Michael Vick says he’s sure he’ll be 100% by Sunday. Vick said that to a group of reporters after practice today. He was on his way to the training room to get more treatment.
Vick expects the Packers to utilize some of the blitzes that the Eagles saw against the Vikings. He says he and the offense will be ready for whatever Green Bay comes with on Sunday.
It wasn’t just Vick talking about blitz protection. All the Eagles offensive players could talk about during the interview sessions was the blitz. They talked about the way the Vikings blitzed them and they talked about the way they think the Packers are going to blitz them.
I can’t guarantee that the Eagles offense will perform well against the Green Bay blitz scheme but it won’t be because they didn’t spend enough time thinking about it.
The Birds players are probably dreaming about blitzes when they go to sleep at night.
Tight end Brent Celek was raving about how good the game plan was for the Packers.
Dimitri Patterson will start at right cornerback again and he said he’s going to be just as aggressive as he was before in playing the position. Patterson might as well wear a jersey with a bullseye on it. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are sure to be keeping him busy when they can.
I criticize Reid about certain things, but I also give him “props” in those are in which he excels. Game preparation is one such area.
Generally, Reid excels at devising a game plan, especially when he’s had time to prepare. Therefore, I have faith that we’ll hit the ground running (no pun intended), and with our current cache of weapons, we’ll walk away with a big win.
Go Birds!
It was good to hear from Andy that he started prepping for the Packers before the Cowboys knowing we would most likley be playing them. I agree DW, for all his faults Andy can typically prepare very well with extra time. Personally I like the fact that all the “experts” are picking the Packers. Bring it on.
Great news to hear…
I heard thru a source up in Canada that VIck was staying in shape by some “Mad Canadien” named Vinnie, was chasing him around over the Peace Bridge to NY State and back to help keep that
Quad Muscle loose and pain free… Good job Vinnie…
It took the Vikings game for the Eagles to get “serious” about the blitz? Are you kidding me? So Vick getting pounded by the Blitz the last 6 weeks wasnt enough concern to be prepared for the blitz? This isnt some kind of revelation. If this is the case then WTF has MM and AR been looking at? Thats unacceptable to know that beating the Vikings probably got you a bye and you act like the blitz was not a priority. This should of been adressed after the Chicago game period. Now instead of a bye you have to play probably the worst draw you can get.
Dag
You’ve hit the nail on the head!
I’ve said all along that Reid would get Vick killed with his play calling. I also said that in the end, it will be the QB who bears the blame.
Paul
lol
I’d like to see Reid play QB for about 5 games (under his system). I bet he’d rethink his approach.
I mean Mike Vick is you damn “Golden Goose”. If it wasnt for Vick this is a 5 win team. You would think they would do anything within their power to protect Vick. I dont care if 9 must stay in and block. If Vick cant function YOU CANT WIN. The defense SUCKS. You have to outscore everyone. This coaching staff is amazing. Its like your a 70% passing team and for 10 years you had 0 wide recievers. Your a friggin passing team and you cant pick up a blitz. How can that be?
Im on a roll. If teams are blitzing us and we cant block it. Why arent we running the same damn blitzes?
Dag
You ARE on a roll!!!
To Drummer
Are you sure their is enough Eagle Green fabric to go around to make AR a Game Jersey..
Paul
I see you’re on a roll, too.
I am getting a better feel for the Game Sunday and finally got my the end of the regular season funk out of my system..The Game plan and obviously the execution of it by the players will tell the tale..
I just hope AR/MM don’t abandon the run too soon, If McCoy doesn’t get 10-12-15 Touches by halftime, then they deserve to lose this game..
The Packers Defense does defend the Screen Play very well, they have active and sure tackling LB’s so it will have to be uses at the right times when the PAckers are not prepared for it..
paulie, u already predicted birds loss, so stop, this game is big, big for 7 and big for red, if eagles win, then justification for Reid and 7, if birds lose and especially if 7 plays poor, all hell will break loose
Paulman is right 100% .
The Eagles must play not play to the Packers strengths. They should run the ball to counter the Blitz using up time to keep Rodgers off the field. Screens crossing routes and play action should be the Eagles passing game.
Excellent article on Vick and the blitz:
Blitzing Vick: Risk vs. reward
There’s a lot of talk this week about Michael Vick’s ability to handle the blitz – both locally and nationally.
And rightfully so. The last memory everyone has of Vick is him looking as uncomfortable as ever in the Eagles’ 24-14 loss to the Vikings in Week 16. The week before, the Giants confused Vick with their blitz for three quarters.
