Tight end Brent Celek embodied this victory more than anybody else. It wasn’t one of the best game he has played since he’s been an Eagle but he effort his exhibited and the way he stepped up his game with the contest on the line are worth singling out.
The Birds tight end caught four passes for 55 yards which isn’t anything to write home about, but his effort on a third and long, late in the fourth quarter allowed the Birds to put get the victory. A few plays prior to him getting the first down, Celek had moved early to cost the Eagles five yards.
He also let a ball go through his hands at the end of the first half which would have given the Eagles a 24-10 lead. This mishaps set up the play which ultimately decided the contest.
It was third and 19 late in the fourth quarter with the Birds leading 27-24, when Michael Vick hit Celek on a crossing route. The tight end was about ten yards downfield when he caught the football, so he headed upfield immediately with the thought of gaining the additional nine yards. Some how he wound up knocking the tackler backwards, so that he was able to roll and stretch with the guy under him.
Celek rolled and tried to stretch to the first down marker. The referees ruled that Celek hadn’t made it to the sticks because they thought he was down prior to stretching the ball. They didn’t realize Celek wasn’t down because on top of the guy who was trying to tackle him.
Wisely after some coaxing from Celek, Andy Reid challenged the ruling. Everyone held their breath, knowing that Reid’s track record of challenges isn’t a good one. I can’t recall him coming out on top of a challenge in a long while.
Reid was reminded of that during last night’s news conference and he sarcastically thanked the reporter for bringing that fact up. This worked out as the team was awarded the first down and a few plays later, Vick hit fullback Owen Schmitt with a short touchdown throw.
“That was a rough one”, Reid said. “It was one of those traffic throws where he’s coming out of a lot of bodies and the ball was low and in front of him. They were blitzing us on that play, and he was very upset and felt that he should have made that catch. He came back and later made one of the bigger plays in the game. I’m proud of him.”
The effort by Celek will be the play I remember most in that football game. He battled through the earlier mishaps and made the play when it needed to be made.
“Listen, whatever I have to do to help this team win, that’s what I’m going to do”, Celek said after the game. “If it’s pass-blocking, run-blocking, catching the football, whatever it consists of I’m going to do it, because right now the feeling after winning is ultimately the best.”
CONFIDENCE BOOSTER FOR CELEK……. HE might cant block worth a damn!!!! But you cant never question the guys toughness…….
He was very much so missed in this offense this season…. Maybe because him and Donavan having chemistry together for a few years……… It will all come around soon…… And perhaps he’ll be the TE that we all say will be a key factor for clutch moments……… GO EAGLES
Without a doubt, probably the bissgest play of the game and an excellent effort and field awareness by Celek who outside of that dropped pass earlier,probably had his best overall game of the season.
His blocking was better,he was quicker off the line of scrimmage and played a tough,all-around game.
Maybe that TD pass late last week will spur him on to a strong finish for the Eagles will need his dependability and toughness as they come down the stretch…
Vick,MCCoy,Celek were the 3 Stars of the game, and this play was huge for you could see the
wind come out of th sails for the Texans right afterwards.. being up 10 points is huge as opposed to
having to settle for FG and maybe only up by 6 points…
its good to see Celek getting more involved in the passing game…The offense will be much more potent with Celek, getting it going. That play was very big, I dont think it was the biggest play of the game, but it definitely came at the most crucial time…After how the defense was playing, I agree Paulman, to go up 10 points was huge.
celek has heart
guys have been on him real hard this yr
i havent been cause he has heart he dropped a cpl balls missed a cpl blocks but this guy goes all out every time
that was just a hustle/heart play
and thank god cause i didnt wanna see a 4th 1 call and if we kick fg no way our d holds them and we prob lose
Lets be honest about this article…………Celeks droped catch in the endzone was key to a close game!!!!! If he catches the TD he wouldnt have to worry about a 3rd and 19. Celek didnt do anything to win the game he only made it closer than it had to be. He needs to start catching the ball and running routes like the last 3 years. Effort is great but so is execution.
To Godson, are you related to Al Pacino by chance…
Your are correct that Avant’s and or Celek’s drop TD passes were big in the 1st half and would have
put them up 21-3 at the time.. But what you have to like and appreciate for a player who has struggled a little bit this Season and is catching heat from everyone, is that he continued to play hard, didn’t hand his head and mope on the sidelines like some players did.. He kept plugging away and make some big plays,catches,blocks in the 2nd half to help secure a Victory..
That’s what’s importatnt, is how you respond to adversity and Celek came thru pretty strong I thought
exactly pman thats y im so happy today the entire team did this
very good comment
seems like they took that quote g told us about to heart
cause i didnt see any1 playing like a b last night
his nickname in my house is “The Wrestler:…lmao….like Mickey Rourke movie…he is beastly…never just goes down easy…i respect his heart.
