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5 Things to Watch: Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Redskins


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5 Things to Watch: Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Redskins

eagles
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles come off a tumultuous 4-12 campaign where not much went right and the offensive line and quarterback situation was in flux most of the season. Not too mention, the defense was one of the worst statistically the franchise has ever fielded. Gone are two big name corners that failed to perform in Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Now there is a new defensive scheme with players who will be willing to tackle and do the little things.

Owner Jeffrey Lurie was forced to make a change after two straight seasons of poor performances. Gone is long time head coach Andy Reid and coming in to replace him is the man that was most sought after in teams coaching searches in college hot shot Chip Kelly. One word comes to mind when thinking of Kelly — innovative. From his training methods, to his incorporation of sports science into football and his huge play book, the league hasn't quite experienced a coach as intuitive and cutting edge as Kelly before.

Kelly will get his first taste of NFL action on Monday Night. I believe he will be a successful coach in this league but year 1 may be a struggle as he builds up this defense with the type of players he wants in the 3-4 scheme run by defensive coordinator Billy Davis. A few of the pieces don't quite fit and that will have to be addressed in coming seasons.

Kelly's Eagles promise to display some fireworks. That starts on Monday Night Football. Here are five things to look for in the Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins contest.

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5. How Effective Will Philadelphia Eagles Running Game Be?

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Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

How will the Philadelphia Eagles new look running attack under Chip Kelly fare against the Redskins? My guess is they will run the ball with effectiveness with a three-headed running monster of LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown and Chris Polk with head Coach Chip Kelly's emphasis on the run.

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4. Will Michael Vick Be Dynamic Again Against the Redskins?

vick
Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

We will see any of the 2010 Michael Vick where he had one of the greatest games at quarterback in the history of football on that fateful night in Washington three years ago? If we see even a glimpse of that, Eagles fans will be in for a treat.

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3. How Will the Eagles Defense Fare Against the Redskins Attack?

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Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest question mark the Eagles face is the capabilities of their defense. It will be a work in progress all season. I predict a shoot out in which the Eagles are going to have to score in the mid 30's to come out victorious.

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2. What Will Chip Kelly's Offense Look Like?

chipper
Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

This is Chip Kelly's first season as a head man in the NFL. Arguably, the top story line in the league is what his innovative, high paced offense will look like in a regular season game and how effective it will be. Viewers will get an opportunity to finally see the offense unveiled on Monday night.

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1. How Effective Will RG3 Be Coming Off a Season-Ending Injury?

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Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

How effective will Robert Griffin III be coming off a devastating knee injury? Only time will tell but with no live snaps in the preseason, he will have to show a little rust on opening night. Then again, the guy is superhuman.


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