Andy Reid Defends DeSean Jackson After Embarrasing Loss To Seahawks

By: Tyler Ward

DeSean Jackson has been criticized today, following the Eagles' disastrous 31-14 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Last night, it was portrayed that Jackson seemingly didn't care about the game at all and just seemed to be collecting a paycheck instead of having his head in the game.

But, head coach Andy Reid defended Jackson today in his weekly news conference that he hosts every day following an Eagles game.

And to say the least, Reid wasn't pleased with the way Jackson was being portrayed.

"You can take a camera and make it look any way you want to make it look." Reid said at his news conference. "I am telling you, that kid was all in last night and wanted to win that game as much as anybody."

During the game, Jackson seemed to never turn around to look at the ball on deep routes. He also appeared to ignore quarterback Vince Young on the sideline when Young was trying to have a conversation with the receiver.

When asked about what was going between Jackson and Young, Reid said, "There was nothing on the sidelines, no commotion with him and Vince. There is nothing there. Nothing."

"I am not sure they know who's talking to who and so on and what the conversation is about," Reid quipped. "Not knowing the language, I don't know how you are able to go into that stuff ... This is petty stuff."


Jackson also looked to be laughing with Seahawks player when Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was down with a head injury.

Reid said that every instance was just a giant misunderstanding at that Jackson was very attentive during the game.

Of course, we are just the viewers of the game and we were not at Qwest Field. So, it's Reid's story against what we thought was happening. There's no doubt that our assumptions, along with the commentator's, are not one-hundred percent right. It also seemed like that the commentators of the game were just trying to stir the pot and make nothing into something.

But it is entirely possible that most of the viewers, including me, all had the same assumptions while watching Jackson "lolly-gag" throughout the entire game.

Jackson has had one of the worst years of his young career thus far. He has failed to make an impact in nearly every game, but Reid said that it is not because Jackson hasn't been giving it his all.

Reid was quoted as saying, when asked about the deep route when Jackson didn't bother looking behind him, "He has people's attention, particularly on the deep balls."

It has been a forgettable season for the Eagles, who are currently 4-8 in the NFC East.

The self-proclaimed "Dream Team" was thought to be a Super Bowl contending team when they signed Michael Vick to a $100 million extension and signed Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, Steve Smith, Ronnie Brown and Jarrad Page to free-agent contracts. They also traded back-up quarterback Kevin Kolb to Arizona for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

So, to say the least, it has been a big disappointment for the Eagles and their fans. They should have been competing with the Saints, Packers, Cowboys and Giants instead of the Rams, Redskins, Vikings and Panthers.

They have also won just one game in front of their home crowd, which has put many frowns on the Eagles' faithful.

The Eagles have come under much scrutiny this season and this is just another page of the Eagles' 2011 book.

Quarterback Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin have missed the last three games. Ronnie Brown and Steve Smith have been big disappointments. Their defense has been among the bottom half of the league. Their record has fallen back on Andy Reid, who could very well lose his job at the end of the season. And now, DeSean Jackson doesn't seem to care what happens for the rest of the season.

And you'd think that Jackson would care about what happens. The receiver campaigned heavily before the season to get a new, hefty contract and didn't get it - it was also the reason that the receiver missed the early part of training camp. He was also not happy that he was watching his fellow teammates receive big contracts, while he's stuck at making less than $1 million this season. Jackson is currently making just $600,000 in the final year of his contract, as he will become a free agent after the season is over.

You'd think that if Jackson wanted a new, hefty contract, he'd be playing exceptionally well instead of not caring what happens in the game and putting up mediocre numbers.

It is also entirely plausible that Jackson could leave the Eagles at the end of the season and sign elsewhere. It is also practically a guarantee that one of the 31 other NFL teams will offer him a big contract and he would likely accept it, especially after the disastrous season the Eagles have had in 2011.

Thursday Night Football: Seahawks Dismantle Eagles With 31-14 Rout

By: Tyler Ward

Well, the Eagle's season is practically over. With the lowly Seahawks' rout of the Eagles, the dream team is currently 4-8 and out of the playoff race.

