Eagles Try To Move Forward Following Disappointing Night In Atlanta
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Just as an impressive preseason doesn't make a Super Bowl contender, a week one loss doesn't ruin a season.
Still, the Eagles are frustrated after a mistake-filled night in Atlanta.
Chip Kelly took time to dissect his team's 26-24 loss to the Falcons. There was plenty of blame to go around, but several key issues stood out. One of which was the alarming run/pass ratio by the Eagles. A team that was supposed to show off a talented trio of running backs ran the ball only 16 times. Meanwhile, Sam Bradford threw the ball 52 times. It was a number which may have had many fans wondering if Andy Reid had returned. Kelly said he was simply trying to take what Atlanta's defense was giving his offense.
"We're concerned with moving the ball down the field," said Kelly. "At the end of the day whether we rush it for 399 yards or pass it for 399 yards or whatever, that not my concern. It's not 'what's the distribution', it's 'are we moving the football'."
The lack of rushing attempts may have been tied into an inconsistent night for the offensive line. Quarterback Sam Bradford also saw plenty of pressure despite throwing for 336 yards. However, Kelly thought the effective play of the Atlanta defensive line was a bigger reason for Atlanta's success.
"Both guards actually weren't bad," Kelly said. "They did a nice job. It's just a matter of getting separation on combination blocks and things like that. Give those guys credit."
One of the most disappointing performances of the night came from Cornerback Byron Maxwell. The highly-touted free agent acquisition was torched by Julio Jones in his first game as an Eagle. For a team which had serious secondary issues in 2014, Maxwell has to be better.
"Just inconsistencies in techniques," said Kelly of Maxwell. "Byron will be the first one to tell you that. When he was locked up in technique, he did a really good job. When he got beat, you can look at where he was from a technical standpoint."
There is no such thing as a must-win NFL game in week two, but Sunday's home contest with the Cowboys is close. The Eagles would put themselves in a serious early-season hole if they fall to 0-2 with a home division defeat. An 0-1 start is frustrating. An 0-2 start would be alarming, especially with the high expectations for the Eagles this season.
"You've got to clean up the things that you can control," Kelly said. "We didn't do a very good job of that from that standpoint."
If they are unable to correct their mistakes, the cries of frustration will grow louder from a fan base which is expecting a different type of 2015 season.