Godson
Celek was also flagged for illegal procedure on that drive (from the 9 yard line). His penalty was partially the reason we were facing 3rd and 19.
With that said, I’m still a huge Celek fan. He may be playing with an injury or just having an off-year.
I love Celek as much as anyone. But like Drummer mentioned not only did he drop some passes but he also had a crucial penalty on that late drive that created the 3rd and 19. I will say it was a very heads up play to stretch out the ball.
Like I said Sooner, than later. They feeling us boys they have heard us talking and they will exercise there option to kick some butt with Celek. Hmm to optimistic? Haaa to bad its that time of year to start hoping for everything becasue we are going to need it.
celek really did his thing last nite i rly hope he can take last night and juz continue 2 keep bein anotha weapon for mike vick all i ask 4 hym 2 grab dem clutch catches cuz last nite he had a walk in 4 a touchdown bt aye he made the 3rd & 19 conversion so i let dat slide lol
I come at this w the philly guy perspective, if you are a philly guy you gotta like Celek, blue collar working mentality, that play last night was not only decisive, but it showed his heart, that’s what I like about this team, it has heart, and those who don’t have it or temporarily lose it they will be exposed, unlike in the recent past
I heard bothReid and Vick give Celek singled out high praise for his play all year, more or less what they had to say was that celek has been asked to stay in and block when other guys that had his previous season would be clamering to being part of that big play offense.
Celek has not complained about receps, not complained about being dogged in the press fornot stepping up when he was injured, not complaining about having to block the big boys with an injury. No cimplaining by Celek at all, no cross eyed looks nothing.
Vick loves Celek, he said it himself also said Celek was his unsung hero. Amazing the things that go on behind the scenes away from the eyes of the fans. I never doubted Celek, only hoped he would come in and help us. Here’s to you Mr. Celek if my QB loves, respects and sees you as his unsung hero then at the very least you get from me is my respect as a fan (It aint much, and I am no one big, but if you get enough guys like me you feel good about it.)
As always LONG LIVE THE EAGLES, an three cheers for the Eagle Nation.
Amazing how the media and some fans can dog a player like celek
I here that this offense is on par to shatter the team points scored per year and game averaged record for a season, surpassing even the 2004 season, amazing. What is more amazing is that the 2004 offense was a veteran offense with plus 5 yrs per player average, this team is sub 4 yrs average, if that does not make you feel good and impressed you have to be either a cowboys fan, or a master hater. Get ’em!
The biggest task and very do able is keeping these guys together confronting egos and salary concerns. These guys respect each other and are friends so ego might not be an issue, and that might help play into the business side also.
Example, Andy Reid remarked that wth everything that has transpired this season, Kolb still would like to stay with the team. Reid I think wants Kolb to be a started else where out of respect for the kid. This is a team with awesome chemistry both on and off the field.
I will stand on line and say please tweek it don’t break it Howie, Banner and Andy. Oh yeah and wait until this young and new player defense gets some hair on their b—-s, and some gray in their hair they will be just fine. Don’t panic boys our day is coming Get ’em.
As always LONG LIVE THE EAGLES
Three cheers for the loyal Eagle Nation
I completely agree with Godson regarding Celek’s dropped pass in the endzone which he made up for with his extra effort on 3rd and 19. I love Celek but he’s been pretty awful this year and has an extremely difficult time catching the football. His criticism has been justifiably so. I hope he picks it up down the stretch.
Does anyone think that Celek could be injured and that’s a contributing factor to him dropping some passes this year? Then again, I seem to remember reading a Football Outsiders article that said Celek had a high number of drops last year as well. We all know Reid is keeping him in to block a lot more this year so naturally his numbers will be down. I’m not mad at him. Dude is a stud.
Report: NFL knows Eagles not pleased about hits on Vick
NFL.com
Published: Dec. 4, 2010 at 01:25 p.m.
The Eagles aren’t happy about what they consider to be illegal hits on quarterback Michael Vick. The NFL is aware of those concerns, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Saturday , citing a source close to the situation.
Vick’s running ability seems to be at the center of the issue. He’s adept at scrambling to find open receivers or running with the football when needed. But that also increases the punishment that Vick takes from defenders, whom the Eagles claim have hit the quarterback after throws, in the head and while he’s on the ground after running.
“It bothers me, to be honest with you,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said Friday, adding that he planned to contact the league about the issue. “… He does run, but he’s still the quarterback, and you can’t treat him like he’s a running back there. That’s not what the rules state.”
The NFL has cracked down on hits to the head this season, issuing heavy fines to players and promising suspensions for those who continually break the rules.
Vick said after Thursday night’s 34-24 victory over the Houston Texans that the hits don’t bother him. He changed his tune the next day.
“If you go back and watch the film, I’m getting hit after I throw the ball, repeatedly,” Vick said Friday on WIP-AM, according to the Daily News. “Time after time after time, I’m getting my facemask pulled, I’m getting hit in the head. The calls are not being made.