It amazes me that this team got so much hype during the offseason and they have simply not showed up. They will go down at season's end to be one of the biggest disappointments in NFL history. With a "stacked" roster, they should be in the mix with the Packers, Saints and 49ers but instead, they will miss out on the playoffs.

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch literally ran over the Eagles tonight, running for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. With Pro Bowlers Trent Cole and Jason Babin roaming the defensive line, Lynch shouldn't have even gotten to the second level more than a couple of times. But of course, that didn't happen as Lynch had one of the best games of his career. And this was the "Dream Team", as Vince Young proclaimed.

This is also the same Vince Young that went out and completed 17-of-29 passes for 208 yards, along with one touchdown and four interceptions, one of which was returned 77 yards for a touchdown by Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne. Hawthorne's pick-six seemingly ended the Eagles' chances of winning the game and put the 'Hawks up 31-14. And yes, you read that right,  four interceptions.

Young has started the last three games for the Eagles, replacing Michael Vick who is still recovering from an injury.

The Eagles will not win another game this season if they continue to make mistakes and turn the ball over time and time again.

However, there was one bright spot to the Eagles' loss and that was running back LeSean McCoy's performance. McCoy, one of the league's top rushers, carried the ball 17 times for 84 yards and a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 49 yards and one touchdown, which was a two-yard shovel pass from Young.

Eagles receiver Riley Cooper had another good game tonight with Jeremy Maclin sitting out, as he caught five passes for 94 yards. He was also the team's leading receiver on the night.

For the Seahawks, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was somehow seemingly perfect all night. He finished the rout, completing 13-of-16 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown, which was an 11-yard strike to Golden Tate. Jackson ended the game with a 137 quarterback rating, by far his best performance of the season and of his entire career. He had not finished with a rating over 100 all season long - his next highest rating came against the Giants on Oct. 9 (96.3 rating).

For Lynch, this was just a dominant game for the former Buffalo Bill. This game could perhaps put him into Pro Bowl consideration, as he has just been lights out as of late. If Lynch doesn't get elected by the fans, there is no doubt in my mind that he should be one of the top alternates.


Over the last five games, Lynch has rushed for over 100 yards in four of those games - he also has six total touchdowns (five rushing, one receiving) in that span, too. His only non 100-yard game came against the Rams two weeks ago when he almost eclipsed the 100-yard plateau with an 88-yard effort. The Seahawks are also 3-2 in the last five games.

Lynch had 90 yards by halftime, the most first-half rushing yards of his career. He ended the game with rushing touchdowns of 15 and 40 yards, respectively.

Through Weeks 1-8, Lynch was averaging just 3.6 yards per carry with three rushing touchdowns. Since Week 9, he has bumped it up to an average of 4.6 yards per carry and has scored six touchdowns. So, to say the least, Lynch has absolutely been on fire as of late.

However, Lynch can give thanks to his offensive line that has been exceptional in the last few weeks. The Seahawk's offensive line, consisting of Russell Okung, Robert Gallery, Max Unger, Paul McQuistan and Breno Giacomini have been one of the best lines in recent weeks.

However, the Seahawks did place starting right tackle James Carpenter on injured reserve last week - Carpenter was the team's first-round pick in this year's draft. And unfortunately, the Seahawks brass believes that Russell Okung suffered a serious pectoral injury in the closing seconds of the game and it is unclear how many weeks he will miss.

The defense has also been playing better lately and they showed it Thursday night, picking off Young four times. Kam Chancellor, Brandon Browner (twice), and Hawthorne all intercepted Young in their win over the Eagles. It also turned out to be Browner's first two-interception game of his career.

The Seahawks are currently in the middle of a small hot streak, as they will take the field at home against the Rams next week on Monday Night Football. The Eagles will go on the road again as they will travel back to the southeast to play the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium.

LeSean McCoy and the Eagles will need to win the rest of their games if they hope to end with a non-losing record.

Philadelphia Eagles: 2010-11 Season Ultimate Highlight

By: Stephen Patterson

The Philadelphia Eagles surprised quite a few people by having a solid season last year despite a slew of injuries early in the year.

