Philadelphia Eagles Come Close in Kansas City, Fall to Chiefs 27-20

Wide receiver Nelson Agholor’s touchdown with 10 seconds left in regulation and Trey Burton’s onside kick recovery was just a little too late. The Philadelphia Eagles fell 27-20 to a very relentless Kansas City Chiefs team at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The game was close for the first half, but Kansas City took control in the second.

Here are seven takeaways from the Sunday afternoon match-up.

Pass Rush Pummels Alex Smith

Last week’s strong performance was no one hit wonder. The Eagles had four sacks and a lot more hits and hurries. Five different Eagles have gotten a sack so far this season. The depth of the line and Jim Schwartz’s new found blitzing are getting it done.

Secondary Shines for Second Consecutive Week

Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill was supposed to light the Eagles secondary up. When Rodney McLeod left the game with an injury it seemed certain he would. But the secondary and special teams kept Hill in check, ending his six-game streak of scoring a touchdown. Rasul Douglas had a solid debut, begging the question of why was he a healthy scratch last week.

Mychal Kendricks Makes it Happen

Sunday was Kendrick’s best game under Schwartz. He was in pre-season form with a sack, two tackles for loss and a touchdown saving special teams tackle. It took a year, but Schwartz has found a way to use him, and Kendricks is giving him reason to keep playing him.

Wentz Represents

Much like last week, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz had some plays he’d like back, but overall he had another solid game. This season is all about Wentz’s progress. After two games, he’s not only clearly making it, but he’s been consistent, which is vital. He got Alshon Jeffery going early, used his legs wisely and effectively, and again spread the ball around both all over the field and to a variety of receivers. Nine different Eagles caught a pass.

Mack Hollins Hauls in Impressive Performance

In his debut on offense, Hollins had a nice game. Two of his three catches were for a first down, and his third set up 2nd and short. It didn’t light the world on fire, but it was a performance that warrants more playing time next week. Not bad for the rookie.

Offensive Line Struggles

It was game to forget for the offensive line, particularly by Isaac Seumalo. Seumalo didn’t have a good debut at left guard last week, but you could maybe chalk that up to it being his first game there against a divisional rival pass rush that has given the Eagles problems.

The Chiefs have a great pass rush, but two straight bad games is concerning. The rest of the line didn’t help him out, not just giving up sacks but assisting in a Wentz fumble and giving running backs nowhere to go.

Running Game Goes Down

Expect Wentz to be among the league leaders in pass attempts again as the Eagles can’t get anything going on the ground. LeGarrette Blount was supposed to add an edge to the run game, he had one carry that was called back on a penalty. Wendell Smallwood saw an increased role but he still was not effective. The offensive line is to blame but it starts with simple urgency from the backs.