The Philadelphia Eagles took one on the chin Sunday when the team got beat by the San Francisco 49ers. They lacked any sort of consistency on offense while getting beat up front on defense. While the defense managed to hold the dynamic 49ers offense to just 28 points, their offense failed to efficient as Nick Foles was the only one to reach triple-digits in stats. Head coach Chip Kelly was critical of the run game while noting the receivers were healthy entering their game against the St. Louis Rams.
The Eagles have been suffering from offensive line injuries which Kelly believes is the reason why LeSean McCoy has put together a very quiet start to the season despite declaring himself as the league's best rusher in training camp. In four weeks, McCoy has had 74, 79, 22 and 17 yards respectively. Those are not the numbers of the top rusher in the NFL. As several offensive lineman return from injuries or suspensions this week, Kelly expects more from McCoy and Darren Sproles.
"I don't think it has anything to do with that," Kelly said, via NJ.com. "We're not running the football at all. I mean, we're not gaining anything running the football. What's the difference between the game that [Sproles] had 11 carries and now? We're banged up up front. It's not the ball carrier, if that's where you're going with it, I don't see it as the ball carrier right now. We're not generating anything in the running game at all right now. Whether we hand it to LeSean [McCoy] or Chris [Polk] or Darren [Sproles], or whomever in that situation, that's not the issue."
Kelly blames the injuries on the reason McCoy has yet to really have a breakout game. He notes that right now the team is overcompensating for the number of absences of the offensive line and remains hopeful that getting players back will show a different side to the offense on Sunday. Meanwhile, while the run game could improve, the receiving game could take a hit with injuries.
Jeremy Maclin is one of the marquee names that was not present at practice Tuesday. According to the wide receiver via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, he will be healthy and fine come time to face the St. Louis Rams. However, in his spot, Jordan Matthews and Riley Cooper are getting extra practice time and could be poised for a breakout game against a weaker defense.
