Philadelphia Eagles vs Denver Broncos: Two Key Players to Watch

Howard Smith – USA TODAY Sports

If the Philadelphia Eagles want any chance of winning on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, they will need to play better across the board. The Broncos will be a team that capitalizes on any mistakes and this must be Chip Kelly‘s tightest coaching performance for a victory. I’m not sure they can pull off this game without a huge injection of skill and emotion on both sides of the ball. As you watch, here are two players to key in on during the broadcast.

Offense: Todd Herremans

Herremans is one of the veterans on the Eagles’ offensive line. He is a player of many positions, a guy who normally is a solid contributor in every game. This season, though, has been a different story. He’s struggled this far through the first three games. He has hinted that he may not be fully recovered from his leg injury. We know that Jason Peters and Evan Mathis will play well. We know that Lane Johnson will have his rookie struggles. Jason Kelce even had an off game last week. Herremans has been the only consistently lackluster lineman. He needs to get it together. This week, the team will get Dallas Reynolds back from surgery in the offseason and, if Herremans can’t play better, Kelly needs to pull the trigger and make him sit.

Defense: Brandon Boykin

Boykin has the enviable job of facing Wes Welker this week and he may be up to the challenge. He has done well ever since he joined the team, showing a mix of speed, cover ability and athleticism. He contributes to the special teams as a returner and plays a part in many of Billy Davis‘ blitz packages. He is still young with a huge upside as he continues to grow and learn in this league. Welker will be his toughest competition yet.

Keep your eye on Boykin and Herremans for the game may go the way of their performances. If they are solid, it will go far to giving the Eagles a chance to win. If not, it will be a long afternoon in Denver.

Matt Shaner is a Philadelphia Eagles writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MDShanersports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google