Andy Reid's Chiefs Tromp On Eagles
By Kevin McGuire
Playing their third game in 11 days, perhaps the offense started to wear down for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles lost to their former head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday night. It was a night that lacked any sizzle on offense and saw the home team lose five turnovers in a 26-16 loss. It was the second loss this week for the Eagles against a team from the AFC West in Lincoln Financial Field and 15 different teams have won in the Linc since the last regular season Eagles victory. With the team hitting the road for the next three games, that number could grow.
It was a game the Eagles may wish they could just forget as the team prepares to hit the road for the next three games. Here is a look at how the grades add up:
Quarterback Grade: C-
Mike Vick had a below average night when it came to completion percentage and one of his two interceptions was returned for a touchdown early in the first quarter to allow the Chiefs to build a stunning 10-0 lead four minutes into the game. Vick had put up big numbers in each of the first two games of the season, but he was one of many who struggled against the Chiefs on Thursday night. Vick did add 99 rushing yards to go with his 201 passing yards, but it was nowhere near the performance the Eagles needed from him.
Offense Grade: D
After seemingly moving the football almost at will in the first two games, the Eagles offense blew a tire against Kansas City. LeSean McCoy is deserving of a high mark after rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown despite having to leave the game briefly for a knee injury. He returned and still had a big impact. Receivers struggled to get open and hold on to some footballs, although Jason Avant had a nice catch in the second half. The offensive line had some adjustments made for the game and at times they struggled as well.
Defense Grade: B
The defense played well for the most part Thursday night. The Chiefs had some great opportunities early in the game but the defense prevented them from capitalizing on terrific field position. If not for a time-consuming drive in the fourth quarter that resulted in a field goal to push the lead to 10 points, the defense did their part to pick up a win. The one downside to the defense was a lack of turnovers. The Eagles had five turnovers but the defense was unable to force a single turnover. This loss was not on the defense, unlike Sunday's game against San Diego.
Special Teams Grade: F
The special teams had a rough night, and there is almost no other way to say that. The Chiefs returned the game's opening kickoff for a big return and Damaris Johnson fumbled the first punt return of the game to set the Chiefs up deep in Eagles territory just minutes later. Johnson had just eight yards on his two other return attempts as well as 26 kickoff return yards on three attempts. Alex Henery hit one field goal but missed a long one from 47 yards.
Overall Evaluation: B-
Two games in a row a team from the AFC West flew to Philadelphia off a short week and controlled the Eagles in their home stadium. There was plenty of blame to pass around in this one. The offense let the team down on this night, although that may not always be the case. The defense played well but gave up a crucial drive in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Special teams were anything but special and the turnovers piled up in ugly fashion. This team may need the extra couple of days they will get off now before getting ready for three straight road games.
For more Eagles news and updates, visit Eagles Central.
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