With Vick under center for his second consecutive season as the Eagle's starting QB, can Philadelphia make a deeper run in the playoffs this season?

Let us know how you think they will fair next season after you check out this highlight video showing some of the best moments from a terrific season for the Eagles.

A Look Back: DeSean Jackson Punt Return TD For Win Over New York Giants (12/19/10)

By: Stephen Patterson

A Look Back: Michael Vick 2010-11 Season Highlights

By: Stephen Patterson

NFL Top 10: The Top Kick Returners In NFL History

By: Tyler Ward

Being one of the most electrifying aspects in football, there have been some great returners since the NFL merger.

When a player scores a touchdown on a kick or punt return, it does more than just put up six points on the board. It excites not only the crowd, but the players, too. It can also provide a spark for the team and possibly make them even better.


Thanks to the guys at the NFL Network, I bring you a list of the top ten kick returners in NFL history.

 Example: Player's name, Team they're most known playing for

10. Dante Hall, Kansas City Chiefs


9. Desmond Howard, Green Bay Packers


8. Eric Metcalf, Cleveland Browns


7. Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears


6. Rick Upchurch, Denver Broncos


5. Mel Gray, Detroit Lions


4. Deion Sanders, Dallas Cowboys


3. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Houston Oilers


2. Brian Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles/Washington Redskins


1. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears


Courtesy of NFL Network

Michael Vick Will Start Against Jaguars

By: Stephen Patterson

This time there are no injuries involved. Eagles head coach Andy Reid named Michael Vick the starter for the remainder of the season yesterday, only days after saying Kevin Kolb would regain the job when he returned from the concussion he suffered in the first half of the Eagle's Week 1 loss against Green Bay. Vick has been hot in both games since taking over for Kolb, and he will look to continue the streak against a weak Jacksonville defense this weekend.

Vick made his first start since December 2006 against the Detroit Lions this past Sunday, and helped lead Philadelphia to a win. Against the Packers, Vick amassed over 100 yards passing and 100 yards rushing, bringing the Eagles within a touchdown of tying the game before falling just short. He has had a QB rating over 100 in both of his games this season (although he didn't start against the Packers).

Many in Philadelphia were surprised with the move, as Kolb was supposed to be the new face of the franchise after the team made the decision to deal Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins in the offseason. The team was high on Kolb after he came in and passed for over 300 yards in consecutive games last season in place of an injured McNabb. But in the first half against Green Bay and during much of the preseason, Kolb didn't resemble anything of that QB from last season. It appears the reaction to the move is overwhelmingly positive in Philadelphia, as well as around the country according to recent polls.

After the team suffered devastating season-ending injuries to Pro-Bowl fullback Leonard Weaver and starting center Jamaal Jackson, Reid felt the team would need a mobile QB moving forward this season, and Vick definitely fits that mold. Vick has always been known more for his speed and running capabilities than his arm, but he has shown better judgment and slightly improved accuracy this season after a full training camp with the team.

With Vick entering free agency after this season, it is truly now or never for him to prove he is capable of leading a football team and being a starter in the NFL again. With many teams having definite issues at QB that will need to be addressed in the offseason this year, there is a very good chance he could land a starting job somewhere if he plays at a high level this season. Although the Eagles made a long term commitment to Kolb, there have been rumors today the team is considering moving him to another team before the deadline. If for some reason they do move Kolb, expect the team to consider keeping Vick around.

Vick has had plenty of ups and downs throughout his professional career. After having his best professional season in 2006, in which he became the first QB in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards, Vick went on a spiraling downfall amid dog-fighting charges. When it became clear how bad the charges were, many weren't sure if Vick would ever be back in the NFL. But after serving almost two years in prison, the Eagles signed him to a contract before last season to give him a chance to show he can still play football and that he is a new person. His continuing journey to redeem himself will begin a new chapter on Sunday against the Jaguars, and hopefully Vick will continue to shine in this new found opportunity.

