Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles took center stage as they kicked off Monday Night Football on ESPN. The Chip Kelly era got underway with what looked like a wide-margin victory and ended up coming down to the last possessions of the game.
LeSean McCoy was the biggest contributor on offense. With a career-high 31 carries, Shady racked up 184 yards, just a yard shy of his personal best. After an interception on the opening Redskins drive of the second half, McCoy had his longest run of the night. The 34-yard touchdown run gave the Eagles their biggest lead of the night at 33-7. It also ended up being the last score for the Eagles, being shut out the final 28 minutes and 26 seconds of the game.
Number 25 will continue to be the biggest beneficiary of Chip Kelly’s offense. Michael Vick added 54 rushing yards on nine carries while Bryce Brown added 25 more on nine carries. For a total of 263 yards, 83 more than the passing game, the Eagles run game was unstoppable. To add perspective, the Andy Reid-led Eagles only topped the 200-yard rushing mark in 13 games in his 14 seasons as head coach. It is something that will become a staple for the Chip Kelly-led Eagles. While it is unlikely that McCoy will top his carries/game record every week, he will continue to be fed the ball. With his 5.9 yards-per-carry average, he will likely continue to slash through defenses.
The run-pass ratio, 49-25 on Monday night, was largely helped by the early lead the Eagles stormed off to. However, Chip Kelly’s love for running the football will have similar results game in and game out. With the trio of LeSean McCoy, Michael Vick, and Bryce Brown (not to mention Chris Polk who didn’t have a carry in the first week but impressed in the preseason) the Eagles will always have fresh legs to get the ball to and run against the defense. Evan Mathis, who speaks for the whole offensive line when he says that the running game really allows you to unload on a defense, will certainly appreciate that.
DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick came out on the same page in the passing game and connected seven times for 104 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Jackson, who was battling with DeAngelo Hall the whole night, was shut down in the second half. Vick was held to just 13 passing yards in the second half; none of those were to DeSean Jackson.
Chip Kelly’s high-octane, speed offense was purely speculation before Monday night. All questions were answered as Chip Kelly brought a new speed of play to the NFL. The opening quarter of his NFL coaching career yielded 30 plays, the most since Peyton Manning and the Colts had 31 plays in a quarter of a 2009 game.
The offense didn’t slow down after that. Adding 23 more plays in the second quarter, the Eagles had the most plays in a half of football since the 1998 Vikings had 56 plays in just 30 minutes. “I don’t think it can get too much faster than that,” said Vick after the game. The third and fourth quarters were not as great for the Eagles.
Outplayed 59 plays to 24 in the second half, the Eagles held the ball for only 12 minutes and 19 seconds. Philadelphia’s defense was the one with their hands on their knees and heavy breathing in the second half as the Redskins defense got the break they were longing in the early parts of the game.
After the game, Chip Kelly spoke for the team: “We’re excited. Guys played with great energy. We made some mistakes, coaches included, but it feels great.”
The long offseason of conditioning and preparation for the 2013 season paid off in a big way. “I feel like I can play another four quarters,” said Vick after the game. That will bode well as the Eagles play their first three games separated by just ten days.
The Eagles were able to leave Washington with a 33-27 victory, much closer than most fans had hoped for. They wouldn’t be our Philadelphia Eagles if they didn’t keep us biting our fingernails until the final snaps though, would they?
Follow Brenden on Twitter @brendenp2011
Heres an idea. Do you think Kelly can run that offense he ran in the first half, get a lead then in the 2nd half change his offense to a convention huddle up regular offense? If I was Chip that’s what I would do. There is no way he can run that offense all game for 16 games. Both teams got tired and play got sloppy. If Im up 4 tds I go back to huddling up and running a regular offense. Then going back to warp speed if needed.
That’s what they did, thats when they got sloppy. Than they tried to speed it back up and couldnt.
They didn’t look comfortable huddling up. I would work on it.
I think they just got tired.
A few would be field-goals called back ’cause of penalties. The Avant fumble. In the future at least be up 40 before you starting easing up on the gas.
