Eight different Eagles caught a pass from Nick Foles in a Week 1 win against Jacksonville. Credit: Getty Images
The Eagles certainly have plenty of prime time experience from last season, when their games were flexed week after week down the stretch and the Birds showed they could excel under the lights.
Though last week’s 17-point win against the Jaguars put the Eagles in first place in the NFC East, it still left many questions unanswered. Here are three of the most important issues facing Philadelphia as it prepares to face the Colts in Indy under the Monday Night lights.
The real Nick Foles
Which Nick Foles will the Eagles get Monday night? Will it be the indecisive, turnover machine from the first half against Jacksonville, or the calm, cool and collected comeback machine?
Foles did accumulate over 300 yards last week, and his accuracy improved as the game progressed. His performance against the Colts secondary will be the deciding factor in this one. With all his weapons healthy and ready to work, Foles will need to make sure he is getting rid of the ball quickly and getting everyone involved.
The makeshift line
The Eagles started the same five guys for all 17 games last season on the offensive line. With Lane Johnson sidelined due to a suspension, the Birds have already lost Jason Kelce and Allen Barbre to injury, with Matt Tobin inactive as well.
Chip Kelly’s offense has always been at its best with agile and creative use of an offensive line. Known to use his tackles at the tight end spot, or even in the slot to set up a screen pass or running play, will the lack of stability and experience up front be a challenge for the Eagles?
Create bad Luck
Everyone knows Andrew Luck is well on his way to becoming an elite quarterback. He will be stiff competition for the Eagles secondary, but it’s a unit that played pretty well (save for two lapses in the first half) against Jacksonville.
For all his success, Luck does turn the ball over. Luck has thrown 29 interceptions in 33 starts as a pro. He threw two picks last week versus the Broncos, and his occasional lack of accuracy gives Cary Williams, Brandon Boykin and company an opportunity to be game-changers in Indianapolis.
Keeping Luck on his heals on the secondary is important, but giving him pressure behind center is of equal importance. Against Jacksonville the Eagles had just three sacks and didn’t hurry Chad Henne as much as they will need to hurry Luck.