NFC East Preview

By: Tyler Ward and Stephen Patterson

1. Dallas Cowboys (Head Coach: Wade Phillips)

Key Arrivals: OT Alex Barron, WR Dez Bryant (draft), LB Sean Lee (draft)

Key Departures: S Ken Hamlin, OT Flozell Adams, CB Adam "Pacman" Jones, OG Corey Procter

SP: The Cowboys are perennially mentioned as a favorite to go deep in the postseason, yet they always fall tragically short for one reason or another. Whether it's been a botched snap on a field goal or a complete and total collapse to end the regular season, Dallas always seems to find a way to let down their fan base. In my opinion, this season is not only key to Wade Phillips keeping his job, but Tony Romo might find himself involved in potential trade talks next offseason if he can't produce for owner Jerry Jones. While he is statistically one of the top quarterbacks in the league, Romo hasn't gotten the Cowboys anywhere near the Super Bowl. With the Super Bowl being in Dallas this season, Jones will surely want to see his team representing the NFC in the championship game. Drafting Dez Bryant may have been a gamble in the eyes of some, but he was definitely one of the most talented receivers in the draft and will compliment Miles Austin very well. The two could potentially be one of the receiving duos in the NFL over the next few seasons if Bryant can stay healthy and stay focused on his game and not the stardom. The defense is pretty decent in Dallas, but someone will need to step up to fill the shoes of Ken Hamlin and bolster a weak secondary. Health will be one of the biggest concerns for the Cowboys, as they are not a very deep team and have several positions that can't afford injuries. One of those positions is the definitely running back, as they will need Marion Barber and Felix Jones to be 100% this season if they want to make an attempt at becoming the first team in NFL to play in the Super Bowl at home.

Miles Austin

- SP's Prediction: 12-4

TW: The Cowboys really didn't do much this offseason, but they did get wide receiver Dez Bryant in the draft. Bryant, along with Miles Austin, forms a very good receiving group - they also have Jason Witten at tiht end, so their passing attack could be very formidable. Tony Romo could be in for another 4,000 yard season. Dallas also has the three-headed beast at running back with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. The Cowboys will definitely have one of the best offenses in the NFL this season. But, I think the loss of Flozell Adams is going to hurt them more than they think. They did acquire Alex Barron from the Rams, in hopes that he can play as well as Adams did. Guard Kyle Kosier is also expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an injury, so the Cowboys are going to have to think of something for their offensive line. Their defense is also expected to be pretty good - DeMarcus Ware could have another great season in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, they are very thin at the cornerback and safety positions, so that could hurt them defending the pass. As of right now, Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins are the starters, but the backups aren't great, so both of them are going to have to stay healthy. Jay Ratliff, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, will probably be just as good this season - and possibly make another Pro Bowl appearance. Overall, the Cowboys will stay injury-free and make the postseason. But, with their recent history, who knows what they'll do in the playoffs.

- TW's Prediction: 12-4 

2. New York Giants (Head Coach: Tom Coughlin)

Key Arrivals: LB Keith Bulluck, S Antrel Rolle, S Deon Grant, DE/LB Jason Pierre-Paul (draft), DT Linval Joseph (draft), S Chad Jones (draft)

Key Departures: QB David Carr, CB Kevin Dockery, LB Danny Clark, DT Fred Robbins, S C.C. Brown, WR Domenik Hixon

SP: The Giants definitely added some nice pieces to their defense, but I'm not sure they did enough on the offensive side of the ball to win one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. They could have definitely used another receiver to help fill the void of Plaxico Burress, who is still serving his jail sentence. I think Hakeem Nicks will be one of the top young receivers in the league, but him and Steve Smith are not enough for this team to have a truly threatening passing attack. I'm also not very high on the duo of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. I have always thought Jacobs has been overrated, and his health is also a constant concern for the team. Bradshaw is a pretty decent player, but splitting time with Jacobs lowers his production. The additions of Antrel Rolle, Keith Bulluck, and Jason Pierre-Paul were all solid moves in my opinion. While Bulluck is getting near the end of his career, he is still a very productive player on the field and can provide valuable leadership in the locker room. If New York can stay healthy, they have a chance in this wild division, but I'm just not convinced they have enough offensive fire power to win a division that could legitimately be won by any of the four teams.

