Eagles Prepared To Make Adjustments Based On Wet Weather
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles are set to play Washington on Sunday at 1pm. The conditions may not exactly be ideal.
With Hurricane Joaquin barreling towards the east coast, it appears there will be no change in the day and time of the game. However, both teams may be forced to deal with a wet field along with high winds. A change in the weather means a change in the game plan, and Head Coach Chip Kelly says his team will plan accordingly.
"We talk about that and we're always scanning," said Kelly. "I think every coach is watching the weather more than anything. You're always trying to get updates and kind of see where you are. Are you preparing for wind and are you preparing for rain? Which way is the wind blowing? Is it behind you? Is it a cross wind? Is it behind you for two of the quarters and in your face for two of the quarters? You've got to make some adjustments within the stadium."
Rain and wind usually mean more work for the running game. However, receivers also have the advantage of knowing their patterns while defenders deal with a slippery surface. Tight End Zach Ertz believes it's only an advantage for the offense if the players are able to execute.
You know where you're going as a receiver if the fields are a little sloppy," Ertz said. "The defense has to react. In that regard, I think it's a little advantageous for an offensive player, but it is a little tougher catching the ball, so I think it evens out in the end."
One player who won't mind dealing with the wet conditions is DeMarco Murray. The running back was a full participant in practice Thursday and is hoping to return after missing last week's game with a hamstring injury. While Murray feels closer to returning, he says he will be cautious as the game gets closer.
"Hamstrings are a little tricky," said Murray. "You've got to be smart with it and make sure you don't do things to set you back to square one. You've got to be smart with it and listen to your body."
Players are continuously downplaying weather conditions, but adjustments will have to be made in the game plan. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans will try to keep things business as usual on Sunday, and knows the Eagles need a victory against their division rivals no matter what kind of weather conditions are involved.
"You're going to see a lot more runs," Ryans said. "Of course, guys have to check their cleats to make sure they have their footing correct before the game starts. Other than that, it's not that big a deal."
Chip Kelly confirmed Linebacker Kiko Alonso will not play on Sunday. Alonso will return to Philadelphia on Friday after getting a second opinion on his knee injury.
