The Eagles won today.
Wow, sorry I had to repeat it but when I first typed it I didn't believe it was true. Felt like waking up from a dream, a dream that finally had a happy ending.
So yes the Eagles won today and Philly fans can go back to celebrating. I mean come on, all in all it has been a pretty okay week for Philly. Union made the playoffs, Flyers haven't lost a game in regulation and the Eagles got back into the win column where they belong, most likely saving Andy Reid's job in the process.
Like all other Eagles fans I am very happy that we are 2-4 not 1-5 although honestly I can't find a single reason on paper why we shouldn't be 6-0 or at least 5-1, I'm not complaining. A win is a win and for the Eagles who were in desperation mode, this might be just what they needed to get the confidence back and hopefully enough to ride for the rest of the season.
That being said, I am happy but not overall pleased. Winning was definitely good but it was only a step in getting to where the Eagles want to be. Sure there were good things to take from this game but there were also glaring imperfections which the Eagles need to improve starting with poor second half play and continued lack of scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
The Eagles defense was actually one aspect that I felt pretty good about. They limited the Redskins trio of backs to less than 50 yards and forced Rex Grossman to throw 4 interceptions.
Vick and the offense played pretty well too and with that I have noticed a few things about this Eagles offense. So far Jeremy Maclin and not Desean Jackson is emerging as the Eagles go to guy. This could be because Jackson is often double covered but regardless Maclin is getting his opportunities. For the Eagles this is a great sign because as long as Maclin is catching and not fumbling balls, he is proving that defenses can't leave him alone. This will free up Jackson and make it very tough for opponents to stop the combo of Maclin and Jackson from scoring.
Involving the TE is something that the Eagles really need to do and this week a commitment to doing just that was evident. Coach Reid has said that Vick's development as a passer and not a runner needs to include throwing more to the TE. With Brent Celek back being a viable option, the Eagles will have a short game to look to if and when their big guns in Maclin and Jackson are covered.
Lesean McCoy.
Really not enough can be said for this guy who is truly having a break out season. Having scored a TD in each of the Eagles six games, McCoy has been explosive and electric. In the Eagles two wins he has played a huge role and in the losses he was the guy who got them close enough to win. McCoy has no fumbles on the season and always fights for yards. He is tough to bring down and is just what the Eagles will need going forward. For someone who once said he was humbled by being compared to Brian Westbrook, I think that time is over. McCoy has stepped into his predecessor's big shoes and is filling them quite well.
Michael Vick will not be kept down. This guy has been hit and hit and hit some more but he refuses to let that get to him. He missed one play this game and saw his replacement Vince Young throw a pick. Next time the Eagles had the ball, Vick was back under center. He has to know his importance to the team and he has to know that without him, the Eagles aren't going to the playoffs. Not to be kept down or concerned about injuries, Vick continues to run when he sees fit getting the Eagles necessary yards and big plays.
So, a happy fan yes but not quite satisfied yet. This team still isn't playing to its full potential but when it does, NFL teams beware.
Oh and shout out to Kurt Coleman, the guy not named Nnamdi, Asante or Dominque, but who still managed to pick off Grossman not once, not twice, but THREE times. If you don't know his name you certainly do now. Someone came out to play in week 6.
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