- SP's Prediction: 10-6

Eli Manning

TW: I also like what the Giants did this offseason, especially with QB Eli Manning having a breakout season last year. Fresh off of throwing for over 4,000 for the first time in his six-year career, he could very well have another one this season. WR Hakeem Nicks is a budding star, so he will definitely get some passes thrown his way - look for him to do well this year, too. The other receiver, Mario Manningham, is a very talented receiver and TE Kevin Boss has shown glimpses of a new Jeremy Shockey. Along with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw at running back, the Giants may have a high-powered offense this season. However, the one thing that could hurt them is the offensive line. They are all getting older and already, guards Chris Snee and Rich Seubert are injured. This has caused tackle David Diehl to be moved to a guard until Snee and/or Seubert return. The Giants signed former Pro Bowler tackle Shawn Andrews to a six-year contract that could be worth up to $32.5 million (Andrews has not played in a game since early in the 2008 season). New York also upgraded their defense and hoping that Osi Umenyiora can return to his old form. They also added linebacker Keith Bulluck and safety Antrel Rolle through free agency - with their first round pack, they selected Jason Pierre-Paul, a linebacker and a premier pass rusher. Kenny Phillips, their other safety, is looking to return from a season-ending injury last season and if he stays healthy, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Throw any other players like Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Mathias Kiwanuka, Michael Boley, Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, and Aaron Ross - and you have an awfully good defense. I like what the Giants have done, but at the end of the day, I think the Cowboys will have the better regular season record.

- TW's Prediction: 10-6

3. Washington Redskins (Head Coach: Mike Shanahan)

Key Arrivals: QB Donovan McNabb, RB Willie Parker, RB Larry Johnson, DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu, QB Rex Grossman, DE Adam Carriker, OT Jamaal Brown, WR Joey Galloway, LB Chris Draft, DE Vonnie Holliday, WR Mike Furrey, OT Trent Williams (draft)

Key Departures: OT Chris Samuels, CB Fred Smoot, QB Jason Campbell, WR Antwaan Randle El, RB Ladell Betts, QB Todd Collins, RB Rock Cartwright, QB Colt Brennan

Brian Orakpo

SP: The Redskins are looking to begin a new era under new head coach Mike Shanahan, and they have actually made the moves to potentially move out the cellar in this division. While they haven't been one of the absolute worst teams over the past few seasons (see St. Louis and Detroit), Washington hasn't lived up to the expectations of their fans after consistently having one of the biggest payrolls and the NFL. The team always seems to bring in a marquee name each offseason, and somehow, they always seem to find a way to disappoint. Well this time the team took a slightly different approach, adding so many big name players that they can't possibly all turn out to be bad moves. Donovan McNabb is an obvious upgrade over Jason Campbell, but he is on the wrong end of his career to wait a few years while this team gets everything together. The Redskins currently have a short window to make a deep run at the postseason behind McNabb and some of the other aging stars on this roster. Their running game will also be a big key for them this season, with Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson expected to get most of the carries, while Willie Parker could potentially be released. Personally, I'd keep him on the roster as insurance policy in case one of the other two gets injured, as you can never have too many quality running backs in the NFL. The defense will likely determine how far this team goes this season, and considering they are relying on one of the laziest players in the league (Albert Haynesworth), I'm not sure I like where that might take them. They are switching to a 3-4 defense, one of the main reasons Haynesworth threw his highly-publicized temper tantrum that included a holdout and trade demands. While Washington will definitely improve from last season, I think they will come up a few victories short of the postseason.

