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Time to Break Up Eagles

gocaVopay — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:28:00 +0000

The Philadelphia Eagles began the 2011 NFL season as the clear-cut favorite to win the NFC East. The season ended with the Eagles packing their bags and heading home after the regular season ended. What went wrong? Murphy’s Law was alive and well in Philadelphia but much of the carnage was avoidable.

Michael Vick needs to bring his “A’ Game the rest of the season.
Photo by: SRA Moses Ross Wikimedia Commons

Is it easier to fire the big man Andy Reid or is it easier to gut this team and rebuild from scratch? There will be serious carryover issues in 2012 and the problems must get addressed now to prepare for next year. Not all is bad with the Eagles and the team has positives to build on.

Bad Chemistry

The Eagles assembled one of the most talented teams in the NFL but they forgot about one important aspect of building a team: Chemistry. Adding Nnamdi Asomugha was a huge coup for Andy Reid and the Eagles front office but it also led to some serious chemistry issues in the secondary, starting with Assante Samuel questioning the move in training camp.

Eagles in Trouble at Quartback Position for Years?

One Eagles front office move that will handcuff the team for years was the signing of Michael Vick to a long-term contract. Vick is going to get injured every season and every time he goes down the Eagles and their fans will suffer. Until the Eagles rid themselves of Vick and get a legitimate quarterback they will never seriously contend in the NFC East.

Then the Eagles added a competent backup in Vince Young but they forgot this is the same guy who led to Jeff Fisher calling it quits after a long tenure with the Titans. Young’s antics in Tennessee led to more than a few gray hairs for Fisher, who took 2011 off to recuperate.

Vince Young compounded the Eagles front office woes by declaring the Philadelphia Eagles a “Dream Team.” The name became a derogatory term later in the season when the team went on a losing streak and eliminated themselves from serious contention to make the NFL Playoffs.

Jason Babin and LeSean McCoy Positives Going Forward

The Eagles did have some bright spots in 2011. LeSean McCoy showed the NFL he is worthy of consideration as a top five NFL back and when Andy Reid allowed him to take over games he did in a big way. McCoy’s running style and never quit attitude led to several key wins for the Eagles but he did break down at the end of the season.

Jason Babin gave the Eagles defense one positive through a dismal first half of the season. Babin gave the Eagles a legitimate pass rush and led to the improvements on defense in the second half. Babin finished the season strong, scoring eight sacks in his last four games and gave Eagles fans something to look forward to in 2012.

DeSean Jackson Must Go

McCoy’s impressive season became overshadowed by the baffling antics of DeSean Jackson. Jackson left the Eagles with no choice but to let him walk once the free agency period begins. The Eagles blew their chance to trade Jackson but there are options they can look into.

The Eagles can franchise tag Jackson and then trade him after he signs. This will be a tough move to pull off since Jackson’s brash attitude will clash with most quarterbacks and receivers in the NFL. The Eagles have already blown any chance to get value for Jackson and their best bet is to move up the NFL Draft board and snag Justin Blackmon of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Blackmon is Terrell Owens and Randy Moss rolled into one without being a head case.

*Todd Jacobs lives in Las Vegas but has been a Philadelphia Eagles fan since the ’70s. Members of Todd’s family were devout Eagles fans and he had little choice but to follow the Eagles from an early age.

Sources:

ESPN Clubhouse: Philadelphia Eagles news and stats.

Reading Eagle: Jackson facing uncertain future in Philly

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That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

Michael Vick Reflects On Eagles’ Disappointing…

BusaSalt — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:07:11 +0000

Read More: Michael Vick (QB – PHI), Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick reflected on the Eagles season today and the future as his team heads for an early offseason after they were eliminated from playoff contention.

Vick on the realization that his season is ending on Sunday:

“Yeah, it was hard. I was just out on the field just saying to myself it wasn’t supposed to end like this. But I think God has a defined plan for everything that goes on in everybody’s lives and all of the guys in this locker room and it all remains to be seen. So we just have to keep the faith and keep believing and just pray that better days are ahead and I think they are.”

Vick on the fans who were disappointed with the season Philadelphia has had:

“We’re all going through it together. We want to win just as bad as they do and, you know, certain things just didn’t happen the way that we wanted them to and this is where the chips fell. So hopefully, we’re all disappointed and wish that the outcome could have been different but we apologize and hopefully we can give them want they want very soon.”

Vick didn’t want to go into details on what he wanted to work on during Sunday’s game. He did say that he didn’t feel any pressure to win a Super Bowl next season, although it will be a goal of his, as it is every season.