But one thing worth noting is that while both Minnesota and New York blitzed Vick often, they did so in different ways. And when you look back at the season, the whole issue of Vick dealing with opposing blitzes is really nothing new.
Guess which opponent blitzed Vick more than any other? It was the Jaguars – way back in Week 3. Jacksonville blitzed him on over 62 percent of his dropbacks, and Vick burned the Jags, completing 12 of 19 passes for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns on those plays.
Guess which team blitzed Vick most effectively? It was probably the Cowboys in the first meeting. Dallas blitzed Vick on 47 percent of his dropbacks, and he managed to complete 6 of 11 passes for just 16 yards.
But the Giants game in Week 15 and the Vikings game in Week 16 are freshest in our minds so let’s examine how they attacked Vick.
New York sent blitzers after him on 22 of 45 dropbacks (48.9 percent). But what’s important is how many defenders they sent after Vick:
Four – 2
Five – 8
Six – 6
Seven – 3
Eight – 3
The four-men blitzes were obviously zone blitzes. Overall, they dropped linemen into coverage six times.
But what was different about the way the Giants blitzed was that they often sent six, seven or even eight defenders. They sent six or more on 12 of 22 blitzes. And for much of the game, Vick and the Eagles’ offense didn’t have an answer.
Through three quarters, Vick had been blitzed 14 times. On those plays, he was 4-for-10 for 17 yards and an interception. Vick was also sacked three times on those blitzes and carried once for 1 yard on what was essentially another sack. Through three quarers, the Eagles’ longest play against the blitz went for 8 yards.
But as we know, the fourth quarter was a different story. On the Giants’ final nine blitzes, Vick was 3-for-6 for 88 yards and three touchdowns. Maybe more importantly, he carried three times for 90 yards. In the fourth, the Eagles had four plays of 20 yards or more against the blitz.
So what’s the point? Blitzing Vick is not as simple a solution for stopping the Eagles’ offense as it might sound like. When defenses blitz six or more guys, they had better get to him in a hurry, and their guys in coverage better be able to run with the Eagles’ receivers. Even if the Eagles only send DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin into pass routes, they have the ability to hit on big, game-changing plays. And if Vick can somehow find a running lane, we know he can create huge plays with his legs.
That’s where the Vikings’ gameplan comes in. They blitzed 31 times, but on 29 of those, they sent just five defenders at Vick. On the other two plays, they sent six. The Vikings also dropped linemen into coverage effectively and frequently, doing so on 19 of 31 blitzes. Only rushing five defenders allowed them more options in terms of coverage, which in turn, flustered Vick and the Eagles.
WHO’S BLITZING?
Eagles fans will remember the name Antoine Winfield for a long time. The Vikings cornerback blitzed time and again in Week 16. He killed the Birds, specifically in the first half when he forced a Vick fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
By my unofficial count, Minnesota sent a defensive back off the right or left edge 20 times. Vick was 5-for-12 for 73 yards and an interception on those plays (27.43 QB rating). He was also sacked four times and carried twice for gains of 8 yards and 6 yards. Penalties were called on two other plays.
The Giants blitzed their defensive backs also. New York sent a DB off the edge 13 times. Vick was 4-for-8 for 28 yards, a touchdown and an interception on those plays (58.33 QB rating). He was sacked twice.
On 11 of the 33 plays where the Vikings and Giants blitzed a DB, Vick didn’t even attempt a pass. He was either sacked or took off.
But for those of you looking for a bright side, there actually is one. Against the Giants, Vick ran for gains of 35 and 33 yards on those DB blitzes. And against Minnesota, he converted three plays of 20 yards or more (two completions and a pass interference) when DBs rushed off the edge.
In other words, the potential is there for the Eagles to hit on big plays against extra pressure, as I mentioned above. When Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers dials up those blitzes on Sunday, he will do so knowing that there’s a huge risk involved.
Marty Mornhinweg has said all season that the Eagles welcome the blitz. On Sunday, they’ll need to take that attitude and prove why it’s the right one. Because if the Birds can’t hit on big plays against the blitz, they won’t be making the trip to Chicago in the divisional round.
drummerwinslow puts in the work again this week, impressive.
There is 1 thing this offense doesn’t have that would make it completely imposssible to defend. A big reciever that can go get a ball up for grabs down the sideline. I know we have Cooper, but he’s not on the field enough. I’ve been hoping Maclin improves on this although he’s 6′. He has a few shots and not come down with the ball. DJax has to run by you period.
If Vick could occasionally let the reciever go get it on the sideline against the blitzes, he wouldn’t see as many. I would like to see Avant or Cooper be this option and keep the TE and RB blocking in more situations.
