Yes, I know it's early, Week 2 of the fledgling NFL season.
But after the Monday Night Debacle in Atlanta, you can make the argument that Chip Kelly and the Eagles already are looking at a 'must' win.
First off, they are playing the hated Cowboys, which puts the game on different level altogether. Second, they really don't want to go 0-2 while falling two games behind the 'Boys, who would be 2-0 if they can manage a victory at Lincoln Financial Field. Plus, both the Eagles' loss would be conference games, which would hurt them later in the playoff hunt. Third, it's another national TV game, the 4:25 Fox game, so the rest of the nation will be watching to see if Chip Kelly is a genius, or just a mad scientist who tore apart a playoff caliber NFL roster and rebuilt it with his type of players.
A lot of things went wrong Monday night in Atlanta. The Eagles played a miserable first half, then saw their furious second-half rally fall just short. Actually, it was wide right, as problematic place kicker Cody Parkey sailed a field goal that would have given the Eagles the lead late wide right.
I don't expect the Eagles to flop again on Sunday. It's their home opener. But part of their problem - if you listen to the players - on Monday night was that they were too psyched on opening night.
Me? I don't think any of them played enough in the preseason. Sam Bradford spent most of the first half introducing himself to Zach Ertz and Josh Huff. None of them played more than a few snaps together in the exhibitions. Ertz missed the entire preseason.
Check back tomorrow for my pick in the Dreaded Saturday Eagles Pick. Here's a hint. I like the Birds.
I like Chip Kelly. And I support the moves he made in the offseason. Anyone who watched Bradford in the second half of the Atlanta game know exactly why Kelly was willing to part ways with Nick Foles.
But Kelly likely will find out something that eventually dawned on Andy Reid. That arrogant, "I'm smarter than everybody else in the room" attitude is great when you're 10-6 and making the playoffs.
But it gets old real fast when you're 6-10.
In other words, Chip. You'd better be right.
Starting Sunday vs. the Cowboys.
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