Philadelphia Eagles: Doug Pederson should follow Andy Reid’s formula
By David Esser
The Philadelphia Eagles would be wise to use some of the Chiefs’ schemes.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs opened up the 2020 NFL season on Thursday night, and they put on an absolute masterclass display in offensive creativity. They hung 34 total points on the Houston Texans, Patrick Mahomes threw 3 passing touchdowns, four different Chiefs players scored, and Texans’ star DE JJ Watt was completely taken out of the game. With a Week 1 matchup against Washington looming, the Philadelphia Eagles would be wise to mirror Andy Reid’s offensive genius.
The Chiefs attacked the Texans with a wide variety of screen passes and quick routes, designed to allow their speedy receivers to create after the catch. Lightning quick wideouts Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill were extremely successful in this regard, finishing the game with a combined 12 catches for 128 yards.
With the threat of Hill or Watkins taking a screen pass for 90 yards constantly in the back of the Texans’ minds, the Chiefs then turned to their new franchise back to set the tone on the ground. Rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire exploded onto the scene with 25 carries for 138 yards and a TD, drawing plenty of Brian Westbrook(!) comparisons following the game.
More from Section 215
- 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
- Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
- Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles
With the passing game and the running game now both firmly established, the Chiefs then still had their security blanket over the middle in tight end Travis Kelce. While he wasn’t necessarily the star of the show on Thursday night, Kelce still finished the game with 6 receptions, 50 yards, and a touchdown.
When looking at how Reid and the Chiefs attacked their offensive scheme, it’s one that the Philadelphia Eagles could pretty easily mirror heading into Week 1. They have the speed at WR in DeSean Jackson and John Hightower (maybe Jalen Reagor if he plays), they have their franchise back who can eat up carries in Miles Sanders, and they of course have their own superstar tight end in Zach Ertz. With such a similarly styled offensive unit, the Eagles could utilize almost all of the same tactics that their former head coach employed on Thursday.
One of the big reasons that the Chiefs ran so many screen passes as opposed to letting Mahomes chuck it 70 yards down the field every play was due to JJ Watt. Reid knew he had to get he ball out of the pocket a little quicker than usual, and the Philadelphia Eagles face a similar dilemma on Sunday. The Washington Football Team fields a pretty exciting group of pass rushers, and Carson Wentz isn’t going to want to hang onto the ball in the pocket too long.
Next. Philadelphia Eagles: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 1 vs Washington. dark
The Philadelphia Eagles double downed on speed this offseason, drafting three rookie speedsters and investing heavily in the return of DJax. A lot of people have actually compared their new offensive personnel to that of the Chiefs, and I think it’s a relatively fair comparison. Both teams field an abundance of speed and creativity on the outside, anchored down by a stud RB and a dominant pass-catching TE. With so much in common, Doug Pederson would be wise to employ some of the Chiefs proven strategies this upcoming weekend.