Playoffs or no playoffs, Michael Vick is healthy and the Eagles are winning.
The All-Pro quarterback’s 293-yard day was his third best passing performance of the season. He teamed up with a ferocious defense to fend off the Cowboys in a game that was virtually irrelevant.
Vick and the offense started off red-hot. The four-time Pro Bowler connected with six different receivers in the first half for 221-yards. The former Falcon added two TD passes during that span, helping the Birds to pick up 16 first downs.
The first 30 minutes of the game were full of emotion and intensity, as players knew that with a win a trip to the playoffs was still possible. However, that dream was dashed when the Giants defeated the Jets. Even so, after the game Vick spoke about the team’s overriding goal, “The objective was to just finish strong, and that’s the goal, and I know that every guy in the locker room is proud of himself and of how far we have come as a team.”
Finishing strong was not always a trait of an Eagles team that blew fourth quarter leads in three of its first four games. However, throughout a season full of ups, downs and no shortage of injuries, Philly has managed to win three games in a row for the first time since December of last year.
Although reasons for the win-streak may differ among fans, the Bird’s signal-caller credits the team’s unity:
“The last three or four weeks, we’ve come together as a team. It’s a family environment, a family atmosphere and that translates to winning. That’s why you see a different team. I think we are well put together and well fit. We’re playing together and that’s what it’s all about. But it takes time to build that chemistry, build that unity, (built) that togetherness.”
Unfortunately the unity that Vick speaks of appeared far too late into the Eagle’s season. Although the former Virginia Tech star dazzled at times in 2011, lack-luster performances in winnable games against Buffalo, Chicago and Arizona (to name few), did not aid his team in its push for the postseason.
With the money that Vick is being paid he is not going to depart. That is a good thing. The former first overall draft pick is far too talented to be stuck in mediocrity for the remainder of his career.
Vick’s biggest enemies have always been his ego and injuries. With his character now in check only one foe remains. After seeing the Eagles’ offense finally come together, I will weigh my wager and go all-in on Vick. The reward far outweighs the risk. Give the team one more season and hopefully I will see you on Broad Street.
Yeah, we “own” the Cowboys. That’s great! But who else can we beat, a couple of back-ups and 3rd stringers?
By the way, we were playing against back-ups yesterday, and the win wasn’t all that impressive.
Fire Reid, get a real NFL coach in here, and watch this team win improve.
Wow Drummer considering Dallas is one Washington missed field goal away from being 7-8 themselves no one would of been shivering if Romo and Jones would of played like they did in Philly. If the game would of meant something I think we may of put 50 up on them actually. Lets not make Dallas out to be this jaugernaut with Romo and Jones. Dallas wants no part of Philly no matter who plays. It is what it is. Cant imagine what it feels like to be a fan of a team like the Lions who havent made the playoffs since 1999. I guess them fans would of loved the run we have been on the last decade plus.
Yeah do not think the eagles win was that impressive.3rd string qb was playing and 34 year old rb.Dallas still did manage to have the edge in time of possesion.Guess the eagles d did not want to get off the field so everyone could see how great juans defense has become.
Nah jbeee the 34-7 win in Philly was the impressive one actually.
Yeah i agree they did dominate in the 34-7 game.But I did not think they were that impressive yesterday.Alot of people seem to think they played great.It’s just like ray didinger said after the game yesterday the worse thing that could happen for the eagles is if they win next week and end up finishing the season with 4 straight wins and then come back with the same team next year because they think they are good now.
momentom-humbug