Before I address the giant elephant in the room, I'm actually gonna talk about my thoughts and feelings on the 1st preseason game for the Eagles in 2009 against the New England Patriots. I'm really gonna focus on the 1st team offense, but since Maclin did end up playing into the 2nd half, I'll mention him too, of course.
Let's start off with the most important position, Quarter Back. Donovan McNabb started off slow...going 1 for 4 with only 10 yards. After the first series, he really seemed to heat up and put passes right on the target. I noticed he was floating a few passes to Maclin and Curtis, especially. That comes down to just better timing and a better pocket to throw in. He was really moving around nicely, breaking tackles and tossing lasers into his receiver's chests. Overall, the 10 year vet looked solid, ending 11 for 18, 103 yard game.
The biggest problem with McNabb's game, I don't think, was McNabb's game at all...the offensive line looked anxious. The big off season pick up, Jason Peters, is going to get a lot of flack and is gonna have to do a bunch of sprints this week; and deceivingly so. He got beat for 2 sacks and just looked slow getting out of his stance and turning his hips. Peters didn't look awful, but he needs to be able to get up and out of his stance much quicker; putting Donovan in a situation in which he always needs to run is not good. Maybe playing the Pats had Peters channeling his inner Buffalo Bill. Actually, the tackles and center looked weak. Too much outside pressure and line backers getting right up the middle. I think Stacy Andrews was the best of the starting offensive linemen. He played just as well as you can expect and I really didn't think he made a mistake.
Wide receiver and running back were the two biggest position surprises in the game. The rookie McCoy looked stunning. He was like a second coming of Westbrook...whether it was splitting the hole and finding daylight, picking up a block, or catching passes, he was simply outstanding; 10 carries for 55 yards and 2 catches for 12 yards. While the receiving core has been criticized over recent years, Maclin and Jackson looked like a devastatingly dangerous duo. Both were flying around the field, catching whatever came their way. Jackson only had a catch for 9 yards...but 2 for 44 AND 6 returns for a total of 144 yards. Wow.
I was pleased with the defense. Not overly excited...but pleased. The secondary looked just as quick as last year...no complaints about them. Line backing was also a position I was happy with. Against that spread offense of the Pats, it's difficult for a LB to keep up; the Eagles' did admirably. But what I liked the most was how all of them, including Joe Mays (Bradley's replacement), was how they flew around and got to the ball. I was extremely impressed with that. What did not impress me, however, was the defensive line. Brady has a good o-line to protect him, but that line couldn't even get a hand on Brady. They, too, did a good job playing the run, but need to greatly work on their pass rushing skills and get back to last year's level.
Overall, the team played well. But the biggest x-factor of the game, I think, was how the 2nd string players played. They came into the game down 15 and played their asses off. I mean, this might have been the best preseason game I've ever seen. I'm not sure how much that actually means...but it's great for the team. The first unit looked good, but not very energized. On top of Andy's fired up performance, the 2nd and 3rd unit's performance, and the fact that the 1st team is going to get an ass whooping during practice this week...I really was pleased with the 1st game. As I said from the beginning, if the players in the trenches play well...this can be one of the top tier teams in the league; they have the talent, experience, and coaching to do it.
Now...ugh...for him.
My thoughts on Vick are simple, and I'm not going into great detail about them. I was never a big fan of Vick...as a football player. He is a bum QB, and made a living getting hyped up by ESPN for making cool looking highlights. I don't understand the signing at all...McNabb is twice the QB Vick will ever be, and AJ Feely is a better back up option. That only leads me to believe that Vick will be used in a "Slash" role. But why would the Eagles want another fast WR? For that matter, why would they want another elusive RB? In my mind, it just doesn't fit. "Vince...THE WILDCAT!" Fuck that. Not only is it a worthless gimmick, Andy Reid thinks that a Flea Flicker and a Reverse play are really exotic and different. You really think Reid is gonna run a Wildcat offense? Well...I guess that's now open for discussion. Hell...I never thought Vick would ever be an Eagle. Still...in 5 I trust.
As for the "Anti-Vick" thing...I'm not getting into it. Honestly, I don't care. I do believe in animal rights, but it wasn't my dog and I'm not self-righteous enough to give a damn. He didn't kill a guy (Ray Lews, Lenord Little), so it's not like his existence is the bain of anyone's life. Really...I never cared if he ended up playing again. Note to PETA: if you show up at my stadium...save it, 'else I will bring the d-cells and Molotov cocktails for you. To summarize, I don't care that Vick is playing...I don't give a rat's ass what he's done. I just didn't want him on my team 'cuz I think he sucks. Got it? Good...this is the last time I will disuss Vick.
No comments:
Post a Comment