He's back! Andy Reid returns to Philadelphia as the Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs.
When Andy Reid found a new home with the Kansas City Chiefs just days following his firing from the Eagles, this date was circled on the calendar. Reid makes his long-awaited return in Philadelphia as the Eagles host the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.
The Eagles enter the game just three days after dropping their Week 2 game to the San Diego Chargers, 33-30. Obviously, this is a quick turnaround from Sunday's loss, especially for a defense that allowed 539 total yards of offense to the Chargers.
The Eagles will go with the same secondary. Week 1 starter Bradley Fletcher is expected back in the lineup alongside Cary Williams, Nate Allen and Patrick Chung.
Perhaps what may help the Eagles is that Alex Smith is not Philip Rivers. Smith has passed for 396 yards, completing 42 of 70 passes. He has four passing touchdowns and no interceptions.
It has been a slow start for Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs running game. Charles is averaging 4.1 yards per carry through the first two games of the season, totaling 132 yards on 32 carries and one touchdown.
Smith's top target has been Dwayne Bowe, who has 86 yards on eight catches and one touchdown.
Charles is second on the team in receiving yards with 71 on 11 catches. Look for the Chiefs to do something similar to the Chargers. Screen plays and short passes may become regular if the Eagles fail to apply pressure from the line and focus primarily on covering deep passes in the secondary.
The Eagles offense, meanwhile, is coming off another strong game. Michael Vick's best offensive passing game of his career featured 32 completions for 428 yards – a career-high – and two touchdowns.
Additionally, through two games, LeSean McCoy is leading the NFL with 237 rushing yards. He is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has one touchdown. DeSean Jackson posted 193 receiving yards in the Week 2 loss. He leads all NFL receivers with 297 receiving yards, averaging nearly 150 yards per game and 18.6 yards per catch. He has two touchdowns.
Tonight's game is about so much more than the players currently on the rosters. Aside from Reid's return to Philadelphia grabbing the headlines, the Eagles are honoring another key part of the Andy Reid era during the game. Donovan McNabb is having his number retired at halftime, making him the ninth Eagle to have his number retired. Most recently, the Eagles rallied to a Week 4 win over the Giants upon retired Brian Dawkins number a season ago.
Injury Report:
Eagles
- CB Bradley Fletcher (concussion) is probable for tonight's game.
- LB Mychal Kendricks (groin) is probable for tonight's game.
- TE Brett Celek (shoulder) is probable for tonight's game.
- CB Brandon Boykin (quadriceps) is probable for tonight's game.
- C Jason Kelce (thumb) is probable for tonight's game.
- T Dennis Kelly (back) is probable for tonight's game.
Chiefs
- CB Brandon Flowers (knee) is questionable for tonight's game. He was limited in practice on Wednesday.
- TE Travis Kelce (knee) is questionable for tonight's game. He was limited in practice on Wednesday.
- TE Anthony Fasano (ankle) is doubtful for tonight's game. He did not practice on Wednesday.
- LB James-Michael Johnson (neck) is probable for tonight's game.
- LB Dezman Moses (toe) is probable for tonight's game.
- T Brendan Albert (shoulder) is probable for tonight's game.
- LB Nico Johnson (ankle) is probable for tonight's game.
- DE Mike DeVito (neck) is probable for tonight's game.
Where to Watch:
- TV: NFL Network/6 ABC
- Radio: 94 WIP
- Satellite Radio: XM 86
Staff Predictions:
Christine Schramm
Eagles 17, Chiefs 13
Frank Klose
Eagles 24, Chiefs 13
I think the Eagles are extra motivated and Reid will be plenty predictable.
Andrew Gillen
Eagles 23, Chiefs 27
This Chiefs' defense will be the toughest the Eagles have seen thus far. Andy Reid's play calling (No, I'm not kidding) will give his team the early lead. Chip Kelly's offense will score late and get the game close, but the Chiefs will halt a late drive to secure the win.
Erik Seybold
Eagles 27, Chiefs 21
Strong offense will steer the game through the first half, but the defense will show up later on and the Eagles will pull out a win late in the 4th.
Kevin Durso
Eagles 21, Chiefs 24
For all the excitement and anticipation that comes with this game, I proceed with caution. The most anticipated games usually have a way of becoming disappointing. Keeping in mind that the Chiefs two wins have come against the Jaguars and Cowboys, the Eagles certainly have a chance. But with a short week, I see the Eagles falling just short with their mistakes. The Eagles certainly could run this game, but they also have yet to truly give a game away with turnovers. A late mistake hurts the Eagles and the Chiefs strike for the winning score.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
