Eagles Face "BIG" Test With Colts Defensive Front
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles offensive line will literally face a large task on Monday night in Indianapolis.
The Colts have a defensive line that is anything but svelte. All three defensive lineman are over 300 pounds, and while two are listed under 320, most agree those numbers are generous. Chip Kelly knows the Colts giant and talented front line will present a challenge.
"That's a really large front," said Kelly. "You've got guys that are 330-plus and two have three of them in there."
The line consists of Cory Redding, Josh Chapman, and Arthur Jones along with snaps from 350-pound Montori Hughes. It is a line which can be difficult to attack, and Tight End Zach Ertz knows the Eagles front line will have its hands full.
"They're big," Ertz said. "They're big guys, but we've got to be able to move them. This offense starts with the run game, and that's where we've got to make some hay."
Dennis Kelly is expected to step in at left guard in place of the injured Evan Mathis. While it will be difficult to replace Mathis, the 6-foot-8 Kelly should be able to provide the size the Eagles need against the Colts defensive line.
"I think he brings a physical presence in there," Chip Kelly said of Dennis Kelly. "He's obviously a very, very large human being. A lot of times in this league, the bigger players are your inside players. We feel like we got a better push with Dennis in there."
No matter who goes against the Colts defensive line in the trenches, LeSean McCoy will be the one who has to find the openings. The running back has complete confidence in whoever is on the offensive line, and believes the rushing attack as well as the rest of the offense will put up points against the Colts.
"We don't want to get away from our game plan," McCoy said. "We like to run the ball, as teams know, and we can create off the run. We put points up fast whether it's running the ball or throwing the ball."
The Eagles will have another practice on Friday.
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