Moving Forward: How Will the Eagles Use Michael Vick? (Humor)

Now that I’ve gotten my disappointment out of my system regarding the reaction, I can focus on the future.

Just how will the Philadelphia Eagles use Michael Vick once he’s able to return in Week 7?

I’m reminded of when the Coyote FINALLY caught the Roadrunner, only the bird was now a few stories tall. The Coyote turns to us, the viewer, and asks, “You always wanted me to catch him, now what?” Philly fans always wanted this team to have more weapons so…now what?

The two words I keep hearing tossed around are “slash” (a la Kordell Stewart) and “wildcat.” But that hardly lets the fan know how Vick is going to be a playmaker for this offense.

Since Madden is out today, I have a few plays I’ll be adding to my playbook and I won’t be putting Vick’s speed up to 99 like the ’04 version.

Play No. 1

Deceptively Vick

The Eagles LOVE screen passes and I love the way they execute them, most of the time, so here’s an opportunity for Vick to shine. Vick and DeSean Jackson are spread out as receivers on the right side of the formation. DeSean Jackson then goes in motion to the left past Westbrook, who in the backfield split left.

The defense reacts to the two explosive players on the their right and shift the coverage figuring Vick is a decoy. At the snap, the ball is pitched to Vick, who is behind Stacy Andrews and Nick Cole, and he proceeds downfield.

Play No. 2

Vintage Vick

Brian Westbrook has a career 158.3 QB rating. Yes, I know he threw one pass way back in 2002 for a 25-yard touchdown to a player I don’t even remember (was it Pinkston?) but if he can do it, why not Vick?

Vick lines up behind beastly Leonard Weaver in the I-formation with Donovan faking the hand off to Weaver and pitching the ball to Vick the opposite way.

This sucks up the safety, which allows Vick to do what he does well, which is throw the deep fly. Whether it’s Jackson or Curtis who settles under the pass, it should go for 30+ yards easily.

Most secondaries are too disciplined to fall for this play, so it’s best used against a team with weak/overly-aggressive cornerbacks.

The Redskins would be a perfect team to execute this play against.

Play No. 3

WildVick

The direct snap play works best here. You have Vick lined up as a halfback on the strong side.

The center snaps the ball directly to Vick, who then can run, throw the ball himself or throw to Donovan, who can launch it downfield. This may take time to develop, so I’d save it for when the Eagles play a team with really slow linebackers, like the Giants.

Play No. 4

Mag-vick

You put in your “fast” package of three wide receivers: Maclin, Jackson, and Curtis. Then you put Westbrook in the backfield and Vick as the tight end.

It starts as a fake draw to Westbrook, followed by the pitch to Jackson, who then fakes the pitch to Maclin. Maclin gives it Vick, who uses the blocking from teammates to head upfield.

This is not likely to gain much yardage unless Vick makes a few people miss, something that he was once very good at. If he can get a solid block or two, the rest will be seen on SportsCenter.

This is a high risk-high reward play, so I’d save it for when the Eagles play a more mentally handicapped team, like the Cowboys.

Play No. 5

Hines Vick

College quarterbacks who become receivers normally have some key advantages. They read coverage better, have strong hands and are normally deceptively elusive.

Considering all those things, it’s easy to picture Vick running routes. Physically, he’s stronger than most corners in the league and we know about his speed.

These are a couple ideas I had but I’m sure the Eagles have even more.

Any offensive coordinator would be salivating at the thought of using a guy like Vick. Especially if he’s as willing as reports indicate to be a team guy and do whatever is asked of him.

One thing is for sure; I wouldn’t want to have to come up with a defensive game plan for the Eagles this year.

*Note to Cowboys, Redskins and Giants fans if you can’t take a little joke don’t bother commenting!*

Michael Vick Signs with the Eagles and I’m Disappointed…in the Fans and Media

The Philadelphia Eagles played a preseason game against the New England Patriots last night, so the post game topic should have been about their performance on the field, right?

Wrong.

During the post game, all Ray Didinger, a reporter whose work I enjoy, could focus on, was his disbelief over the signing of one Michael Dwayne Vick. For Didinger, the move made no sense in his eyes and he went on as if his opinion was the only one that mattered.

He went on to rattle off Vick’s lackluster numbers: 53.8 Completion percentage, 75.7 percent quarterback rating, etc…

Well at least he kept the conversation to football, which at the end of the day is what should matter most. What bothered me is that Didinger had nothing positive to say about the man who was once the most feared athlete in football.

Nothing about his cannon of an arm or about the running ability second only to Barry Sanders. Nothing about the athleticism that any coach would try to take advantage of.

Nope. Just, “Vick is not a good fit for the West Coast Offense.”

Well knock me out with a feather, seriously?

I didn’t know that!

Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting his claim from when the Atlanta Falcons tried to run a similar version and all the game film showing Vick’s inaccuracy, I had no idea!

Say it with me now: Duh!

I’ll give Didinger a pass since he was ill-prepared to address this situation properly.

Then came the fan reaction and I have to tell you, I was a little shocked.

