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Taking an early look at the Eagles
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12155/taking-an-early-look-at-the-eagles
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams return to the field this week with a trip to Philadelphia. With a little extra time before the Rams return from the bye Tuesday morning, let's take a look at what the Eagles bring to the table heading into the week 5 matchup.
Bouncing back: The Eagles suffered their first loss Sunday at San Francisco as the 49ers shut down Philadelphia's vaunted offense. In fact, the Eagles failed to score an offensive touchdown, and their 213 yards of total offense is their second-lowest output under coach Chip Kelly in his two seasons. Despite posting scores by way of punt return, interception return and a blocked punt, the Eagles fell 26-21, so there are a few lingering issues of concern to keep an eye on this week.
Running in place: Much of Kelly's offense is based on establishing the run, something the Eagles did particularly well with running back LeSean McCoy in 2013. But right now, the run game is stuck in the mud. McCoy has 29 carries for 39 yards over the past two weeks. That includes a 10-carry, 17-yard performance against San Francisco, the lowest rushing output of his career as a starter. The lack of production left McCoy calling Philadelphia's run game "embarrassing."
Line dancing: If you're looking for reasons for Philadelphia's recent offensive struggles, look no further than a banged up offensive line. The Eagles have been without star guard Evan Mathis and top-notch center Jason Kelce, both of whom have been lost to serious injuries. Neither will be available Sunday against the Rams, but Philadelphia will be getting some help up front this week. Tackle Lane Johnson, who was suspended the first four weeks, is eligible to return this week and should be able to hop back in the mix at right tackle. That will help at two positions, because Todd Herremans can move back inside to right guard with Johnson back. A big part of the Niners' success came from getting after quarterback Nick Foles without much help from the blitz, something the Rams haven't done much of this season but should be a major part of their arsenal.
Second-half surges: Despite some of the issues listed above, the Eagles deserve a lot of credit for winning their first three games. The reason for those victories? An impressive knack for dominating in the second half of games. In wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, Philadelphia overcame double-digit deficits to win. That is a strange trend, but it shouldn't be considered too much of a fluke given how the Eagles are built. Kelly prefers to run a fast-paced offense with an emphasis on conditioning that makes it tough on teams in the second half. That trend stopped in San Francisco as the 49ers were able to keep their offense on the field, but it is something to monitor as the Rams head to Philadelphia this week in search of their second win.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12155/taking-an-early-look-at-the-eagles
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams return to the field this week with a trip to Philadelphia. With a little extra time before the Rams return from the bye Tuesday morning, let's take a look at what the Eagles bring to the table heading into the week 5 matchup.
Bouncing back: The Eagles suffered their first loss Sunday at San Francisco as the 49ers shut down Philadelphia's vaunted offense. In fact, the Eagles failed to score an offensive touchdown, and their 213 yards of total offense is their second-lowest output under coach Chip Kelly in his two seasons. Despite posting scores by way of punt return, interception return and a blocked punt, the Eagles fell 26-21, so there are a few lingering issues of concern to keep an eye on this week.
Running in place: Much of Kelly's offense is based on establishing the run, something the Eagles did particularly well with running back LeSean McCoy in 2013. But right now, the run game is stuck in the mud. McCoy has 29 carries for 39 yards over the past two weeks. That includes a 10-carry, 17-yard performance against San Francisco, the lowest rushing output of his career as a starter. The lack of production left McCoy calling Philadelphia's run game "embarrassing."
Line dancing: If you're looking for reasons for Philadelphia's recent offensive struggles, look no further than a banged up offensive line. The Eagles have been without star guard Evan Mathis and top-notch center Jason Kelce, both of whom have been lost to serious injuries. Neither will be available Sunday against the Rams, but Philadelphia will be getting some help up front this week. Tackle Lane Johnson, who was suspended the first four weeks, is eligible to return this week and should be able to hop back in the mix at right tackle. That will help at two positions, because Todd Herremans can move back inside to right guard with Johnson back. A big part of the Niners' success came from getting after quarterback Nick Foles without much help from the blitz, something the Rams haven't done much of this season but should be a major part of their arsenal.
Second-half surges: Despite some of the issues listed above, the Eagles deserve a lot of credit for winning their first three games. The reason for those victories? An impressive knack for dominating in the second half of games. In wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, Philadelphia overcame double-digit deficits to win. That is a strange trend, but it shouldn't be considered too much of a fluke given how the Eagles are built. Kelly prefers to run a fast-paced offense with an emphasis on conditioning that makes it tough on teams in the second half. That trend stopped in San Francisco as the 49ers were able to keep their offense on the field, but it is something to monitor as the Rams head to Philadelphia this week in search of their second win.