For more Eagles coverage, visit our team page or our blog Bleeding Green Nation.

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Eagles have nothing to play for except strong…

Cardhg — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:04:27 +0000

The Eagles (7-8) are going home after their game Sunday against the Washington Redskins (5-10). It’s the first time since 2007 they didn’t make the playoffs and just the fourth time it’s happened in coach Andy Reid’s 13 seasons.

That doesn’t soften the blow.

“Obviously 8-8 wasn’t our goal,” quarterback Michael Vick said Wednesday. “We expected to be in the playoffs. I think we have to take all the positives we can learn from this season and hopefully we’ll come back and look like a different team next year.”

As the season winds down, the Eagles are playing their best football. They’ve won three straight games and have outscored their opponents 91-36 in that span. The problem is they didn’t play that well in the beginning. A 1-4 start doomed Philadelphia.

“As coaches and as players, I think you’re asked that question you’re going to say, ‘We wanted it to happen Week 1.’” Reid said. “In reality, there were a lot of moving parts and that didn’t happen. A lot of that is my responsibility, to make sure that that gets taken care of. There are a lot of things I could have done better with that. The bottom line is they’re together now, and they have an opportunity to play a good football team and continue to get better as a unit.”

Vick and the rest of the healthy starters will be out there for the final time this season against the Redskins. LeSean McCoy, Jason Peters and Jason Babin get another chance to play in the Pro Bowl on Jan. 29.

It’s somewhat of a rare sight to see starters playing in the last game. Reid rested his regulars in the finale three times in the previous seven years because the Eagles already had a playoff berth locked up and couldn’t affect their seeding with a win.

Considering Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson sustained a serious knee injury last week, there was some though that Reid would give his backups more playing time. But he has no plans to treat this as a glorified preseason game.

“When you love the game of football, you always have to play with pride and passion, because you never know which game may be your last,” Vick said. “I’ll never just sit there and say, ‘There’s nothing to play for.’ That wasn’t the mindset I had when I first put on a helmet when I was 7-years-old and it’s not my mindset today.”

The Eagles, who entered the season with Super Bowl expectations and tons of hype, missed an opportunity to win a mediocre division because of their struggles early in the season.

Five of their first six losses were by 7 points or less and they blew a fourth-quarter lead five times. Part of the problem was too many new players and new coaches trying to make adjustments to new schemes. But sloppiness also was a major issue. Poor tackling, failure to execute fundamentals and turnovers were key factors in all their losses.

“I think, maybe it was an adjustment, maybe it was just not having a sense of urgency or unity,” defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins said. “You know, there’s a lot of things that you can sit there and think about, but we just, for whatever reason, didn’t do it early, but we’ve pulled together. This team has had a lot of resolve and a lot of fight in them and that’s good because that’s something that you have to have, something you look for.”

Still, it’s too late to matter this season.

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Eagles playing for .500

spalgakCoap — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:09:10 +0000

AP Photo

FILE – In this Dec. 18, 2011, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) scores a touchdown as New York Jets defensive back Kyle Wilson can’t make the stop in the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia. Labeled the “Dream Team” by backup quarterback Vince Young, the Eagles were a nightmare instead. The defending NFC East champions were the talk of the NFL after a wild offseason spending spree that brought several former Pro Bowl players to Philadelphia. But the team

