacking off the ball. Also, Wentz maybe limited with pre-snap changes and adjustments.
I’m interested to see what happens with the Eagles run game. Do the Eagles make an effort to run more early in the game? Does Corey Clement get some touches? Does Wendell Smallwood get more runs? The Eagles know they have to run the ball better so it will be interesting to see what adjustments they make (play selection, personnel, volume, etc.).
This could be a game where STs plays a huge part. Both teams have outstanding units, but the Eagles do have some mystery with a brand new PK, Jake Elliott. It will be interesting to see how he does and also if his presence affects the play-calling and decision-making of Pederson. Doug says he is confident in Elliott, but we’ll see. Actions speak louder than words.
On paper, this is a game the Eagles should lose. With the talent upgrades made in the offseason, this is a game the Eagles can win. They don’t have to play perfect football either. KC is good, but I don’t see them as some juggernaut. The Eagles need to win the battle of big plays, and they have the players to do that.
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3 things that will go a long ways towards a Victory in KC:
1. Win the turnover battle
2. Run the ball effectively
3. Don’t give up any chunk plays on defense. ( over 30 yards)
Very realistic. We are not playing the 85 bears.
Not gonna be a Negative Nancy today. We’re winning this game.
For each Mass Beer I had last night I strongly expect a 60+ TD with lots of Air Yards from Wentz.
I had 5…
Nothing enlightening here, especially if you’re already reading Duffy, but we’re picking up steam nationally:
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2017/9/15/16310358/eagles-deep-ball-carson-wentz
I’m curious how Schwartz is going to play Tyreek Hill today. Mills gave up 10 catches for over 100 yards last week, and he is the better of the 2 Eagles CBs on the field today. I’m hoping he at least has McLeod/somebody play over the top of Hill the entire game.
I have full confidence in every aspect of this team with the exception of CB.
FF talk: is it blind homerism that I am considering starting Wentz vs KC over Newton vs BUF?
Yes. Carry on.
This game today could be a shootout. Chiefs are missing starting safties. I’m hoping we see some bombs from Wentz.
Nope. Cam is way too inconsistent but could be a lot more rewarding if he has a boom week.
Even if the Eagles lose the game today, I expect them to put up yards and points – missing Eric Berry is going to hurt the Chiefs’ defense, and Wentz is likely to be throwing the ball a lot. I don’t think he’s a bad fantasy start at all.
Another interesting/bizarre fact of the day is Todd France made his NFL debut after the injury to Akers in the 05 game, and today Jake Elliott makes his debut.
One thing that concerns me other than Hill is Andy’s screen game. With the DL attacking a screen could get to the second level easily.
I gotta get refocused on the Eagles after last night. A split decision in a title fight feels a little like getting blue balls.
Nice work Tommy. I easily forget what I did an hour ago, let alone the Eagles’ history with the Chiefs.
“Rodney McLeod could be a key player in this game. He needs to stay deep and make sure Tyreek Hill doesn’t get behind him.”
How deep are we talking about here, 30 yards deep? If we’re using last week as any indicator, if Pryor already had a step on McLeod on that catch and run then Hill will have about three steps on him.
I’m expecting a shoot out today, I don’t know if we’ll win it but it should be a fun game.
Mcleod doesn’t always like to stay home either, so hopefully he’s feeling very disciplined today.
Im still not convinced our offense is capable of a shootout.
Me neither especially if they get down a bit, have to pass a lot, and teams blitz aggressively.
Capable? Yes. I’m not betting on it though.
If Carson can dial in that deep ball just a little bit…
Well you were right..maybe.
Anyone has a good link for the game?
http://wiz1.net/channel57
As for all of these sites: Adblock damn near necessary. Virus firewall and scanner recommended.
Wow, let’s put a stop to that…
https://twitter.com/wingoz/status/909437779037351937
…yeah, we got this.
Bradford is inactive for Week 2 and all kinds of rumors rolling around about how bad his knee actually is.
That trade is looking better and better by default. Roseman still has had some misses since he returned as GM but working to trade up for a young, franchise caliber QB was a great move with the capper be the Bradford trade.
Eagles have their share of issues but in a league filled with more than half the teams with QBs (30 or older this year season) the Eagles are poised to be one of the teams that doesn’t have to hopefully address it for another decade.
*shrug* I always thought Roseman was a solid GM, I’m glad Chip’s powerplay to get him removed didn’t work in the end… Lurie was very wise to keep him around.
I’m also glad Roseman was able to swallow his pride and stomach the demotion for the year.
Im loading up on Cardinals against Indy today, and Pats against the Saints. Gotta take advantage of those crap defenses.
luckily they’re showing this game in the DC region today, so I can watch at work without having to resort to illegal streams on my work computer.
Mike Reiss
@MikeReiss
In warmups, Patriots had Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe as top two CBs. If that is a preview of what is to come, Malcolm Butler won’t start.
Help request. I’ve got no choice but I’m going to miss most of this game. Bringing offspring to College today. I know I can trust yous guys, but please bring the snark and whine non-stop about drafting OL in my stead. Most gracefully yours, D_E