Eagles Look Back On Impressive Opening Night Victory
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles are already looking ahead to their second game of the season, but they did manage to spend a little time on Tuesday looking back.
The Eagles opened up their season with an impressive victory over the Washington Redskins. The Eagles now have a short week of preparation as they get ready to host the San Diego Chargers, but players such as Jason Kelce have received plenty of feedback on their victory.
"It wasn't just from family and friends," said Kelce. "It was from guys who are familiar with the game and coaches that I've had in the past. It was definitely an eye-opening experience, especially in the first half."
The Eagles put up 26 of their 33 points in the first half against the Redskins as Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense operated with impressive efficiency. Wide Receiver Jason Avant said the players were confident they would be successful with the new system.
"We realized it was going to work," Avant said. "Football is football. It's putting people in good positions, understanding defenses. It's going to work. It's just a matter of executing it."
Kelly's offense gave the Redskins some late scoring chances in the game, and Washington stormed back with 20 unanswered points. As much as Kelly wants to keep the fast pace, he acknowledged there will be a time when the offense has to slow down.
We do a lot of things at such a rapid tempo," said Kelly. "I think our guys understand tempo and do that pretty good. We also have to learn how to practice playing it the other way really from a mindset standpoint, where we do everything 90 miles an hour. Now, you've got to go back to driving through the city streets. You need to kind of settle down and make sure you can still negotiate the turns."
The Eagles defense also played well throughout most of the game, but Trent Cole says there is plenty of room for improvement.
"We see a lot of good things that we can implement into it," Cole said. "There's still a lot left. We left a lot on the field. We've got to make that game be our worst game of the year."
Cornerback Bradley Fletcher suffered a concussion in Monday night's victory. There is no timetable for his return.