A meaningless regular-season game for the Philadelphia Eagles usually means resting their starters for the playoffs.
Not this year.
The Eagles (7-8) are going home after Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins (5-10). It’s the first time since 2007 they didn’t make the playoffs and just the fourth time it’s happened in coach Andy Reid’s 13 seasons.
That doesn’t soften the blow.
“Obviously 8-8 wasn’t our goal,” quarterback Michael Vick said Wednesday. “We expected to be in the playoffs. I think we have to take all the positives we can learn from this season and hopefully we’ll come back and look like a different team next year.”
As the season winds down, the Eagles are playing their best football. They’ve won three straight games and have outscored their opponents 91-36 in that span. The problem is they didn’t play that well in the beginning. A 1-4 start doomed Philadelphia.
“As coaches and as players, I think you’re asked that question you’re going to say ‘We wanted it to happen Week 1.’” Reid said. “In reality, there were a lot of moving parts and that didn’t happen. A lot of that is my responsibility, to make sure that that gets taken care of. There are a lot of things I could have done better with that. The bottom line is they’re together now, and they have an opportunity to play a good football team and continue to get better as a unit.”
Vick and the rest of the healthy starters will be out there for the final time this season against the Redskins. LeSean McCoy, Jason Peters and Jason Babin get another chance to play in the Pro Bowl on Jan. 29.
It’s somewhat of a rare sight to see starters playing in the last game. Reid rested his regulars in the finale three times in the previous seven years because the Eagles already had a playoff berth locked up and couldn’t affect their seeding with a win.
Considering Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson sustained a serious knee injury last week, there was some though that Reid would give his backups more playing time. But he has no plans to treat this as a glorified preseason game.
“When you love the game of football, you always have to play with pride and passion, because you never know which game may be your last,” Vick said. “I’ll never just sit there and say, ‘There’s nothing to play for.’ That wasn’t the mindset I had when I first put on a helmet when I was 7-years-old and it’s not my mindset today.”
The Eagles, who entered the season with Super Bowl expectations and tons of hype, missed an opportunity to win a mediocre division because of their struggles early in the season.
Five of their first six losses were by 7 points or fewer and they blew a fourth-quarter lead five times. Part of the problem was too many new players and new coaches trying to make adjustments to new schemes. But sloppiness also was a major issue. Poor tackling, failure to execute fundamentals and turnovers were key factors in all their losses.
“I think, maybe it was an adjustment, maybe it was just not having a sense of urgency or unity,” defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins said. “You know, there’s a lot of things that you can sit there and think about, but we just, for whatever reason, didn’t do it early, but we’ve pulled together. This team has had a lot of resolve and a lot of fight in them and that’s good because that’s something that you have to have, something you look for.”
Still, it’s too late to matter this season.

Gotta run!.

2011 NO. 3 REGIONAL STORY: Eagles’ rebuilding…

paiceby — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:30:28 +0000

Coming out of a prolonged labor stoppage that forced the cancellation of all offseason activities, the Philadelphia Eagles nevertheless proceeded with their plan to rebuild the roster and forge ahead when the NFL Lockout finally ended in July.

During a hastily assembled training camp at Lehigh University, two particular catch-phrases quickly came to symbolize what the 2012 Eagles were supposed to be all about: “Dream Team” and “All In.”

What unfolded instead was a nightmare that left them all out of the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

The Eagles’ epic failure to live up to expectations is The Morning Call’s No. 3 regional sports story of the year.

After winning their opener with a blowout victory at St. Louis, the Eagles dropped their next four. Three of the losses came when the defense, under first-year coordinator Juan Castillo, failed to protect fourth-quarter leads.

Castillo and the defense would come under further fire after the Eagles failed in consecutive November games to protect fourth-quarter leads at home, against the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, to fall to 3-6.

The 21-17 loss to Arizona served as the flashpoint of the season, not only because the Eagles squandered another lead, but because wide receiver DeSean Jackson was held out of the game for disciplinary reasons while so many of their other key players were injured.

Quarterback Michael Vick missed the next three games, two of them losses, with cracked ribs. Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie also sat out the next three with an ankle sprain. King Dunlap, a valuable reserve offensive lineman and special teams player, suffered a concussion and missed three games as well.

Those next three games all but mathematically knocked the Eagles out of playoff contention. Although they haven’t lost since, they were officially eliminated shortly after taking the field against the Dallas Cowboys last Saturday, when the New York Giants wrapped up a victory over the New York Jets.

For the Eagles (7-8), the first three-game winning streak of the season thus means very little because they took too long to put everything together.

Nine new starters, including six on defense, and 24 players overall who weren’t on the team last season are among the current 53-man roster. What’s more, the Eagles have new offensive and defensive line coaches, who have introduced radical alterations to the team’s previous methods.

Their offense and special teams have faltered to the tune of an NFL-high 36 turnovers and the league’s second-worst turnover margin (minus-12).

Quarterback Michael Vick, so brilliant in becoming the league’s comeback player of the year in 2010, has been a fragile interception machine who wasn’t available for, or has been unable to, finish four of the Eagles eight losses.

As a result, a potential record-breaking season by running back LeSean McCoy (1,309 rushing yards, 20 total TDs, 48 runs of 10 yards or more, franchise-best 4.8 yards per career rush) has turned bittersweet.

Coming Thursday: The No. 2 Regional Sports Story of the Year.

nick.fierro@mcall.com

610-778-2243

Thanks for reading! .

2011 NO. 3 REGIONAL STORY: Eagles’ rebuilding…

Gratamodo — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:30:28 +0000

What unfolded instead was a nightmare that left them all out of the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

The Eagles’ epic failure to live up to expectations is The Morning Call’s No. 3 regional sports story of the year.