This is the same town that gave Brett Myers a second chance after publicly beating his wife. Sure it was only the first time…he got caught, but there was hardly a murmur of public discontent when he returned from counseling.

Here, Michael Vick had his life and livelihood completely destroyed in a very public manner. He received death threats, lost millions of dollars, served time in jail, and was put on house arrest thereafter.

And the popular opinion was that Vick served his time and thus deserved another chance.

I guess that meant only if he played for someone else’s team.

The reaction varied, but the majority of it seemed angry.

Not upset, or surprised, flat out angry.

Fans uttered statements like; “I’m no longer an Eagles fan!” or “I’m selling my tickets!” even “What kind of message does this send my kids?”

Well I imagine it let’s them know that if you do something horrible, but pay the penalty for that act, you have an opportunity for a second chance. Isn’t that what all of us are taught by our parents? That if we do something bad we should own up to it and yes, we’ll be punished, but once that’s over we’ll be forgiven? Isn’t that one of the themes, to drag greater wisdom into sports, of the Bible itself?

I was frustrated last night, but I felt confident that given time to sleep on it, the public would come around.

Wrong!

This morning the talk is centered on two stories, the overall disgust by the Philadelphia fans and the media speculating the end of the Donovan McNabb era (after this upcoming season).

The latter was postulated by Sal Paolantonio, another reporter, who until this signing, I enjoyed on Mike and Mike the popular ESPN radio show.

Here, he concluded that this move, more than the drafting of Kevin Kolb meant McNabb would be done in Philly after two years. I’m not sure how he could have drawn such a conclusion given what we know about Andy Reid and what we know about the West Coast offense, but apparently the one-year deal Vick received (with the second being a team option) is tantamount to a changing of the guard in his eyes.

Again, no talk about how defenses will be pulling their hair out trying to account for Brian Westbrook, Desean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Donovan McNabb, and Michael Vick.

Nope.

He chose to focus on the fact that there is only one football.

Again: Duh!

He made this statement to illustrate how someone will be the odd man out and that man will likely be McNabb. Wow.

Never have I seen the signing of one player cause such unadulterated stupidity. This is truly unprecedented.

The fans of course are blowing up the phone lines at WIP and as any real fan knows this is not the most intelligent collection of Eagles Nation.

These tend to be the guys on their third “Irish coffee” by 8:00 AM, so you can imagine the commentary.

As an Eagles fan since the tender age of five, I’ve seen a lot in my time.

From bounty bowls to Kotite blows.

From making Lomas Brown frown to 10 yards to go on fourth down and everything in between.

I can truthfully say I’ve never seen anything like this.

Vick is not O.J. Simpson; he wasn’t on trial for murder.

He’s not even Donte Stallworth, who recklessly caused the death of someone, paid the family off, and didn’t serve any time in jail.

The Humane Society has assured the Eagles organization that they have been working with Vick and that they are pleased with his commitment to right his wrong.

The Mayor has assured the Eagles that while he doesn’t agree with Vick’s actions, (and honestly who does?) he has no issue with the signing.

Two of the most respected men in Philadelphia sports; Reid and McNabb have expressed that Vick has paid his debt in society and this is a fresh start.

So why the outrage?

I honestly don’t know.

I just know that we’re taught from an early age that we are imperfect. We will make mistakes, we will offend and hurt people we love, intentionally, as well as unintentionally.

We’re also taught that the measure of any man, woman, or child is what we do next.

What we do after we’ve made that mistake.

How many of those crying out in righteous indignation have atoned for all of their mistakes in life?

The silence says it all.

Sky Falling for Philadelphia Eagles? Perhaps Not, But There Is Cause For Concern

When the smoke cleared after the 2009 NFL Draft, no fans were more optimistic than the Philadelphia Eagles fan base.

The loss of Brian Dawkins still stung, but the flurry of moves made by the Banner Crew had Philadelphia buzzing. All signs indicating sunny skies in the forecast for the fellas in Midnight Green.

Then the rain began to fall.

First came the news that Brian Westbrook, the most irreplaceable player on the Eagles not wearing the No. 5, would miss time after having a “clean-up” procedure done on his ankle. This meant a heavier load would be placed on the rookie LeSean McCoy and the questions began.

Will this hurt or help McCoy’s progression?

Should the Eagles bring in a veteran back? Someone like Warrick Dunn?

During the OTA’s it seemed the answer to this question was clear, as McCoy proceeded to impress all in attendance. In fact, nearly everyone looked good; rookies were well ahead of the curve, injured vets were progressing steadily.

Of course there was no hitting and football players always look fast in shorts, but the ingredients were there to improve on last seasons’ impressive post-season run.

Then we saw Jason Peters and Shawn Andrews get injured during the conditioning run on the first day of camp. Considering the importance of the positions they play, this sent up another red flag. Bad enough McNabb’s most explosive offensive weapon was out, but now the bookends for (on paper) the Eagles most talented offensive line were banged up too. All before any hitting actually took place.

