The Philadelphia Eagles shocked the Indianapolis Colts with a breathtaking 30-27 come-from-behind victory in Indy on Monday Night Football.
Eagles/Colts Halftime Quick Hitters
5. The Eagles' Offense Is Built For The Second Half
Any player that has helped execute a Chip Kelly offense will tell you one thing - conditioning is key. Kelly's blink-then-snap offensive philosophy requires top-level athletes to keep it humming, and Kelly sure has some of those in Philly. Just take a look at Darren Sproles' highlight-reel 19-yard touchdown rush (a beauty which tied the game at 20 late in the third) and you'll see why the Eagles have scored 64 second-half points over their first two games.
4. Indianapolis' Power-Running Game Is Set Up For Success
The Indianapolis Colts have an impressive backfield tandem in Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson, but it's their offensive line that deserves a standing ovation in this one. Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton and head coach Chuck Pagano overstacked the line to one side or the other on several big gains, and the Philadelphia defense wasn't fully equipped to deal with the extra levels of mass coming at them. Add in deft footwork by Bradshaw and Richardson (despite an ill-time Richardson fumble), and Indianapolis' running game has a lot of positives to work off of going forward.
3. Indianapolis' Luck Took A Turn
Andrew Luck went just 14-for-26 for 100 yards in the first three quarters, as the Eagles' pressure forced him to throw to his safety valves until the fourth. However, as soon as the final frame started, Luck showed why he has a chance to be one of the next members of the NFL's Mount Rushmore of quarterbacks. Luck went 4-of-4 for 40 yards to finish off a huge 12-play, 80-yard drive to hand the Colts a 27-20 lead.
However, one possession later, an ill-advised throw to TY Hilton was picked off by Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, as Philadelphia was in line for an epic comeback.
2. Foles Is Moving Towards Elite Status
Nick Foles then did what he does best in the fourth quarter - used his weapons to their full capacity. This time, he hit the always-explosive Darren Sproles in the short right flat and the former Saint zoomed 51 yards to the Indy 6. One connection to Jeremy Maclin later, and the game was tied at 27.
After an Indy three-and-out, Foles would drive the Eagles into field goal range (a 24-yard heave to TE Zach Ertz that set them up in field-goal range). One 36-yard Cody Parkey field goal later and the Eagles had an amazing 30-27 win in hand.
1. The Eagles Are Comeback Kids
No team in NFL history has started 2-0 after facing 14 point deficits in the middle of the third quarter of both their opening games - except the Philadelphia Eagles.
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