Sep 10, 2013
Every offensive football fan has anxiously awaited the Eagles head coach debut since it was announced that he would be replacing Andy Reid. Game one was not disappointing.
After a minor hiccup which allowed DeAngelo Hall to return what was officially ruled a Vick fumble(it looked more like backwards pass), the offensive mastermind from Oregon got the best of 2-time Superbowl champion Mike Shanahan.
This was not the best passing day for Vick (15-25, 203 yards passing, 2 TDs) who struggled with his accuracy, missing multiple wide open receivers. Vick added 1 TD on the ground on 9 carries for 54 yards. For the Eagles to have long-term success this season it is imperative Vick stay healthy. He was seen limping around the field towards the end of the contest which does not inspire much faith that he can make it through a grueling 16 game season.
DeSean Jackson looked like he was born for a Chip Kelly offense catching 7 passes for 104 yards. Unfortunately for Redskin fans the much anticipated return of Robert Griffin III missed their expectations. The Redskins had multiple unforced errors in the first half. Griffin threw behind his receivers and looked hesitant to run.
After one of his worse passes of the night was intercepted in the third quarter, a light switch seemed to flip for the Redskins who reversed roles and nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback. Griffin stat line finished with 30-49 passing for 329 yards, 2 INTs and 2 TDs.
If the Redskins could have recovered an onside kick in the final minute, they likely would have played spoiler against an Eagles defense that seemed to run out of gas. The pace of Chip Kelly’s offense has been a popular talking point because the consensus is that he will wear down opposing defenses. In this contest, however, it was his defense that seemed to run out of steam in the final quarter.
Notable injuries in this contest include Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan who left in the fourth quarter to be tested for concussions.
Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
