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One thing to watch in Eagles vs. Chiefs: Eagles' running game

I think the Eagles' run game will tell a lot about how this game goes.

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs the ball against Washington Redskins linebacker Zach Brown (53) during an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Landover, Md.
Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs the ball against Washington Redskins linebacker Zach Brown (53) during an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Landover, Md.Read moreMark Tenally / AP
    by Les Bowen | Columnist
    Published 

As usual, I'll be watching many things today, but one I'm especially interested in is the Eagles' running game. The backs gained 52 yards on just 20 carries last week, and Carson Wentz was under pressure quite a bit. Doug Pederson made it clear the run game must be better in an even more hostile environment, against a tougher pass defense, today.

Look for more involvement from the younger, quicker backs – Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement – maybe less reliance on LeGarrette Blount. I think the Eagles need to run it 25-30 times and gain 100+ yards rushing to give Wentz a decent chance today. That won't happen, of course, if the defense can't hold up its end. Teams don't run the ball a lot on the road when they fall behind.

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