For the Eagles (7-8), the first three-game winning streak of the season thus means very little because they took too long to put everything together.

Their offense and special teams have faltered to the tune of an NFL-high 36 turnovers and the league’s second-worst turnover margin (minus-12).

Coming Thursday: The No. 2 Regional Sports Story of the Year.

nick.fierro@mcall.com

610-778-2243

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Eagles Vs. Cowboys Recap: Eagles Dominate Cowboys…

ryyuvnodax — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 06:06:52 +0000

Read More: Michael Vick (QB – PHI), Brent Celek (TE – PHI), Jason Babin (DE – PHI), Miles Austin (WR – DAL), Tony Romo (QB – DAL), DeSean Jackson (WR – PHI), Jeremy Maclin (WR – PHI), LeSean McCoy (RB – PHI), Stephen McGee (QB – DAL), New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

By the time the Philadelphia Eagles scored their first touchdown on Saturday early in the first quarter, they had already been eliminated from the 2011 playoffs, thanks to the New York Giants’ 29-14 victory over the New York Jets. But the Eagles played hard, and benefited from a hand injury to Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo, in a 20-7 victory that helped them complete a season sweep of Big D.

The Eagles got on the board on their first drive of the game after Michael Vick hit Brent Celek in the back of the end zone for a 13 yard touchdown. On the Cowboys’ ensuing drive, Tony Romo crushed his throwing hand on the front of the helmet of an unblocked Jason Babin. The hand immediately swelled up, and Romo was taken out of the game and into the locker room for x-rays, which came back negative. There has been no word from Dallas on the severity of Romo’s injury, which is currently being called a “right hand contusion,” but Romo was seen on the sideline toward the end of the game telling a Cowboys staffer that he’ll “be fine.”

His replacement, back up QB Stephen McGee, was efficient and careful with the ball, going 24-38 for 182 yards and a garbage time touchdown to Miles Austin with seven seconds left in the game. But the Eagles defense continued its stellar end of the season, holding the Cowboys to only 238 total yards, some of which came long after the game was decided.

The Eagles were led on offense by QB Michael Vick, who was 18-32 for 293 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin both contributed five catches on the day, with Jackson going for 90 yards and a touchdown and Maclin for 72. Running back LeSean McCoy was mostly neutralized on the day, running for only 35 yards, and he left the game temporarily with a left ankle injury before returning for one carry in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles will end their 2011 season next week at home against the Washington Redskins. Philly will have a chance to finish 8-8, which is pretty good considering where they were a month ago, but pretty disappointing considering the preseason expectations for the team.

For more coverage of the Eagles vs. Cowboys, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Philadelphia Eagles coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Bleeding Green Nation.

That’s all the news for today.

Dallas Cowboys Scouting the Philadelphia Eagles…

grierpere — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:33:00 +0000

The Dallas Cowboys hope to avenge an early season loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas Eve and have a chance to clinch a playoff spot if they win and the New York Giants lose. Dallas can also mathematically eliminate the Eagles from playoff competition as well with a defeat.

Owner Jerry Jones has already stated he is scared of the Eagles and here is a look at the players Dallas should be afraid of.

LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy has 1,274 rushing yards on the season and 17 touchdowns. He ran for 185 of those yards against the Dallas Cowboys. He also ran for two of his touchdowns against Dallas. Sure, he did it with the Cowboys losing defensive starters Sean Lee and Mike Jenkins but he did it anyway. McCoy is the man the Cowboys must stop if they want to gain vengeance on the Eagles.

Michael Vick

At the start of the season, people asked who you would rather have in fantasy football between Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick. Now, people question if Vick is even worth starting in fantasy football. Vick has struggled with injuries and recently suffered the same rib injuries that Tony Romo did earlier in the season. However, Vick sat out and let them heal. Last time against Dallas, Vick threw for 279 yards with two touchdowns. Dallas has allowed 20 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks. Once they stop McCoy, they have to contain Vick.

Jason Babin

It is interesting. A few weeks ago, DeMarcus Ware and Jared Allen were battling for the 2011 sack crown and both men had Michael Strahan’s record in their cross-hairs. Now, it looks like neither man will reach it and someone new has passed them both in the sack race. Jason Babin has back-to-back three sack games heading into the Dallas matchup. When he played Dallas last time, he had two sacks. With eight sacks in the last three weeks, Babin could be the man to break the record.

