Preseason Preview: Eagles-Colts

August 16th can’t seem to get her soon enough, but when it does, the Philadelphia Eagles will host the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field. Personally, I can’t recall the last time or any instance where the Eagles played at 1pm on a Sunday during the preseason. I doubt the ratings will disappoint due to the number of superstars playing in this game and of course Chip Kelly.

What I don’t anticipate

I don’t expect to see much from Sam Bradford if he does suit up for the game. I could see him handing the football off to Murray a few times, and working on his timing with short throws and screens. For Bradford it’s about rebuilding the confidence. Trying to breakdown any of his throws if he were to attempt one over ten yards isn’t what I’m looking for. Personally, all I want to see is Bradford staying upright, and the first medical report for the week stating that his knee feels great.

I also don’t expect to see much of the players on offense and defense that Chip had as starters last season. Chip is looking for his newcomers both veterans and rookies to get as many reps as possible so he can examine film, coach and take his findings to his team for the next week of training camp and preparation for the second preseason game.

What I expect

I expect more fans to watch the entire football game. With all of the roster movement and questions of who is going to start on offense and defense, guys playing into the fourth quarter could very well be the week one starters against the Falcons.

Moffitt at right guard is one those names, I expect this kid to play with an urgency and to prove Chip was right giving him a second chance to play in the NFL.

I’m looking for Eric Rowe and Nelson Agholor to flash their potential early, giving us a glimpse of what to expect in their rookie seasons. I’m looking at all guys not named Malcom Jenkins in the secondary, it’s a completely repaired unit anchored by a new secondary coach who the players really talk up.

And then there is Tebow. Watching Sanchez play deep into games last preseason kept you tuned in to see what he could do as a football player. With Tebow, for some it’s about the football player, for others it the chance to join the Tebow-Mania craze if it’s still in actual existence. The guy is a polarizing figure, but it appears that the complete insanity that followed him has regressed a bit. I could and would argue that Tebow has already made this football team because of his work ethic to get better each day and the man he is both on and off the field.

It’s been a long time since meaningful football was played. Most Eagle fans knew the loss to the Dallas Cowboys week 15 last year was the dagger in the back and the end of the season even if mathematically the Eagles weren’t eliminated.

Multiple storylines that have transpired since and the controversy have kept everyone entertained, but now it’s time to strap on the pads; and for year three of the Chip Kelly era to begin.