I think it was more of them being predictable…A few possessions in a row in the 3rd qtr it was run, run, and more run…WSH was expecting it and attacked every gap. Eagles started playing conservatively. Then penalties happened, which could be attributed to fatigue. (holds) The defense also started playing to soft in the secondary way too early…They continued to blitz but the secondary coverage was soft. All in all saw some good things, definitely some things to work on…but its a good start..Now lets get ready for SD, who blew a big lead last night. The offense should be able to put up some nice numbers this week.
DJax critics STFU. “One trick pony”, doesn’t go over the middle, me me me person. Pssst AR made DJax run 50 yards down field every play. “He cleared out for others”. Well guess what call screens, call out patterns and drags across the middle and this is what you get. Electrifying playmaking ability.
Desean was given many chances throughout his caterer to not be a 1 trick pony. And has had issues making tough catches and has showed alligator arms before. It was awesome to see him being so versatile and I hope it continues. And that shit with hall and not knowing when to stop was as selfish as it gets, we were fortunate he wasn’t called.
it was his coach, putting him in places to be successful…DJAX now has a coach that knows how to use him as well…Same as McCoy…
D-Jax,Vick, McCoy all had great games,
Stayed focused & hungry.. I was impressed with Riley Coopers blocking downfield as well as Avants.. Celek had some nice Plays as well
My only concern is that the big 3 took a lot of hits late when the game was pretty much decided and with a long season ahead of them and 2 games in the next 10 days, it would have been nice to rest them a bit.. Both Vick & McCoy will be a hurting for the next few days..
After TD putting Eagles up 33-7 midway thru the 3Rd Quarter,
I would have brought in Foles, Brown & Polk, Danarus Johnson,
James Casey, OT Barbree for Peters and let them get reps and rest up some of
the Starters for the Eagkes will most likely go as far as the Big 3 will take them
Defensively, you had to like the Play of the LB Corps from Cole & Barwin on the outside to Kendrick’s & Ryans on the inside.. The Redskins got to the Edge very few times last evening which is a great sign..
Secondary as a group played and tackled well, minus the one bad play by Chung in the End-Zone with a premature and early leap for the ball who h he badly mis-timed.. Cary Williams & Boynkin had strong games and even Bate Allen played well..
Great Overall Game Plan by both Kelly/Shurmur & DC Davis
Paul in the nfl u don’t take your starters out ever until its over like last drive or two over for lots of reasons but most notably because of what happened in Washington late and San Diego late. U just can’t do it. And that’s why coaches don’t. U can do it with your rb for a bit but not ur ol, qb… U take ur onlinemen out then causing ur line to blow causing your qb2 or rb2 to get injured…
Chip Kelly is not the Typical NFL Head Coach Mhenski..
I think we will see him rotate many players in and out as the Season moves along.. He’s in it for the long haul and will manage and utilize his full Roster.. I think it can be effective to keep Players Focused, Ready and Fresher as the Season wears on and if and when Injuries occur, and they will, then you have some Quality Back-ups who have some real game experience playing in this System .. It’s very rare to ever get up by 3 TD’s or more in the NFL against any opponent, so when the opportunity presents itself, why not take advantage of it ..
Paul… i said the same thing and… i think u will see this happen.
A miracle what happens when you RUNTHEBALL!!!!! Good riddance Reid.
Exactly!
Ran the ball 49 times in one game! That would of been a three game total with Reid! that’s how you manage a game people. For all the Vick haters, this is gong to be a nightmare season for you guys, throwing the Ball 25 to 30 times a game is going to keep him from getting hurt like you guys were hoping for. I’m waiting hear from the haters on why we won this game, lets see
RG3 was rusty
Our D was lucky
Vick played over his head
It was an off night for Shanahan
Haters, like I said in ever post on here, with this O, were gonna b in every game and as long as we’re in them, we”ll always have a chance to win. if the Colts did it last year with a new coaching staff and a complete overhaul of there roster in the same year then so can we. Great day to be a TRUE Eagle fan!!!!!!!
RG3 was Rusty… Yep
Our D was improved
Vick turned in a Vick performance (excuse me for not being blown away by 15 of 25 and a batted pass, still to short to throw a screen worth a damn)
Shanahan and Co ADJUSTED and almost stuffed all our early game smugness right back down our throats.
I am very afraid that our “Dynasty” is already smelling themselves!
