5 Problems Haunting The 3-4 Eagles
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Bye weeks in the NFL often come at the wrong time for teams. It couldn't have come at a better time this year for the Eagles.
The team that many predicted would win the NFC East has a 3-4 record as they enter the bye week. There have been a host of reasons why the team has not lived up to expectations. Chip Kelly still believes he has a strong football team and that it is a matter of cutting down on mistakes.
"I think we're a good football team," said Kelly. "We need to clean things up."
There appears to be a lot to clean up over the break. This is a team with more than one reason for it's 3-4 record. Here is a look at some of the problems the Eagles must correct if they hope to get back in contention for the NFC East title:
1. Quarterback Play. To be fair, it has not been all Sam Bradford's fault that the Eagles are where they are, but the former Ram clearly has to take a strong share of the blame. Bradford has thrown ten interceptions to go along with his nine touchdown passes. Many of his interceptions have come in the red zone. Even when Bradford gets passes to his receivers, they are often at a place where they can't catch the ball in stride. Some believe Kelly may need to go to Mark Sanchez if Bradford continues to struggle, but Kelly is sticking with Bradford.
"I think our quarterback is playing well," Kelly said. "I have been pleased with Sam."
Many fans are not, and Bradford has a lot to improve on over the final nine games.
2. Wide Receiver Drops. Bradford could certainly use some help from his receivers. The Eagles dropped seven passes in their loss to the Panthers, and drops have plagued the passing game throughout the first seven games. Jordan Matthews is considered by many to be the team's top receiver, but he has been leading the way in the department of dropped footballs.
"I don't think it's talent," said Kelly. "I just think it's sometimes a concentration issue with some of those guys. I think sometimes they may actually be thinking too much instead of just relaxing and going to play. Some of them need to just take a big, deep breath and do what we know they can do."
What they can do is catch more passes, or the passing game will continue to struggle.
3. Injuries. Every team has injuries in the NFL. The Eagles have been hit hard on the offensive line and with their linebackers. Despite the loss of Guard Andrew Gardner, the line was beginning to play better before the loss to Carolina. An injury to Jason Peters did not help Sunday night. He is expected to be back after the bye, but this unit needs to be healthier to establish some continuity. As for the linebackers, Mychal Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans have been dealing with nagging hamstring injuries. The return of Kiko Alonso from a knee problem would be a big boost.
4. Penalties. The flags are flying in the NFL this season. Ever since last year's rule changes, penalties are being called at a record-setting rate. The Eagles aren't alone in dealing with penalty problems, but many of their penalties have come at the worst possible time. No one is expecting a penalty-free game, but the Eagles need to commit less on third downs and other critical situations.
5. Running Back Rotation. The Eagles apparently don't consider this an issue, but it is clear Ryan Mathews has been a better option than DeMarco Murray so far this season. Mathews was limited at the end of the Carolina game due to a groin injury, but a healthy Mathews could help this team if he gets more touches. The problem the Eagles have is that Murray needs more carries to get into a rhythm with his downhill style. It will be up to Kelly and Running Backs Coach Duce Staley to figure out the right rotation so Murray can get his touches while Mathews becomes more of a factor.
That is the laundry list of issues facing Kelly as his players enter a bye week which they hope will give them a chance to correct what's been going wrong so far this season.
"I think they will get away a little bit this week," Kelly said. "That's part of being on a bye week. I expect them all to come back next Tuesday in a good frame of mind ready to go and play the Cowboys."
