3 reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles can't (and can) win the NFC East
Three reasons they can't
1. The running game is a mess. DeMarco Murray, who was caught by FOX cameras barking about a lack of carries after one series, on Sunday became the eighth player since 1960 to rush for two or fewer yards on 13 or more carries. But it's not Murray's fault. For all of the talk about the skill-position guys Chip Kelly traded away, maybe the biggest mistake he made was releasing guard Evan Mathis. The Eagles' offensive line has been vulnerable up the middle.
2. There is serious concern about the nature of linebacker Kiko Alonso's knee injury that knocked him out of Sunday's game. It's the same knee in which he suffered a torn ACL before last season. Alonso was the Eagles' return on the LeSean McCoy trade and a major bright spot in Week 1 when he made a spectacular one-handed interception.
3. Cornerback Byron Maxwell got a lot of money for very little production so far. The route he took to try cutting off Terrance Williams on the Cowboys' final touchdown and the effort he displayed in doing so were both brutal. That won't fly in that town, Byron. Just ask Cary Williams.
Three reasons they can
1. Despite how bad his offense looks, Kelly remains a very good coaching mind. Maybe Sam Bradford and a few more of the team's new additions simply need some more live reps together.
2. They have too much talent to not be a factor. Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Jordan Matthews, Zach Ertz on offense; Fletcher Cox, Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham and more on defense. That's enough guys to make enough plays.
3. Their final four games: Three straight at home — against the Bills, Cardinals and Redskins — and then at the Giants to close it out. Remember that stretch if and when they're at or near the top of the division in November.
