Eagles Notes: Rookie Matthews disappoints in debut

CHICAGO - Jordan Matthews impressed everyone during the first two weeks of training camp, generating anticipation for his preseason debut. He did not live up to the expectations in the Eagles' 34-28 loss to the Bears on Friday night.

Matthews caught four passes for 14 yards, with a pair of drops. He entered the game with the second-team offense, working mostly out of the slot with either Mark Sanchez or Matt Barkley at quarterback.

"I thought he was just inconsistent," coach Chip Kelly said.

"I don't know if he was pressing or whatever. But there were some inconsistencies there. Some guys, it's the first time in the bright lights. [They] get the chance to get that out of the system, get a deep breath."

Although Matthews must create more separation, the drops were the most concerning part. He did not think the moment was too big for him, pointing out that the pace at which the Eagles practice slows down the games.

"Those were catches I should have definitely had," Matthews said. "That's what you work each day in practice for. Those are balls that I've caught before in games and in practices. That's basic concentration things."

Mark Sanchez took strides toward securing the No. 2 quarterback job. The former Jet appeared comfortable playing at a fast tempo and led the Eagles on two scoring drives. He finished 7 of 10 for 79 yards.

"I was really impressed with the work he did," Kelly said. "I thought he played calm. He had poise about him, put the ball on the money."

Sanchez said he still had some rust from missing last season with a shoulder injury, but he was pleased with the way he transferred what he did in practice to the game.

"I just like the fast-pace tempo," Sanchez said. "It's fun to play in. I said it a million times: You feel like you're on a fastbreak and just get rid of the ball and let the other guys do the heavy lifting."

Two reserves who impressed Kelly were defensive linemen Beau Allen and Brandon Bair. Kelly called Allen a "disruptive force." . . . Receiver Jeremy Maclin had no problems with his knee in his first game since Dec. 30, 2012. Maclin finished with one catch for 15 yards and displayed good speed early in the game when he got open on a deep route that was not thrown in his direction. . . . Kelly praised Josh Huff's return ability after Huff took a kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. . . . The Eagles will hold an open practice at Franklin Field on Sunday.