Indianapolis Colts Host Philadelphia Eagles On MNF
By Matt Giraldi
The Philadelphia Eagles were expected to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars by over 10 points in Week One. While the final score reflected the type of dominance you would expect, the ends certainly did not justify the means. After a lackluster first half, more questions than answers have surfaced for Philadelphia. Now, the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football in a match that could foreshadow the Super Bowl.
Philadelphia Eagles Game Plan Begins With Andrew Luck
The Philadelphia Eagles allowed Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne to complete 62.5% of his passes on 1st and 2nd downs in Week One. On 3rd down however the Jaguars were just 2-for-14. As the Eagles prepare for their Monday night match-up with the Indianapolis Colts, all eyes on defense will be on quarterback Andrew Luck. This will be the first time the Andrew Luck-led Indianapolis Colts have faced the Philadelphia Eagles. Ironically, the only time Philadelphia has won in Indianapolis was in 1993, on ESPN’s Sunday Night Football.
Much has been made regarding the slow starts that have plagued the Indianapolis Colts over the past season. Andrew Luck has been a contributor to such problematic starts for the Colts. He has posted below average numbers in the first half of games, however his quarterback rating in the second half of games is over ten points higher. For the Eagles, if they fall behind again the first half, it could potentially spell the beginning of a long night in Indiana.
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Injury Report
The Philadelphia Eagles suffered two devastating injuries on the offensive line against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Guard Evan Mathis was placed on the IR/designated-to-return list meaning he will be eligible to return to the Eagles in six weeks, and can play in eight weeks. As for guard/tackle Allen Barbre, his season is officially over
Keep a close eye on Dennis Kelly on Monday night. The versatility Kelly has shown in his brief career allows him to substitute at guard or tackle. It is vital for both he and Andrew Gardner to sync with the rest of the offensive line, as well as Nick Foles, in order to battle the deafening sound of the Lucas Oil Stadium.
While Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis was not going to suit up in this game due to a suspension, he will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon at some point within the past week. An injury to keep an eye on is that of Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman. Freeman injured his hamstring Week One against Denver and did not return to the contest. I think the makeshift line will struggle mightily regardless however, and Nick Foles is going to struggle with the pressure from the edge.
The Dome Effect
Monday night’s game will be only the third game Nick Foles has started in a dome. With the injuries along the offensive line, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland will have his hands full in practice preparing for silent counts and heavy dome-noise. Opposing quarterback Andrew Luck has lost only three games at home and is a markedly improved player inside the friendly confines of Lucas Oil Stadium. Keeping Luck off the field will be a chief priority for head coach Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles offense. While I believe in the offense to keep pace, I just don’t think the defense is there…yet.