Will the Philadelphia Eagles become the hunter or the hunted?
By Matt Giraldi
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs face off in one of the biggest games of Week Two. Chiefs rookie running back Kareem Hunt presents the biggest challenge for the Eagles defense.
Nearly four years ago to the date, Andy Reid got his revenge against the franchise he coached for 14 years. However, his disciple, Doug Pederson, looks to graduate from the student to the master this afternoon.
The last time that the Eagles and Chiefs met up, passing came at a premium. Jason Avant caught the only passing touchdown of the game, while Chiefs safety Eric Berry (who will miss this game) had an interception returned for a touchdown. Neither team recorded more than 250 passing yards however.
Standing (ok…running) in Pederson and the Eagles’ way this time is the Chiefs’ rookie running back Kareem Hunt. Hunt exploded on to the scene last week against the New England Patriots. Now, the rookie running back looks to expand on his 246 yards from scrimmage from Week One.
To very little surprise, the Chiefs are pegged as five and a half point home favorites against the Eagles. While the absence of Rondald Darby looms large in the passing game, Hunt might not see many positives running the ball as he did against the Patriots.
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Since the beginning of the 2014 season, the Eagles have allowed only seven 100 yard rushers. Five of those games happened when the Eagles were on the road. During that same time period, only four players have rushed for 50 or more yards and recorded at least five receptions in the same game.
A big reason for the sustained run defense is Fletcher Cox. He’s not alone however. The Eagles replaced Bennie Logan, who will suit up for the Chiefs this afternoon, with Timmy Jernigan. This move only helps to keep that stout run defense in place. Last week the Eagles held the Redskins to just 64 rushing yards.
If the Eagles want to advance to 2-0 in the standings, stopping the Chiefs running game is a top priority. Based on recent events, history leans on the Eagles side. In the event history continues to repeat itself, the Eagles have a chance to establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the NFL. Again, it all starts up front.
Next: Eagles vs. Chiefs: How to watch
Numerous Eagles players pride themselves on being hunters. From Carson Wentz to Torrey Smith to the aforementioned Cox, the Eagles love to hunt. For one day, this day, the Eagles defense needs to stop any and all hunts. In particular, number 27 on the Chiefs. That Hunt becomes prohibited effective immediately.