Author Shawn S. Lealos has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma (2000) and has been a Dallas Cowboys’ fan since he was a child. His favorite players range from Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett to the Triplets of the 90s and he enjoys talking about all Cowboys’ related news, good or bad

Source: dallascowboys.com

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That’s all the news for today.

Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report, Week 16: Asante…

busFoorgo — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:12 +0000

Read More: Asante Samuel (CB – PHI), Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles all-pro cornerback Asante Samuel was held out of practice Wednesday as they begin to prepare for the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.

Per NFL.com on Samuel’s hamstring issues:

Samuel, who sat out the team’s first practice of the week, left last Sunday’s win over the New York Giants with a hamstring injury and didn’t return. Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday the injury didn’t appear serious and indicated the three-time All-Pro would play against the Dallas Cowboys.

Full participants in practice:

Defensive end Darryl Tapp (broken ribs)

Limited participants in practice:

Defensive tackle Trevor Laws (knee)
Defensive end Cullen Jenkins (groin)

Full participants in practice:

Quarterback Michael Vick (ribs)
Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder)
Right tackle Todd Herremans (ankle)
Running back Ronnie Brown (hamstring)

For all news and information regarding the Dallas Cowboys, please visit Blogging the Boys. Go check out all things Philadelphia Eagles at Bleeding Green Nation.

Gotta run!.

Eagles don’t require many upsets to get in…

avalryappeale — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:44:28 +0000

“I’m a big Jets fan this week,” Reid said Monday.

So is everyone else in Philly.

The Jets-Giants game should be over before the Eagles kick off against division-leading Dallas (8-6) on Christmas Eve. So, there will be plenty of scoreboard watching during pregame warmups.

“You control what you control,” Reid said. “You have to play the game whether that team wins or loses.”

For the Eagles to repeat as NFC East champions, they must beat the Cowboys on the road and defeat Washington at home on Jan. 1. They need the Giants to lose to the Jets and then beat Dallas in their last game.

If all four scenarios work out Philadelphia’s way, the Eagles would win the division in a three-way tie at 8-8 because they would have the best record in the East at 5-1.

“It feels good that we are still alive,” tight end Brent Celek said. “That is all you can ask for at this point. We are not where we wanted to be at the beginning of the season, but we are doing all we can do with what we have. We just have to play together as a team and go up there, fight and beat Dallas.”

The Eagles weren’t supposed to be in a position where they had to scratch and claw and hope to make the playoffs. Many experts picked them to contend for the Super Bowl this season after an offseason spending spree brought several star players to Philadelphia, joining an already strong core that included Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson. Even management declared this an all-or-nothing year.

But a 1-4 start doomed the Eagles and they’ve failed miserably to live up to those enormous expectations. Consecutive lopsided losses to New England and Seattle dropped the Eagles to 4-8 and seemingly ended their playoff chances. Fans were calling for Reid to be fired, and for offensive line coach-turned-defensive coordinator Juan Castillo to go with him.

Now it appears both Reid and Castillo have secured themselves another season. Players have rallied around Castillo, saying they have more confidence in his schemes and calls. The results support that. The defense has shown vast improvement recently, holding both Miami and the Jets to under 250 total yards and getting 13 sacks.

“You have to understand that we really didn’t have training camp,” Castillo said. “And I think initially I started too fast and what I found out is I had to go backwards with some of those guys because they had missed some of that and we were making some mistakes just on fundamental stuff. You know, now as we understand all of our packages, we’re able to add as we keep going. And there is still a lot to add, but the first thing we have to understand is how to handle our fundamental packages.”

Gotta run!.

Fan Opinion: Can Vick and Eagles Salvage a Playoff…

Lafttomonok — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:52:00 +0000

Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles have a slim chance to move on to the playoffs after shellacking the New York Jets, 45-19. Their chances are in the neighborhood of 200-1 to make the playoffs but as Lloyd Christmas said in “Dumb and Dumber”: “So you’re telling me I got a chance?”

Michael Vick needs to bring his “A’ Game the rest of the season.
Photo by: SRA Moses Ross Wikimedia Commons

LeSean McCoy said it best when learning where the Eagles stand after their win, “Sounds like a lot.”

The Eagles have no say in their fate but it will not matter if they do not win out. The Eagles can only make the playoffs by capturing their division title. They must win in Dallas in Cowboys Stadium and at home against the Washington Redskins. Then they must hope for some help. The Giants have to lose against the Jets and then the Giants must beat the Cowboys in the final game of the season.

As McCoy said, “It sounds like a lot.” It is possible for the Eagles to make the playoffs despite the convoluted route that will get them there. Luck will play a part but the Eagles will have to win out as well.

