#360view: Philadelphia Eagles are a mess and NFC East is up for grabs

Jay Asser 09:54 23/09/2015
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  • Another loss: Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.

    As the NFL so typically does, narratives from the opening week were flipped upside down in the second weekend of games. It was a strong showing by underdogs, while even more players went down with significant injuries.

    Here are a few thoughts following a surprising Week 2, with a heavy emphasis on the chaotic NFC East:

    Eagles flapping

    It’s been a disaster start for the Philadelphia Eagles in just about every way.

    After Chip Kelly was given the power to reshape the roster in the offseason, he practically eschewed every key cog of his offence for what was supposed to be a new-and-improved attack. So far, however, the entire offence has been nothing more than a dumpster fire.

    What’s the point of spending big money on running backs DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews if you can’t afford them protection to open up running lanes?

    Philadelphia’s offensive line has been a mess all over though, not just at the guard position which has drastically turned over.

    Sam Bradford’s unwillingness or inability to throw downfield hasn’t kept opposing defences honest either.

    Kelly’s up-tempo system has proven to be personnel-proof, but he has a challenge in getting this unit on the right track. So much for preseason impressions.

    Unbeaten only in record

    If there’s a terrible way to be 2-0 after the first two weeks, that’s where the Dallas Cowboys are.

    As if losing star wide receiver Dez Bryant in the opener to a foot fracture wasn’t enough, Dallas will now be without quarterback Tony Romo – the one player they couldn’t afford to lose – for multiple weeks as he recovers from a broken collarbone.

    The good news for the Cowboys is this: the NFC East looks particularly weak and wide open this year.

    We’ve already mentioned the grounded Eagles, but the New York Giants have already blown two games they should have won. Somehow, Washington looks to be in the catbird seat by default, but just in case you forgot, Kirk Cousins is their quarterback.

    There’s no reason why Dallas can’t still win the division, even if it means having Brandon Weeden under centre for the next six weeks.

    The Cowboys’ best formula for success will be to hand the ball off plenty and hope their running backs can find the space created by arguably the best offensive line in the league.

    Still, this division is completely up for grabs and there for the taking. Which team will step up?

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