15/25 (60%) for 203 yards 2 touchdowns another 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
If you’re not impressed with that I don’t know what will impress you. While he sailed a few he was also the beneficiary of some drops as well (Hi Ertz).
It’s not so much that the Skins adjusted…the D got soft as well. And still they likely wouldn’t have had 20 points in the second, but Avant gifted them a fumble and Chung had a REALLY bad play. That’s us beating ourselves and not the Redskins beating us.
You..for whatever reason…want to be grumpy. This was a GREAT start for a team that was completely overhauled in 8 months PARTICULARLY for the defense.
There are things to work on, they said as much, Chip said as much, but you can see they are determined to get it right and make it happen. You should be pleased at the new direction, not bitching ’cause it wasn’t perfect.
WTF? the Skins adjusted? No they didn’t…They were so deep in the whole all they could do was pass the ball….Passing against soft coverage in the secondary, where the Eagles were just focused on keeping players in front of them…You have no idea what you’re talking about…I wish there was a football quiz that had to be passed before you could post a comment….
Protein Shakes…… How many of you lift weights? To help your body recover, because if you get into a really strenuos routine, that you want to keep everyday, then you need to suppliment your diet with PROTIEN! Quick muscle recovery and I mean overnight for some, and enables you to continue to build your body, while enduring the punishment of a work out or say…….. A GAME!!!! Building muscle will help theese guys be more durable. Chip Kelley is a MAD genious……
Chocolate flavored Soy Whey protein, with fresh banana & strawberries/ raspberries, is my favorite. Banana prevents cramping. The berries add antioxidants. Soy whey is great for feeding the muscles & quick recuperation, of fatigued muscle. You are correct The1. I’ve been training for a long time with weights & MMA, & as long as you can’t deal with the grittiness of the shakes, they honestly work. But too much can give you kidney stones, unless you drink plenty of water.
Did you see Vick hobbling a bit at the end of this game. Now multiply it by a few weeks and come see me in week 16.
MORONS
Vick in a system that plays to his strengths, passing the ball 25 to 30 times a game instead of 40 or 50, playing in a balanced offense, results, a win! Now multiply that by 16 you Moron!
Reagleeagle You’re a great fan you’re mad that they won. Unbelievable. You cant wait until they lose. You cant even enjoy a win. Sad.
Morons? Lol, you mother did not right this.
Regal Eagle just go away. You’re not a fan. Support your team or just shit up. We don’t want to deal with bitchassness today.
****Reports out of Texas****
University of Texas Officials have gotten together and will be offering a Lifetime Contract To Chip Kelly to Coach the Longhorns Football Programs..
the Big Boosters of the Longhorns are tired to losing Recruits and Games and now have to compete with the likes of Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU in their own back yard and don’t like it one bit.. Apparently the Offer is a $7.5 to $10 MIllion a Year Salary Annualy and that they will agree to Pay Owner Jeff Lurie $15 MIllion to buy out Chip Kelly from the Eagles..
Word is that Mrs Lurie is pushing Jeff to take the Deal
We’ll see in week 16 you Delusional Punk A$$ cant see the truth Losers.
Spiteful after a win? Why. Are you going to be happy if they lose?
Great day to be an Eagles fan.
The team played great, the coach shocked the league with a high-octane offense. Vick played very well, Shadey was outstanding. DJax went over the middle and also stretched the field. The offensive line may still need some work to begin coming together, too many free charging defensive linemen and LB’s running at Vick. That will need to improve.
The defense got take aways and had pressure on RGIII all night and got TURNOVERS! Cary Williams played out of his mind and makes me eat my negative comments on his play. Trent Cole was really impressive, and Kendricks was all over the place. The defense needs to know how to work with a big lead, but that is a great problem to have!! Chung made a play that wouldn’t make it in Pop Warner.
Great day to be an Eagles fan. As with every team in every season, keeping these guys healthy will be the overall key to the season.
Thank you Jeff Laurie for finally getting rid of Andy Reid. This is a new team and a new era in Eagles Football. No doubt there will be bumps in the road, but we are headed in a new direction fans, and that direction is out of the basement and headed towards the Penthouse. Let’s hope it is an express elevator and not a local one!!
GO BIRDS!!