5 Storylines Surrounding Bills At Eagles
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As Terrell Owens would say, "Getchya popcorn ready!"
For a Sunday 1:00 p.m. E.T. game, which is barely being carried by CBS outside of the Buffalo and Philadelphia markets, Bills at Eagles is an intriguing as it gets.
5. Sam Bradford vs. Tyrod Taylor
The Eagles reportedly chose Tim Tebow over Tyrod Taylor, who supposedly asked Chip Kelly to consider him. Instead, Taylor winder up winning the starting QB role in Buffalo and leading the Bills to a 6-6 record (one game back in the AFC Wildcard picture). Taylor has dazzled at times this season with his arm and his legs, as he has thrown for 2,171 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He has rushed for an addition 318 yards and three scores.
Bradford, in his first game back from injury (shoulder, concussion), went into New England and beat the Patriots on the road. Over the last seven games that Bradford has started and finished, the Eagles are 5-2. Furthermore, Bradford has not thrown an interception in his last three games.
4. Kiko Alonso vs. his former team
While everyone is wrapped up in all of this Shady stuff (pun intended), Alonso is also playing against his former team -- you know, where the whole "Legend" thing was born. Alonso has been far from a legend in Philadelphia, struggling mightily in his last three games.
3. The Eagles' running back carousel
DeMarco Murray, after getting out-carried 15-9-8 by Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner (!!!), Murray --- whether the conversation was orchestrated or not --- reportedly told owner Jeffrey Lurie he is frustrated with his role in the offense.
To make things even more interesting, Ryan Mathews --- who is averaging 5.8 yards per carry this season --- returns from injury after missing the last three games.
2. LeSean McCoy returns to Philadelphia
The timeline of events:
January 2nd, 2015 - Chip Kelly given complete personnel control
March 3rd, 2015 - Chip Kelly trades LeSean McCoy for Kiko Alonso
May 6th, 2015 - McCoy says Kelly got rid of all the "good, black players the fastest."
Tuesday - McCoy stands by comments on 94WIP
Wednesday - McCoy says he won't shake Chip's hand
Dum, dum, dum!
1. The game itself
The Eagles are 5-7 and tied a top the NFC East with the Giants and Redskins and just one game ahead of the Cowboys. The Bills are 6-6, one game behind Chiefs, Steelers, and Jets, tied with the Texans/Colts. All five teams are fighting for two AFC Wildcard spots.
So all this hoopla about McCoy, Kelly, and Murray will go right out of the window at kickoff because this is a massive game for both teams.