Avant didn’t seem to recognize any of the Viking blitzes. That is the major issue with my previous comment, but he’s a worker and I’m sure won’t let it happen again.
We definitely need Vick to be at 100% if we expect to win against the Packers.
I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but I’m feeling less worried about this game as each day goes by. I’m not sure why. I still have the same thoughts about the strengths of the team but for some reason I think we find a way to win. I do like the fact that Andy is undefeated in home playoff games that are not the NFC Champ. And also undefeated after a bye week. Given that this was sort of a bye week, I’m just confident that with all this time, Andy will prepare a good plan. The issue will be what happens if that plan isn’t working out. I’m also not confident in McCarthy. We always want to focus on Andy but I look at the opposing coach and he a good one but it’s not Sean Payton or Bill Belichieck
It all comes out that through the past year AR has been looking for big plays on almost every drive….. He’s gone GREEDY………
A few years back we were an average offense looking to stretch the field with 5yrds. here 7yrds. there…..
Jeremy Maclin averages 12yrds per catch this season….. D*Jax averages just under 28yrds. per catch….. Some KR specialist dont even average that on a average Kick off return ratio……
When you look for big plays to develope you are going to suffer the consequences……. And thats getting your Qb hit and turnovers will be high…….. If you ask me we should swith up our style of football on offense just a little…..
NFL is like boxing you work the jab and wear your opponent down…….. THen you go for the KO when you have basically picked your opponent apart…… AR and MM need to stop going for the KO and just play the game how it is suppose to be played……
Here are some more Stats on Pass to Run Ratio for Eagles for 2010 Season
(Take in account that 85% of QB Vicks 100 Rushes over the Season were really “Pass Plays” where he scrambled out of the pocket after protection broke down or if no receivers were open)
In the Eagles 10 Wins – 62 % Pass Plays – 38 % Run plays
In the Eagles 6 Losses – 73 % Pass Plays – 27 % Run plays
We all know that it’s very Unlikely that the Eagles will ever be a 50-50 or even 55-45 Pass to Run Ratio
But they definitely need to be closer to 60-40 if they want to Win in the Playoffs and to protect their
best player in QB M Vick who when healthy, gives them the best chance to Win..
Good stuff Paulman……. THats a big difference in the loss column….. Under 30% is just horrible…. I wish AR and MM will just see this site……
Our back-up Rb’s can just fold there uniforms up for the next game because they dont even get a grass stain of the jersey’s…….. It is just flat out comical…… Men are getting paid just to practice…… Sean Payton uses each man on the field and has just certain plays specifically for each individual…… FB Kyle Echel who we had some time back has certain packages set up for him…… A FULL BACK HAD PLAYS…….. Sean Payton not only prepares for the team as a whole….. He looks in individual stand point…. Now thats what you call coaching……
DAG
AS far as the blitz goes smart QBs and receivers recognize it make adjustments and make the D pay because some receiver is going to be man on man
However against the Giants in the last game the Giants were man to man the entire game and Vick never took advantage because the quick pass is not is forte
Too many batted down passes
Seems like that is the D lines new tactics all over the NFL
I have never seen so many batted down passes
I thought Kolb being taller would have more success but he had his troubles too
paulman, those numbers are telling. I just hate how people that defend Reid or also don’t care about running the ball will spin those numbers. They will say that we ran more in the games we won because we were winning so we ran the ball to keep the lead. In the games where we ran less and loss, was because of the fact we were losing to we had to pass to play catch. That’s what they would say. While I would agree that is the case sometimes, I do think overall, a much more balanced attack is better than a one-sided offense any day. We all know this is a passing league, but good teams are able to run when they want to. Defenses know that stopping the run, especially in the playoffs is still the most important thing to do. A defense never looks more pitiful than one that cannot stop the run.
look…our defense is nothing to speak of this year…it certainly does not throw the fear of God into an defensive coordinators or cause them to lose much sleep….we have beaten teams this year by scoring alot of points….we need our defense to make a few critical stops…we need our special teams to keep the opponents in poor field position….we need to limit the stupid penalties that have plagued us this year…and we need the offense to provide some basic protection for Vick, sustain some drives and have a diverse enough run / pass gameplan that the opponents defense cannot have a one dimensional gameplan against us…..not much to ask for, huh?? GO BIRDS!!!
@Greenfan…. I agree……. Just simple and flat out football 101……. Through the years the eagles never invested into getting big big men for the front line on defense….. Guys were 295 to 305lbs. at best…… They say that speed kills…… But when you put a block on speed you can contain speed…… My whole thing is that the Eagles and the Colts share the same similarities……. Both teams heavily rely on there qb’s dont have a balance offense and the defense is fast but they are very inconsistant towards stopping the run…… Both teams offensive lines are struggling….. IDK if the eagles and Colts dont practice the run enough during practice??? Just makes you wonder…..
