The New York Jets (2-0) are coming from a 20-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. But don’t worry. Kelly said that’s why the Eagles have Ryan Mathews – for situations like this when they need depth. “There’s something going on, too”.
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That still may not be comforting for a team staring down a deadly 0-3 start, though. “This weekend, we’ll see if the ball bounces our way”.
Sam Bradford is in the hot seat going into Week 3 against the Jets. Their run game was nearly nonexistent each week and, if not for a flurry of screen passes and quick hits to their running backs to start the second half against the Falcons, their passing game would look much the same. And if that’s the case, don’t be surprised if New York City turns into Sack City.
“The coaches have been preaching (turnovers) ever since Day 1 and we were able to get some for the second week in a row”, nose tackle Damon Harrison said. The Cowboys defenders did a great job containing and bringing down the receivers. If it was reasonable to think that after an offseason of such upheaval, it might take the Eagles a while to find their stride, the last two weeks have been inexcusable.
The Eagles will likely have to get their running game untracked, specifically DeMarco Murray, to improve to 10-0 in the series. The Cowboys back seven had great coverage on the Eagles receivers. He released Mathis, the two-time Pro Bowl left guard, because he wanted a new contract. “We have got to get this fixed up front”. “I don’t think we’ve seen anything [to indicate he’s not], but that’s a good question for Marcus”.
Murray left practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury and underwent an MRI. The team did not give details of the injury or a timetable for return.
Murray missed practice on Thursday after leaving early Wednesday, and Chip Kelly said he is unsure if he will play against the Jets.
Nick Foles took a step back in 2014 for Philadelphia with an 81.4 passer rating after a 119.2 mark in 2013, and was traded to St. Louis for Sam Bradford. Bradford has throw a touchdown in 13 straight games. Byron Jones blanketed Eagles tight end, Zach Ertz and made an outstanding play on the ball that ended up tipped into J.J. Wilcox’s hands for the game-clinching interception. He rushed for a whopping two yards Sunday against his former team. He’s 66 receiving yards shy of becoming the 45th player with 10,000.
The Eagles were predicted things ahead of the 2015 but two games in sit winless and scoreless in five of their eight quarters.
“Kiko won’t go this week”, Kelly said. The Jets are surging, but this is no slam dunk with several key players coping with injuries. Time will tell. “What I’m saying is we need to execute”.
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Philadelphia could be without three defensive starters. Alonso is a big loss because his absence (combined with Kendricks) forces the Eagles to play DeMeco Ryans more often. WR Eric Decker’s knee injury could sideline him, which would be a blessing for the Eagles’ revamped secondary that has been torched for 540 yards through two games.
