Jeff Reinebold: Philadelphia Eagles playing 'complimentary football'

Image: Jordan Matthews and the Philadelphia Eagles offense has spent more time on the field, allowing the defense longer rest periods

Sky Sports expert and special teams coach Jeff Reinebold believes that head coach Doug Pederson is the reason for Philadelphia's early season success.

The Eagles are 3-0 after a convincing 34-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in week three maintained their perfect start to the season.

Reinebold beleives that the change in coaching philosophy, from Chip Kelly to Pederson, has taken the pressure off the defense and balanced the team.

"One of the reasons they've gotten off to this start is because they play real complimentary football. What Jim Schwartz has done with that defense is nothing short of amazing, but the fact that the offense keeps the defense on the sideline, moving the sticks, is a tremendous advantage to your defensive unit because they're playing almost 20 snaps less.

Image: Head coach Doug Pederson, who took over from Chip Kelly, has balanced the side and introduced complimentary football

"When the Eagles were playing under Kelly, the defense averaged 71 snaps a game. This year, they're playing an average of 53 snaps, the lowest in the NFL."

Quarterback Carson Wentz has received rave reviews, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to throw 100 passes without interception. Reinebold, speaking on the 'Inside the Huddle' podcast, believes that it is Pederson's system, as well as the quarterback's performance, that have Philadelphia playing so well.

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Image: Quarterback Carson Wentz has made an impressive start to life in the NFL

"I think this is a great example of a coach putting in a system that really makes a quantum leap with the football team. You can't underestimate the Wentz factor, but this team is well coached, well organised and Eagles fans have to feel really good about where they're at."

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The Eagles defense are averaging nine points allowed, the lowest in the NFL this season. Compared to last year, when the team finished 28th overall, the improvement is stark. Against Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger was sacked four times and the running backs had a combined total of 29 rushing yards. Even on a day when Antonio Brown had 140 receiving yards, Philadelphia held their opponents to one field goal. 

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Image: Linebacker Nigel Bradham and the Philadelphia Eagles are the best ranked defense in the NFL this season

They now go into their bye week, before trips to Detroit and Washington. Eagles fans will be hoping that Philadelphia can keep up the dominant performances, on both sides of the ball.

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