- SP's Prediction: 9-7

TW: I think Dan Snyder may actually know what he's doing now...well, maybe. Fix the Haynesworth fiasco and then I think he's got it on lock. But, anyway, their biggest acquisition of the offseason was not a player -- but a coach. After parting ways with ex-Seawhawks quarterback Jim Zorn, they went out and hired two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan. A guru of running backs, Shanahan will help the offense, which has absolutely struggled since the Steve Spurrier era (Joe Gibbs had them fairly decent, but no where close to the top). The acquisition of quarterback Donovan McNabb immediately adds consistency and leadership to the team - the Redskins really haven't had a solid QB since 2000 when they had Brad Johnson at the helm (they have since used quarterbacks like Tony Banks, Patrick Ramsey, Mark Brunell, and Jason Campbell). McNabb could also have a big season, as the Redskins' offense better suits him than the Eagles' attempts of the past. The Redskins also added ex-Pro Bowlers Willie Parker and Larry Johnson through free agency and along with Clinton Portis, they literally have a three-headed best at running back. Their biggest weakness, however, is their receiving core. Outside of Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley, they really have no receivers that have showed something in the NFL. Devin Thomas is penciled in as the #2 receiver, with other unproven players like Malcolm Kelly, Terrence Austin, and Roydell Williams following suit. They added veteran Joey Galloway, but it is unclear how much he will actually play. If the Redskins want to succeed, they will have to have a healthy defense - they cannot afford their $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth, to miss time due to injuries or just not wanting to play. Players like Phillip Daniels, Kedric Golston, Fred Smoot, and Reed Doughty also have to do well if the Redskins want a top-tier defense. Linebacker Brian Orakpo could also have another great season, so watch for his sack totals to be somewhere around the same he had last season. Even though it seems like they've gotten better, I don't think they will be a threat to make the playoffs and they will finish with an 8-8 record. I do like what they're doing, but they're just not going to be a top team after going through so many changes. Shanahan will get this team better and they could very well regain their old form in the next few seasons.

- TW's Prediction: 8-8 

4. Philadelphia Eagles (Head Coach: Andy Reid)

Key Arrivals: CB Marlin Jackson, LB Darryl Tapp, LB Ernie Sims, RB J.J. Arrington, WR Kelley Washington, RB Mike Bell, DE Brandon Graham (draft), WR Riley Cooper (draft), S Nate Allen (draft)

Key Departures: RB Brian Westbrook, QB Donovan McNabb, LB Will Witherspoon, S Sean Jones, WR Reggie Brown, WR Kevin Curtis, OT Shawn Andrews, DE Chris Clemons, CB Sheldon Brown, LB Chris Gocong

SP: While Kevin Kolb played two amazing games last season in place of an injured Donovan McNabb, I'm not completely sold on him being the new face of this franchise. It was imminent that McNabb's time in Philly was coming to an end, and apparently the team feels comfortable enough with Kolb that they moved McNabb to division-rival Washington. Considering he has one of the best groups of receivers in the NFC, including lightning fast DeSean Jackson, the expectations are definitely high for Kolb in his first season as the team's starter. I think LeSean McCoy could be one of the best running backs in the NFC this season in his second year, but if he can't produce and struggles this season, this team will fall along with him. If they can't move the ball on the ground, it doesn't matter how good their QB's arm is. Their defense is also a big question mark for me, as many of the positions are pretty weak on Philly's roster with the exception of cornerback, where they have the duo of Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs. Unless Kolb has an unbelievable season and puts up MVP-type numbers, don't expect the Eagles to make a serious run the division this season. Given another season with the offense and adjusting to running the show, Kolb could potentially lead this team deep in postseason over the next few seasons.