Shawn Andrews went out with back issues (unrelated to his previous injury) which kept him off the field all last year.

Adding insult to injury, is the fact that this camp was supposed to provide Andrews the opportunity to fill the void left by Jon Runyan’s absence. Anyone that thinks that Andrews would simply slide one spot over and have no problem is sorely mistaken. Reps are needed, especially in Andy Reid’s offense, to be successful.

More questions followed like:

Is Shawn Andrews as commited to football as he says he is?

Now that Jason Peters got the payday he couldn’t get in Buffalo is he no longer as driven as he once was?

Days after these questions first surfaced they were soon forgotten with the heart-breaking news of Jim Johnson’s passing. Nothing could have prepared Philadelphia for the loss of such a great coach and person. He embodied everything that was right with football, not to mention the reason most of us are such rabid fans of the Eagles in the first place. Everyone he coached reflected his fire and determination which led to a decade of success.

Adding to McDermott’s already seemingly impossible job was the subsequent loss of Stewart Bradley, who tore up his knee on a completely innocuous play.

Despite this huge setback (and Andy Reid’s blow-up regarding media ethics) panic didn’t set in. This meant fan favorite Joe Mays would get an opportunity to showcase his ability and failing that weak side linebacker Omar Gaither could do the job in a pinch.

After all, Gaither has played Middle Linebacker before, so he’s familiar with the calls and adjustments. He has good range and instincts, proving that by leading the team in tackles the year he started all sixteen games at the position.

The Eagles even brought in Charger cast off Matt Wilhelm, who at 6’4″ 245lbs is more of a traditional looking Middle Linebacker, to create more competition at camp.

The injuries were bad, but manageable. Just over a week into camp though, Defensive End Juqua Parker ended up being arrested on a marijuana possession charge. This was while he and Todd Herrermans were driving around Bethlehem, PA making illegal turns. This brought additional distraction to a team that with so many new pieces on both sides of the ball could ill-afford it. 

Still Parker said all the right things and seemed sincere in his regret over the situation, so maybe this was the end of the storm.

The black cloud still looms over Lehigh as this weekend brought more bad news.

After having, by all accounts an incredible camp, TE Cornelius Ingram re-injured the same knee that had him sitting out his last year at Florida. He is now expected to miss this entire season as well.

As camp draws to a close and the preseason clash with New England edges ever closer there are several key positions up in the air.

So, with all that’s happened in since July 27th, is it time to push the panic button?

No…

Not yet, anyway.

Despite all the negatives, there are still some very positive reports coming out of Lehigh that should help settle the nervous constitution of the Philly fan.

Brian Westbrook is continuing to progress and may be ready sooner than initially anticipated.

Jason Peters has rejoined the team from injury and is working his way back to 100%.

Joe Mays has looked explosive running with the first team defense and Gaither has been confident in the Nickel package in coverage.

Brent Celek has looked every bit the part of a No. 1 Tight End; catching almost everything thrown his way and proving to be a much better blocker than last year. Along with that Eugene Bright, who is a solid blocking tight end has shown some skill in the receiving game as well.

1st Round pick Jeremy Maclin is signed and although there’s some obvious rust his talent continues to shine through.

Desean Jackson has decided against having a Sophmore slump and has consistently beaten every corner he’s been matched up against.

LeSean McCoy continues to progress and he can be a real compliment to a healthy Westbrook in the running and passing game.

Leonard Weaver is the first true Fullback the Eagles have had since Jon Ritchie and you all remember how that season turned out.

And almost as an afterthought because it’s what most have come to expect, Donovan McNabb has looked very good in camp. Confident, happy and in great shape.

Things may not have gone exactly as Eagles faithful may have hoped, but it’s still much too early to give up hope or give away those season tickets.

So for now you can rest assured that the sky is not falling.

The Top Eight NFC Teams Capable of Making the Trip to Super Bowl XLIV

If you’re a fan of football, this is the WORST time of the year for you.

The Draft is over, training camp is months away and the NBA and NHL playoffs are getting all the pub.

So to satisfy my football jones I put together a list of the 8 teams I think could represent the NFC in the 2010 Superbowl.

Coming up AFC top 8! Enjoy!

Do I Think I Can Do Better? Absolutely! How I Spell D-y-n-a-s-t-y with the Eagles

As I told fellow writer Curt today: “Nobody plays the “What if” game better than Eagles fans”

Then another writer listed the Eagles as an Almost Dynasties which as badly as I wanted to I could not argue against.

That got me thinking.

Could I have done a better job of guiding the Eagles than Andy Reid has done?

Don’t misunderstand Andy Reid is a very good coach and I’ve enjoyed the success he’s brought to this city in his tenure. However I would be remiss if I weren’t a little jealous of what I consider “lesser” teams winning Superbowl with the Eagles forced to watch.

In the slide show I’ve compiled critical moments where a change here or there would have shifted the Eagles fortune.

This would be an absolutely exhausting article to write from then to now, so I’m going to cover 2001 to 2007 only.

If anyone wants to map out the final two years I’d love to see it!

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