If the Eagles make the playoffs and they play like they did against the New York Jets December 18, they have a chance to become the Green Bay Packers of the 2011-2012. The Packers struggled until December last season and then Aaron Rodgers and the Packers could not be stopped once the post season began.

When Vick is healthy he makes the Eagles a formidable force. The question for Vick and Andy Reid is if Vick can stay healthy through the regular season and the NFL playoffs. The Eagles have already witnessed their future if Vick gets hurt and the future doesn’t look bright without VIck.

Vick did not have a blockbuster performance but his 274 yards passing and two touchdowns, one through the air and one on the ground, were enough to compliment LeSean McCoy’s three touchdown game.

The real story for the Eagles is a resurgent defense. Kurt Coleman continues to make big plays and Jason Babin scored three sacks for the second consecutive game to bring his season total to 18 sacks. The pass rush led by Babin is the key to the Eagles being in position to make the playoffs. Vick is important but Babin and the defense will determine the future of the Eagles.

Sources:

NFL Network: Game recap

ESPN Philadelphia Eagles Clubhouse: Stats and news

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Birds thinking playoffs after smashing Jets

oweselieclows — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:32:04 +0000

Posted: December 19
Updated: Today at 1:10 AM

By Paul Sokoloski psokoloski@timesleader.com
Times Leader Sports Columnist
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PHILADELPHIA – Fresh off breaking a Philadelphia Eagles record that stood for more than half of a century, LeSean McCoy was still filled with wide-eyed optimism.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) scrambles away from New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson in the first half of an NFL game on Sunday in Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) scrambles away from New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson in the first half of an NFL game on Sunday in Philadelphia.

AP PHOTO

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Especially when it comes to the Eagles playoff possibilities.

“So what do we need (to happen) now?” McCoy wondered.

Not as much as everyone might think.

Not after the Eagles jolted the New York Jets, 45-19 at Lincoln Financial Field, just after the New York Giants lost to Washington earlier Sunday.

Those outcomes left the 6-8 Eagles still clinging to hopes of capturing an NFC East Division title. They can accomplish that by beating division-leading Dallas (8-6) on Christmas Eve and winning against Washington on New Year’s Day, then hoping the 7-7 Giants lose to the Jets and beat the Cowboys during the final two weeks of the regular season.

That scenario would leave all three teams tied for the top at 8-8. But the Eagles would capture the NFC East crown by virtue of sweeping the two-game season series against Dallas in head-to-head competition and completing a 5-1 run through the East Division, which would top the Giants’ 3-3 mark.

“That’s amazing,” Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. “I just couldn’t believe we had a chance. It’s amazing to see, with how slow we started, there’s still a chance this late in the season.”

The Eagles didn’t give the Jets much opportunity Sunday.

Philadelphia fired out of the gates, stunning the Jets by scoring touchdowns on three straight possessions to take a 28-0 lead and extending its advantage to 45-13 by putting up points during three of the first four times the Eagles offense touched the ball in the second half.

“Shocked, I guess,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said he felt.

The performance was even more awe-inspiring than the one that rattled his brother Rob Ryan, the Cowboys defensive coordinator who was flattened during Philadelphia’s 34-7 drubbing of Dallas on Oct. 30 at Lincoln Financial Field.

“We’re an attack defense,” said Eagles defensive end Jason Babin, who became the 10th NFL player in history and first Philadelphia defender to record at least three or more sacks by spending the whole day dropping Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. “That’s our mindset.”

If only the Eagles played this way consistently, more than keeping playoff hopes alive would be on their minds.

“You want to be able to play for a playoff spot,” said Eagles tight end Brent Celek, who had a career day with 156 receiving yards – the most for a Philadelphia tight end since 1962. “That’s what we’re here for. We want to win a Super Bowl.”

Suddenly, such big dreams for a Philadelphia roster dubbed the “Dream Team” after a preseason signing spree of Pro Bowl players doesn’t sound like such a pipe dream anymore.

Not after McCoy scored on touchdown runs of 9, 1 and 33 yards to give him 17 rushing touchdowns for the season – breaking Steve Van Buren’s single-season Eagles record of 15 set in 1945. Not after quarterback Michael Vick tortured the vaunted Jets defense with 274 passing yards – including a 26-yard touchdown strike to Celek – and got loose for 32 more rushing yards. Not after the Eagles forced four turnovers and dropped Sanchez for four sacks.

“There’s nothing you can do about the past,” Vick said. “The past is the past and the present is the present. Just continue to live in the moment.”

