Five Big-Picture Takeaways from Eagles Preseason Game Three

1.) A Full-Strength First-Team Offense is Scarier than Anything that Has Taken the Field Under Chip Kelly

Aug 29, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) leaps for extra yards in the first quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles were without Josh Huff and Zach Ertz Saturday. One could hardly tell that the offense was missing two young skill players whom many thought would play a major role this season. Regardless of what level of gameplanning took place by the Packers defensive staff, one cannot help but marvel at the level of talent that lined up for the Eagles Saturday night.

A narrative that one would think Chip Kelly is trying to shake this season is that his offense finesse-based. On several instances against the Packers, Eagles players simply imposed their will to come away with the advantage over defenders. In both the pass and run game, DeMarco Murray muscled his way through Green Bay players to tack on extra yards. Even when apparently bottled up, Murray demonstrated an ability to assure a net-positive at the end of every play he was involved in.

Jordan Matthews continued his fine preseason with a couple of particularly impressive catches that took place with defenders in tight coverage or draped all over him. Matthews continues to emerge as a go-to target for quarterbacks, due in large part to his ability to make himself a target when the defense seemingly is in the right formation. Trust is a huge element of the passing game and Matthews has gone beyond his years in that regard to make him a comforting target for the quarterbacks on this roster.

Speaking of the man under center, there isn’t much more I can say about Sam Bradford than what Tim Kelly did about him when he left the game after three drives. Beyond what took place on the gridiron, it’s hard not to notice some of the reactions by both Bradford and other members of the Eagles at the quarterback’s success. Whether it was Chip Kelly punctuating a conversation with his quarterback with an emphatic high-five, or Bradford himself bouncing to his feet after delivering his second touchdown of the game on a 4th down-conversion; there is a feeling that accompanies Bradford’s exploits that carries with it significant excitement.

Finally, the first team offensive line was solid, if not spectacular. Saturday. Bradford wasn’t sacked, and only took the one hit. However, there was probably some more yards left on the field in the run and short-passing game that a stronger effort may have tapped into. Chip Kelly is probably all-but-decided on his first offensive line unit, and it’s doubtful that anything that took place Saturday can change that. One would figure position coach Jeff Stoutland will point out where his line came up short and make the necessary adjustments before week 1.