Eagles Brace For Broncos
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Peyton Manning has been the talk of the football world over the first three weeks of the season. The Eagles will get an up close and personal look at the Broncos quarterback on Sunday.
The Eagles are getting set to travel to Denver on Sunday to face Manning and the unbeaten Broncos. Denver is averaging 42 points per game and Manning has already thrown 12 touchdown passes. However, Eagles Coach Chip Kelly believes his players won't be intimidated by Manning on Sunday.
"I don't think our players are in awe," said Kelly. "I think they just respect who they're playing against. Obviously you're playing against one of the all‑time greats. I don't get a feeling from our players that they're in awe and are going to back pedal and stare at him. I don't get that feeling from them."
The Eagles have had to hear about Manning throughout the week. The defensive players have been asked how they will slow Manning down, while the players on offense have been answering questions on how to keep up with Manning's high octane attack. Michael Vick can see why Manning is getting plenty of attention.
"I understand why Peyton is getting the praise he gets," Vick said. "I even praise him from afar. He's playing lights out football, and it's something that you can't overlook."
The Eagles defense showed signs of improvement during the team's loss to Kansas City, but the players understand the Broncos may present the toughest challenge of the season. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks says the defense hasto find a way to get pressure on Manning on Sunday.
"Not all quarterbacks like to get hit," said Kendricks. "Some don't mind, but I don't think that's in their repertoire. Of course, we'd love that."
The Eagles don't plan on slowing down their attack to keep Manning off the field, but Tight End Brent Celek knows the Eagles will have to be at their best against one of the NFL's elite teams.
"I'm sure we're going to be playing fast," Celek said. "They've got a good offense and they've got a good defense. They're a great team. We're going to have to come out and play well."
Safety Patrick Chung practiced on a limited basis on Thursday as he deals with a shoulder injury. Kelly has not ruled Chung out for Sunday's game.