The biggest moments for the Eagles started with defense Sunday.

Safety Kurt Coleman stripped a pass away from Jets receiver Santonio Holmes, and Eagles defensive end Juqua Parker picked up the fumble and rumbled for a 47-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Philadelphia lead in the first quarter.

“Hey man, I have a little something in me,” laughed Parker, who scored his second defensive touchdown of this season and third of his career. “I have a little speed in me. I just saw the ball on the ground, picked it up and went in and scored.

“I’m enjoying it, man.”

The day of laughs had just began for the Eagles.

They got the ball back when Asante Samuel picked off a deflected pass, and Celek cashed it in with a superb one-handed tip to himself while snaring Vick’s 26-yard touchdown pass late in the opening quarter.

Vick found the end zone himself on an 11-yard touchdown run to polish off a 57-yard touchdown march on Philadelphia’s next possession. And when Sanchez fumbled away a third-down play, McCoy made the Jets pay by darting up the middle for a nine-yard touchdown run and a 28-0 Eagles lead.

“We made too many mistakes,” a bewildered Sanchez said. “We just got out-played.”

The Eagles kept playing for their playoff lives.

They survived a brief rally by the Jets – who pulled within 28-13 on Nick Folk field goals of 39 and 28 yards wrapped around a 25-yard touchdown pass by Sanchez – then put a stamp on victory after halftime.

Celek got free for a 73-yard catch-and-run, setting up McCoy’s one-yard touchdown dash and Alex Henery followed with a 28-yard field goal late in the third quarter. McCoy opened the fourth with a 33-yard touchdown sprint for a 45-13 Philadelphia lead, before Plaxico Burress closed the scoring with a diving 9-yard touchdown catch for the Jets with 9:40 to play.

“They’ve got a good football team, a really good football team,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “They’ll rebound next week.”

At least, the Eagles hope so, since a Giants victory over the Jets – or a defeat in Dallas – would sending Philadelphia’s playoff plans flying before the season finale.

“We need to beat the Cowboys, right?” McCoy asked. “No one, these past few games, even gave us a chance. It just shows you the type of fight we have.”

Now, the Eagles plan to keep punching to the end.

“We’ve just got to play together as a team and go out there and fight,” Celek said. “It feels good that we’re alive. That’s all you can ask for at this time.”

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Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Eagles Injury Report: Michael Vick Listed As…

RtexFRoSt — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 03:52:37 +0000

Read More: Michael Vick (QB – PHI), Todd Herremans (G – PHI), Cullen Jenkins (DT – PHI), Darryl Tapp (DE – PHI), Ronnie Brown (RB – PHI), Vince Young (QB – PHI), Nnamdi Asomugha (CB – PHI), Riley Cooper (WR – PHI), Trevor Laws (DT – PHI), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB – PHI), Jeremy Maclin (WR – PHI), Nate Allen (FS – PHI), New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have released their injury report for their game this Sunday against the New York Jets.

Only defensive end Darryl Tapp (ribs) is currently listed as doubtful for the game. Michael Vick (ribs) and Jeremy Maclin (hamstring/shoulder) were not limited in practice on Friday. However, Vick is listed as probable for the game while Maclin is still listed as questionable.

The following Eagles are listed as Questionable:

T Todd Herremans (ankle)
WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder)
QB Vince Young (ankle)

The following players are listed as Probable:

S Nate Allen (hamstring)
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (knee)
RB Ronnie Brown(hamstring)
WR Riley Cooper (groin)
DT Cullen Jenkins (groin)
DT Trevor Laws (knee)
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle)
QB Michael Vick (ribs)

The Jets also released their injury report for Sunday’s game. The only player listed as out is CB Marquice Cole. The following Jets are listed as probable: DL Mike DeVito (knee), DL Marcus Dixon (hip), OL Vladimir Ducasse (knee), RB Shonn Greene (rib), OL Nick Mangold (ankle), RB Joe McKnight (elbow), OL Brandon Moore (hip), LB Calvin Pace (groin), OL Matt Slauson (knee) and DB Eric Smith (knee).

For more coverage of the Eagles vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Eagles coverage, visit our team page or our blog Bleeding Green Nation.

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Eagles that Should Have Fantasy Success in Week…

uploaffap — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:54:00 +0000

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 14. The defense carried the day while the offense was ordinary. For fantasy owners, the Eagles have been one of the most frustrating teams in the league. They can make big things happen at any time but they can also let you down. In Week 15, the Eagles face the New York Jets. I don’t think they will produce a lot of fantasy points, but there are some players that will deliver. Here are some Eagles that could turn out to be good starters for fantasy owners in Week 15.

