The student challenges the master.
This does not bode well for Doug Pederson.
Andy Reid specializes in a couple of things: He always beats his former assistants who go on to head coaching jobs; and he always wins when he gets extra time to prepare. Remember Reid's record with the Eagles after bye weeks?
The Chiefs rolled over the Super Bowl champion Patriots more than a week ago to kick off the NFL season on a Thursday night. He's been prepping his team for Sunday's showdown with the Eagles ever since.
Alex Smith, armed with a lot of new weapons on offense, certainly appears as if he's looking to shed that 'game manager' label. The Chiefs exploded against the Pats, with Smith connecting with his new speedy weapons Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt. The loss of corner Ronald Darby, who dislocated his ankle in the Eagles opening day win over the Redskins, is not a good omen for the Birds.
The best bet for Doug Pederson, who spent several years both playing for and as an assistant for Reid with the Chiefs, as well as a stint as his offensive coordinator, would be to control the game and keep the Chiefs' offense off the field.
This would be a great game for the Eagles to pound the Chiefs, with a big dose of LeGarrette Blount. We all know that is not going to happen. Pederson will continue to have Carson Wentz dropping back and throwing. Look for lots of three-and-outs for the Eagles. That could be suicidal in Arrowhead Stadium, one of the loudest venues in the NFL.
Look for lots of penalties and turnovers to doom the Birds.
THE PICK: Make it Chiefs 33, Eagles 17. Most people had circled this game as a loss for the Birds. I haven't seen anything to change my mind.
LAST WEEK: Carson Wentz threw for more than 300 yards, Nelson Agholor seemed to be reborn, but it was the Eagles' defense that starred in a jarring win over the Redskins. The defensive line dominated this game, putting constant pressure on Kirk Cousins and forcing a slew of turnovers. A repeat effort will be needed to keep the Birds in this contest against the Chiefs. We both stand at 1-0. That will change this week.
GAME BY GAME: Eagles 30, Redskins 17. (My Pick: Eagles 26, Redskins 13)
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