The Eagles have always been a heavy blitz team…… So do you think that AR would practice that to prepare this offense??? I hope during the break he prepared for this…… Teams want the old vick back….. The scrambler who didnt use his arm much……. But Balance will get us far through the playoffs….. I just hope AR is playing Chess like Phil Jackson in the playoffs!!
Juan Castillio will be fired after this season……. Rory Seagress will follow his footsteps as well…… How these two guys stay employed…… IDK they must keep good conversations on the sideline????
I don’t know about a different direction with the o-line coach. You need players who can play.I’ve watched Juan coach plenty of times up at camp. Not a more intense o-line coach in the league. He’s got a job.Thats the bottomline. Rory could be gone but who knows wth they will do with the coaches.
What is gonna happen when the Birds win and they play well? Are we gonna here all this stuff about all the flaws the team has and how the d gave up 20 plus points too a great O. After a bye the Birds get it doen cause they’re healthy and prepared. No different here.
I’m hearing poor weather conditions Sunday. I’m hearing the Packers have asked Paul Horning if he can run the pill in a pinch.Im reading too much about Vicks inability too pick up the blitz. i think it’s utter b.s. and Aikman was on Missinellie last nigth and said Mike has been doing enough. And the goddamn recievers need too be open. Anfd the coaches need too run the rock..he needs too check too it.
And finally…7 has worked his tail off too get better at every faucet of his game. Why wouldnt he work hard at this problem? Starship 7…cleared for launch.If your not riding with Vick by now i question your passion for a title.Thats just me…Go Birds.
Was hearing about the Titans letting Vince Young go.. got me to thinking about the Eagles QB situation with Vick and Kolb – very fortunate. I know a lot of folks hate on Kolb – but take a look at some of the absolute busts – Matt Leinhart, Alex Smith, Brady Quinn, Jemarcus Russel, Chad Henne, Pennington, Clausen (maybe a little early for him), and the list goes on and on. We are very fortunate to have two high caliber QBs – Kolb played with the JV/frosh/soph team against the cowboys starters.
Don’t think Castillo and Segrest are going anywhere – if anything the D Line has been one of the pleasant surprises this year – its the secondary that is getting us killed, and we have one of the most experienced secondary coaches in the league this year – I think you will see one of the top three picks going to the CB position this year –
early draft needs in no particular order – OL (I think you may see Justice go inside to guard – next years O Line PEters, Hermanns, McGlynn, Justice and either Howard or a top Draft)
LB – just not in the 2nd rd… Starting LBs next year – Bradley -SLB Chaney – MLB high draft pick – WLB
CB – someone to go opposite Samuel
I will not get to see the game this weekend……. depressing. Philly 35 Pack 24 – key for me is how Eagles do on first drive. Seems to me when they get out of the gate and rolling they keep it rolling whole game.
I think PL Coach Castillo will be retained..
If you look at the O/Line, outside of W Justice who was a 2nd Round pick, most of these other players were Mid to Late round players and a couple like J Peters, J Jackson, A Howard were all free-agents and not drafted by anyone.. I think MJG was a 3rd Rd pick
Now the D/Line Coach R Segrest has to go for sure… #1 Picks in Patterson,Bunkley,Graham, He’s had a lot more talent to work with over the years than has J Castillo and is jost not a good coach no mater where they put hime (Special teams were a disaster when he coached them)
the key to this game is McCoy …
if we can get the run game going, the pack are in trouble … that opens up the playaction and the big hitters to desean and maclin!!! hopefully AR will run the ball this week against one of the worst teams against the run
we can definietly win this game!!! strike early and GO BIRDS!!!