LeSean McCoy

McCoy averaged a mere 1.4 yards on his 27 carries against the Dolphins. However, he did score two touchdowns. McCoy is a lot better than what he showed against Miami. The Jets have a decent run defense but it is vulnerable. If the Eagles give the ball to McCoy 20 times, he will break the 100 yard mark. If nothing else, he will get you touchdowns. He has scored in every game but one in 2011.

DeSean Jackson

Jackson finally snapped out his touchdown funk in Week 14. He grabbed just his third of the season. However, he looked like the talented receiver fans are used to seeing for the first time in a long time. Michael Vick will look his way for some big plays against the Jets. Jackson still averages over 16 yards per catch. If he gets even five receptions, he will have a big day.

Alex Henery

This game has the feeling of a lot of field goals. Henery has been solid for a rookie and has connected on all three of his attempts from more than 40 yards. It feels like a long time since he has missed and that is a good thing. Henery should get at least a couple of attempts in this game so I would start him as a kicker if you have him available.

Team Defense

I don’t think the Eagles will get nine sacks and three turnovers like they did against the Dolphins. However, they should have a strong game on defense against the Jets. Mark Sanchez is not a consistent quarterback. Even when he plays well, he doesn’t put up spectacular numbers. The Eagles will have a couple of big plays on defense and they won’t allow a whole lot of yards. That should add up to a solid fantasy day for them.

* – Mark Paul is a regular fantasy football player and fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Vick expected to play Sunday vs. Jets

VasileZalupu — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:56:10 +0000

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick watched practice from the sideline, still sore from taking a beating in his first game back after breaking his ribs last month.

Vick participated in a walkthrough Wednesday morning, but was a spectator in the afternoon when the Philadelphia Eagles began preparations for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Before practice, coach Andy Reid said he’s confident Vick would start against the Jets (8-5). The Eagles are still clinging to playoff hopes despite a 5-8 record. They’ll need Vick to be sharp this week against one of the toughest defences in the NFL.

“He was a little tender from the game (but) not as bad as before,” Reid said. “He was throwing the ball out there.”

Vick was sacked four times and took several hard hits in a 26-10 victory at Miami. He missed the three previous games after breaking two lower ribs in a loss to Arizona on Nov. 13.

Vick showed plenty of rust against the Dolphins. He completed just 15 of 30 passes and threw another interception. But he still made enough plays to help lead Philadelphia to a win that temporarily kept them alive in the NFC East race.

A Pro Bowl starter last year, Vick has struggled this season. He’s ranked 22nd with a 78.9 passer rating, and his 12 interceptions double his total from last season and are one shy of his career worst.

“Well you have to give credit to the defence, particularly on the tipped balls,” Reid said. “In some situations, yeah (he’s forcing the ball) to get things going. He will tell you that he’s trying to make things happen, but he’s made a lot of good throws, too.”

Despite Vick’s mediocre stats, Jets coach Rex Ryan, like other coaches and defensive co-ordinators around the league, are wary of Vick’s unique skills.

“He can throw a battle ship through a strawberry,” Ryan said. “There is only one Michael Vick in this league, a dynamic playmaker, can make all the throws, strong arm and the way he can move is second to nobody.”

Vick won’t have an easy time against New York. The Jets have the sixth-ranked defence and are sixth against the pass. Their secondary features two-time All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis.

On the other side, the Eagles have three heralded cornerbacks that have failed to live up to expectations in their first season together. Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie haven’t been the shutdown trio most anticipated.

“He is a tremendous corner, the best corner in football. It’s not even close,” Ryan said of Revis. “Nnamdi is an outstanding corner. Samuel is an outstanding corner. They have a lot of talented guys over there, but there’s only one Darrelle Revis.”

Revis likely will match up against DeSean Jackson. The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver caught just his third TD pass of the season last week. Jackson is always a deep threat, though, having scored 21 TDs of at least 30 yards in his four-year career.

Ryan wouldn’t commit to putting Revis on Jackson.

“Whoever we decide to put him on, it’ll be a long day for that individual,” Ryan said.

Philadelphia’s receivers are quite aware of Revis’ talents.

“His ability to be patient is his biggest asset,” wideout Jason Avant said of Revis. “Usually when you have guys that are fast and quick, most DBs are frantic and they can’t get in a stance. He’s really calm and knows he’s the best, so he sits there and waits for you to declare your move. He’ll sit right there in front of you.”

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