There was a day when I, Stephen Watson, wrote an in depth article about why Kevin Kolb should be the starting quarterback for the Eagles over Michael Vick. I argued that Kolb is a better fit for the offense and would run the west coast offense more effectively than Vick. Just like Kevin Kolb feels right now, I admit my defeat.
What Michael Vick did on Monday night was the most impressive performance I have ever seen from a quarterback during the regular season. He was not human. He was faster than ever. He was throwing the ball better than ever. And most importantly, the rest of the team responded very well to No. 7 as the captain of the offense.
Who would have thought that after two years in prison, after the Eagles shockingly signed him, and after Kevin Kolb was deemed the future of the franchise that Michael Vick would change the future of a single franchise? It was this Michael Vick that critics have been waiting to see after he was the top overall pick coming out of Virginia Tech. It was this Michael Vick that Atlanta fans were planning their future around before he went to prison, but are instead now crying that he is in green and white. Now it all is becoming quite clear why Andy Reid decided to give Vick a second chance. To be honest, it might go down as his biggest off-season acquisition since being the head coach of the Eagles.
Honestly, who is this guy? Vick, the same quarterback that couldn’t hit his targets and could only run, has not thrown an interception this season. He finished the game 20 of 28 for 333 yards and four touchdown passes. O yeah, don’t forget that he also rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns. He made passes that very few to no quarterbacks can make in the National Football League.
The first quarter was unlike anything I have ever seen before as a sports fan. Considering it was against a divisional opponent and on the road, the Eagles looked as if they were playing the Washington Pee-Wee’s. Outside of Michael Vick, everyone seemed to be clicking on all cylinders. Donovan McNabb, who had just earned a hefty paycheck coming into the game, looked like a deer in headlights trying to comprehend the beat down taking place at Fed-Ex field.
The second quarter was where I had a few problems with the Eagles, primarily on defense. McNabb, who we can all agree is a very talented quarterback, set the record for most passing yards in a single quarter. He completed three passes over fifty yards and to watch the secondary crumble after such a strong start to the game was a bit of a concern. Like most of his career in Philadelphia, McNabb does not have many special receivers to throw to, so to see the defense get beat by Anthony Armstrong and Fred Davis is something that cannot happen in the future.
Nevertheless, the Eagles led at the half by a score of 45-14. The second half was not so much different, as Philadelphia improved to 6-3 with a 59-28 record.
Grades:
Welcome the future of the Eagles franchise
Quarterback: A++++++++++++++++++++++
I think I have added my two cents about this. I’m just praying he doesn’t ask for too much money for next season, but whatever it is, the Eagles need to pay him. Secondly, I’m sorry to all of you that bought Kevin Kolb jerseys…they will be $5 dollars before you know it.
Running backs: A –
That run by Jerome Harrison was the most impressive Eagles run of the season. The fact that the Eagles were able to swap Mike Bell for Harrison is a joke, and I think that single rush proved why. Isn’t it nice to have someone who can pick up the slack if McCoy has a bad outing?
Wide Receivers: A+
You would think that the Redskins would not let DeSean Jackson catch a ball over the top of the secondary. Jackson hesitated in the middle of the route and still managed to outrun the secondary and open the game on an 80-yard touchdown (his longest as an Eagle). Jeremy Maclin also posted one of his best games of the season. His 48 yard touchdown catch was arguably the most impressive catch by any Eagle this season. It was also great to see Jason Avant get in the mix on Monday night (5 receptions for 76 yards and a TD).
Offensive Line: A –
Only one sack and three quarterback hits allowed by the Eagles offensive line. Michael Vick truly makes every other player on offense look better. This is especially the case with the offensive line considering how many tackles Vick avoided while scrambling around the pocket.
Kurt Coleman celebrates after his first career interception
Defensive Line/Linebackers: B+
The defensive line did a great job in the beginning of the game getting pressure on McNabb and stopping the run. However, they did make third string running back Keiland Williams look like a prime-time tailback in the second half. Williams finished with three touchdowns and 140 all purpose yards against the ‘Birds.
Secondary: A-/ B+
Aside from the second quarter hiccup, the secondary played very well against the Redskins. Dmitri Patterson is quickly becoming a fan favorite and is playing like the best cornerback on the team. He had two interceptions, including a pick six in the second half. Rookie Kurt Coleman did a great job filling in for Nate Allen, as he recorded his first interception of the season.
Special Teams: B
I’m really starting to get concerned with Jorrick Calvin as the Eagles kick and punt returner. He started off great for the Eagles and made a couple of nice returns, but since then has made more mistakes than plays. He recovered his own fumble after a punt return before quarterback Michael Vick got on his case. Calvin also only averaged 16.5 yards per return, which certainly needs to improve. Also, it was another good effort by Akers and Rocca.
Coming off a win against the Colts, Monday night’s beat down makes the Eagles the team to beat in the NFC East and potentially in the NFC. Michael Vick has changed this season from a “rebuilding year” to a Superbowl-contending season. Next up, another divisional date with the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. Maybe they will come more prepared to take on Michael Vick’s Eagles.
For some laughs, you need to check out one of the longest and most intense rants about a sports team I’ve ever heard in my entire life. Enjoy Redskins sports talk host Chad Dukes’ rant after the game.
Alex Cohen
Ian Stancato
Josh Getzoff
Stephen Watson
Zach Field