Doc, I would agree….let’s hear it from the fans…SHAAA-DEE…SHAAA-DEE….SHAAA-DEE…a strong running game will cure alot of the concerns that people have been talking about all week….SHAAA-DEE
you will see mccoy if pass 1st establishes the run, that is reid, if at 1st the pass doesn’t work, pass, pass again
@Erock, Paulman, Navy Eaglefan…… I understand your views…… I know primarily that injuries play a key issue in football……. Through the past few years our offensive line has been a big merry go round….. Herramans playing Lt when someone gets hurt or move Nick Cole at rg/lg we all know the story…. My thing is that is that the reason why the Eagles moved Herramans to Tackle because of the lack of faith in Dunlap……. Dunlap is suppose to be the second string RT….. THe past 2 years the Eagles Offensive line has been terrible…… I think as a coach you should look at every offensive lineman’s strenghts and weakness….. If Juan Castillio is the offensive line coach he should say “hey….. Max Jean is solid on the rushing downs” or “Nick cole is better on the screen plays”… Its sad that we watch games through the years and still cant get a measly 1 yard on a rushing down….. That my friend tells me that Juan Castillio isnt getting the job done…….. THe O-line has gotten better AT Times……. But it all comes down to coaching…. But I do understand your views……
Since Castillio has been the offensive line coach….. THere has been little but slow improvement……. If Winston Justice goes out….. I will trust to move Jason Peters to the RT because Vick is Left handed and with Dunlap at RT……. Vick will get killed if a FB or RB isnt there to shed a block…….. Its been a miracle from the turn around of Winston Justice from where he was when he had that terrible game against the Giants some years back….. He was a 2nd round pick who was a beast at USC and faced a good level of competition…….. Herramans is solid….. And came out of a small college and developed into a great LG…….. Jamal Jackson a great center who I really miss because he will help vick on eyeing where a blitz is coming from (overall awareness) I wish he was healty… He would be Key during the Playoffs about this time!!!
Kolb is not a “high-caliber” QB. He’s a very good backup and there are several of them in the league. But he has done nothing to this point to be called a “high-caliber” QB. Even AJ Feeley and Koy Detmer can run this offense. High caliber is a bit overstated.
Andy looked really happy that the Eagles were playing Greenbay. I was not sure why until I read on philly.com that He began preparing for Greenbay before the Minnesota Game. It was a smart move because even if they had to play the Giants they did not need to spend time scouting a divisional opponent. That is one of the reasons they looked so horrible against minnesota.
Philadelphia will win on Sunday. The Eagles are rested and ready. Bank on it.
if you say so, mr. bsm, I am in
I agree dude. The Birds rested and time too scout are dangerous. And how long is this offense gonna be in a little funk? At some point they will break out and i think it’s Sunday. Green Bay has an excellent defense. I watched the entire replay last night of the Bears Pack game last weekend.A few things stuck out that the Bears did that i think will a part of the Birds success. For one…they pounded the rock inside for almost 4.5 a carry. The 3-4 can be ran on if you can block the lineman and the outside backer. Two…the GB corners love too press and Cutler missed a deeop shot. It’s gonnabe there at some point when the safety doesnt account for the speed of our recievers. Which is equal too or greater then the bears.And i’ve said this all week…keep him square…A.R. makes tons of big throws rolling out.Dont get too far upfield and send a corner blitz on this guy.Go BIRDS!
and how many playoff games has Rodgers won, big test for him on sunday
Kolb’s whole season is a wash. Gotta feel for my man cause he’s a Bird. Gets a shot for a start too prop up his resume and he’s got Austin Howard blocking D-ware. Nice!!! AirForce Chad running routes on the Mike Jenkins(who did get smoked for a nice shot).
It’s Thursday and Chad is still taking the ball from the 5 and heading out into open field.We’re waiting flyboy.
Regardless of what happens this year…which i think is gonna be special.Will they please draft a goddamn return man. SEC HOWIE!!!SEC!!!
Justice/Celek or Justice/Schmitt must keep hitting Clay Mathews until the whislte blows, then the offense should have a good day. What amazes me is watching how many plays Mathews has made this year after he got blocked or overran the qb. The lineman stops blocking him because they are 10 yards from the ball and 3 seconds later Mathews is making a tackle. The Eagles should have 2 men on Mathews every play, trying to block him into the stands like in “The Blindside”. Don’t let him run in space, keep getting in his way, he runs like a safety.
I’d have Winston Justice meet him at the airport. They’re in for it this weekend…healthy hungry horses and the natives are restless.
Jakedog…he’s winless…but im sure you know that cause there are only savy football minds on gcobb.com.. Minus Vinnie the cockroach…i hadda. But your right….it’s his test..not Mikes.We have a proven qb in the p-offs. LETS GO!!!!
Scorp – we’ll have to disagree – I think Kolb is high caliber. In fact – I agree with Erock’s comment of feeling for the guy… Kolb almost pulled the rabbit out of the hat with that last throw Avant dropped in the Redskins game, he had some outstanding starts, he is high caliber. Now high caliber doesn’t mean better then Vick – or Pro Bowl – but I can thin of at least 10 teams that I would take Kolb over their QB – the titans, dolphins, bills, cardinals, 49ers, i would rather have him then Sanchez of the Jets, Browns, Raiders, Redskins, Manning (Giants), Jags? Any others… But as a tandom, I would take Vick and Kolb over any other 1 and 2 in the league – Paulman – you usually can jump in on these.