“Every time I get hit, I look up at the ref and I see no flag. I see other quarterbacks standing in the pocket, the minute they get touched, there’s a flag on the field. … This has been happening for the last four or five weeks. I haven’t complained, I haven’t said anything, but it’s getting to a point where I’m tired of getting up off the canvas.”
Vick ran for 48 yards and one touchdown against the Texans. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Vick rode an exercise bike on the sideline during the game to keep his quadriceps loose after taking repeated hits.
Although Vick was sacked only once, he took a beating from the Texans. On one play, according to the Inquirer, a defender grabbed Vick’s face mask. On another play, a defender hit Vick in the head with a knee while the quarterback went to the turf.
“The defense is going to continue to do it, because it’s not getting called,” Vick said. “I care about the longevity of my career, I care about my health, and I want to be treated as fair as any other quarterback.”
Vick has 467 rushing yards in nine games this season. In 2006, his last season with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick became the only quarterback in NFL history to top 1,000 yards, finishing with 1,039.
Monolith/Paulydak
I heard the same interview. Also, I recall hearing that Celek injured his hand earlier this season.
Regardless, the guy’s a team player and a very good one, as far as I’m concerned.
I feel the same about Bradley. More than a few people are dumping on him, but middle linebacker in today’s passing NFL is difficult to play. Bradley’s not only responsible for stopping the run, but he also has to cover some very good tight ends and backs. Every team has a pass-catching tight end nowadays. That wasn’t always the case.
LONG LIVE THE EAGLE NATION FANS, if there are any better fans in the whole dang NFL I’d like to meet them, but that ain’t going to happen becasue there are none. I giving this thumbs up to you guys here on Gcobb. Now you got 10 days to build up your karma for Dallas becasue I want to make up for the last three games in this next one, then in our second game I want to leave them with something to fear next year about.
Arrrrrrrrrrr now if that don’t make you feel good your either a Cowboys fan or …….. what? you guys heard that one before huh? Well whatever, go EAGLES.
Uh that would be last years three Cowboy games, but you knew what I meant already didn’t you, huh? yeah you did.
@Monolith, Arrrrrggghhhh! I wish the Birds played on tomorrow! While it was sweet having 2 Eagles games in 5 days, now there are 8 more days until we open up a can on the Cowchicks. That’s a long wait, dude.
Celek is developing into “Mr.Clutch” once he and Vick gets on the same page.
@philly22 ……ehhhhhh, I dunno about the “Mr. Clutch” moniker quite yet….he did drop a td……..but lets hope he does become just what you said he is developing into. We’re going to need it down the stretch.
Just wait boys, I think AR is sensing that some how he might need to get celek off of blocking some. The way I see it most teams we will face in the playoffs won’t have a body of film to study on our offense look with celek in a catching roll.
I mean the new look with two deep WR’s, the new McCoy, and Vick, that is already a lot of film to study, now add the demension of a pro bowl TE who has not been in the mix this year as a receiver, then suddenly he is lighting you up short and under neath when you game planned to keep your safeties deep, hmmmmm let me just say once again “Somethings up”.
Of course this all depends on if we can afford or can figure out a way to function without celek in mass protection blocking, to which I say think andy, think marty, think, think, firgure something out and lets put this league to rest.
Bird I am with you , lets hope. Then again I am hoping more that we don’t need a clutch becasue we will be piling on the points insanely enough to take other offenses out of their game plan. Kinda of like making a puncher have to box or vive versa.
I believe Celek injured his hand in the 3rd Preseason game versus the Jaguars when he was hit,
helmet first, right into in his hands as he was attempting to catch his pass. I believe it is his left hand and I then I heard that he may have suffered a broken bone somewhere in the hand area…
As usual , Celek and the Team have never said anything about it since..
I think Celek is ready to make some big plays,catches down the stretch as the Giants and Cowboys will most likley play their Safeties deep to prevent the big plays/deep routes whick allows the middle of the field to be exposed..
I can’t believe i am pulling for the Redskins, I hate them as much as the Cowboys , hmmn no I hate them more. The redskins fans where I am at have really gotten under my feathers the last two years and like Khan said in the The Wrath of Khan… “They task me and I mean to have them.” “Do you not know that revenge is best servered on a cold dish, it is very cold in space” that is a classic film right there and fits how I feel about them damn redskins and their fans, that second game was like mana from heaven.
My only regret is I was not there to see the faces of those redskin chicks that was squeezing my head everytime the Eagles let the Titans make a play. Plus the redskin guys taunted my buddy with Vick is a dog killer, until my buddy put the place on terror threat dang 20 or what ever. Haaa hell I was even worried he was going to start a bar riot.
Seriously fellas I was taunted by a herd of Redskin female fans, the shame of it all. They were worst than the redskin guys until the Vick comment then it got ugly.