DeSean Jackson

- SP's Prediction: 7-9

TW: With key players like Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook gone elsewhere, the Eagles are on the decline. Personally, I don't think Kevin Kolb is that great of a quarterback and will not be a good fit as McNabb's successor. He hasn't had enough playing time to even be considered a very good quarterback. I can see him struggling and thus, the Eagles will follow right behind him. A brightspot for Kolb, though, is a very young offense that could be top of the class in the next few seasons. RB LeSean McCoy is a talented athlete and with Westbrook gone, McCoy will receive the bulk of the carries. Although he's not as versatile as Westbrook, he can still possibly be an "elite" running back in the NFL. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin form a good combination at wide receiver, along with Jason Avant, who had a fairly good season last year (41 catches, 587 yards, 3 TD's). Tight End Brent Celek showed glimpses of promise in 2009 and could be a top-notch tight end for the 2010 campaign - Celek caught 76 passes for 971 yards and 8 TD's last season. He may not exceed those numbers, but he could come close if Kolb looks for him a lot. Like their rival Giants, the Eagles may have a problem at offensive line and that could spell doom for the newly-assigned Kolb. Philly does have a solid defense, however, after adding safety Nate Allen in the draft - currently, Allen is the starting free safety. Cornerback Asante Samuel is a premier cornerback in the NFL and immediately provides depth and leadership at that position - along with Ellis Hobbs, the Eagles have a very talented secondary. They also added LB Ernie Sims in the offseason, acquiring him from Detroit in a trade. Since coming into the league in 2006, Sims had posted at least 100 tackles for his first three seasons, but missed five games in 2009 (he also only totaled 49 tackles, by far a career low). Look for their defensive line to be the key to a few of their wins - they have perhaps the most depth at the defensive line in the entire league. But, like I said earlier, I think the Eagles are on the decline and will fall below the .500 threshold. They could be an elite team in a few seasons, but they just have to let Kolb develop, along with their wide receivers, Jackson and Maclin.

- TW's Prediction: 7-9 

Michael Vick In Deeper Trouble

By: Stephen Patterson


BREAKING NEWS JUST RELEASED: Michael Vick has not been ruled out as person of interest or suspect, as previously thought.


Michael Vick has taken a fall from grace possibly faster than any other athlete in sports history. Formerly with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick is entering his second season with the Philadelphia Eagles after serving 21 months in prison for dogfighting. When he was taken first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick instantly became one of the most popular figures in sports. With his electrifying running abilities, Michael Vick was easily capable of embarrassing any defensive player in the league if they let him past the line.

Now, however, Vick is lucky to be on the field for a few plays a game. Often he isn't even used as the quarterback, instead he is occasionally lined up as a decoy at wide receiver. Hopefully he will see the field more this season with Donovan McNabb being sent to the Washington Redskins, but at this rate Vick may never be on a field again after his current deal. Last Thursday, Vick's co-defendant (Quanis Phillips) in his dogfighting case was shot at his 30th birthday bash. The event was open to the public, and while video shows Vick leaving before the shooting, he has again handled another situation poorly.


Having already lied to Roger Goddell about his involvement in the dogfighting investigation, Vick again lied about when he left the party. While his attorney said Vick was "long gone" by the time of the shooting, there is a video from the restaurant, named Guadalajara, showing Vick leaving only three minutes prior to the shooting. This again makes Vick look bad in the public view and does nothing to help him rebuild his shattered image.

When Vick was with the Falcons, I was a huge fan of the team and always cheered for him to succeed. I'm a still a fan of Vick on the field, but no one should look up to him as a human being. While Vick may have previously been seen as a role model to some people, it has become blatantly obvious he will not change as a person off the field and should be admired by no one.


While with Atlanta, Vick became the NFL's first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards during the regular season (1,039). That same season, he lead the league in average yards per carry with an astonishing 8.4 ypc. Along with running back Warrick Dunn, who rushed for 1,140, the duo became just the fourth pair of teammates to rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season. While Vick can be electric on his feet, he has never been known for his arm accuracy. Vick's career accuracy is 53.7%. That's not exactly a stat to brag about while killing time in the yard. Although Vick has thrown 72 touchdowns in his career, he also has 52 career interceptions. That's also not a very impressive ratio.

Vick desperately needs to work on changing as a person and fixing his public image. If Vick has any plans of playing beyond this season, he will have to show team owners he is worth the media attention and baggage he brings along. If he can't stop throwing public parties, and being involved in serious criminal cases, I can't imagine many Vick being signed by another owner.

With this most recent news having just broken on ESPN, it further lowers any chances Michael Vick may have had at extending his career. Having already lied about when he left the event, Vick may now be facing much larger problems and his career may not be the most important thing in jeopardy. If Vick was involved in any way, shape, or form, his career likely has already ended. Vick was given a second chance at a life most people never have a shot at, and he has apparently already blown it. This is a very disappointing day for Michael Vick fans. Again, I'd like to stress regardless of whether or not you like him on the field, no one should admire Vick as a person.