Vick All But Secures Starting Role
Michael Vick didn’t get the start, but he once again outplayed Nick Foles in the second round of their battle for the starting job.
Vick once again was quick and decisive with his throws. He hit his receivers in stride, and he’s playing with a good amount of confidence right now. One of Vick’s best moments was when he converted a third and 12 on his first possession, hooking up with Jason Avant for a 15-yard gain.
Vick then led the Eagles on a drive to score a touchdown before the end of the half. Vick started the drive with two quick strikes to DeSean Jackson. The veteran quarterback then made a nice play with his legs, buying some time and finding Riley Cooper for a 22-yard gain.
Two plays later, Vick used his legs again, taking the team inside the redzone with a 14-yard run.
Foles Falls Behind
I thought Nick Foles was just OK tonight. The good news was that the second-year man was able to take the team on two long drives to the redzone. However, it was a rocky road at times for Foles. He had some trouble hanging on to a couple of snaps, and killed the first drive with a terrible forced pass that was intercepted.
After dropping the snap, Foles looked up to see a Carolina defender in his face. He panicked, and made a weak attempt to throw the ball away, but couldn’t get anything on his pass, resulting in an easy interception for the Panthers.
Foles still hasn’t shown that he can stretch the field. His throws have been primarily short and intermediate routes. That combined with his lack of mobility just severely limits how deep Chip Kelly can go into his playbook.
Defense Improves
The Eagles’ defense wasn’t perfect, but they were much improved from what they were a week ago.
Newton and the Carolina offense had their moments. They gashed the defense for some big plays in the passing game, and they forced their way into Eagles’ territory several times.
But the defense adopted a bend-but-don’t-break mentality this week. They made the Panthers work for the yards that they gained. They were able to get off of the field during critical third down situations (Carolina starters went just 1-7 on third down) , forcing Carolina to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.
The starting defense surrendered only two field goals in the first half a week after surrendering 180 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter. It was a performance that this group needed, and one that they can hopefully build off of.
Quick Thoughts
Defense
- Cedric Thornton the best starting defensive lineman this week. Thornton generated a pass rush on Newton in the first drive, and also stuffed DeAngelo Williams for a loss.
- Patrick Chung had another good performance. Chung reacted well to a screen play to DeAngelo Williams on the first drive, reading the play well and coming over to make the tackle. The former Patriot was in on four stops. So far, Chung looks to be a pretty sure-tackler, which is something this defense badly needs.
- Cary Williams saw his first game action as an Eagle. Williams gave up several completions.
- Bradley Fletcher gave up several long completions once again.
- Brandon Boykin had a pretty good night. Boykin broke up a couple of passes, and nearly came down with two interceptions.
- Defensive end Clifton Geathers took some snaps with the first team defense and made a couple of nice plays against the run. He looks like he moves pretty well, and also has some good size.
- Trent Cole had some nice moments in this game. Cole reacted well to a rushing play from DeAngelo Williams in the second quarter, stopping the running back after a short gain.
- Bennie Logan got some snaps with the first team, and made two tackles including a stuff of Jonathan Stewart in the redzone.
- Earl Wolff made a nice play to blow up a screen in the second half.
- Vinny Curry had another solid game. He only had two tackles, but he was very disruptive once again.
Offense
- LeSean McCoy got his first action of the preseason, carrying the ball eight times for 47 yards and a touchdown. McCoy had an impressive 21-yard run, during which he juked several Carolina defenders right out of their shoes.
- I thought the offensive line did a really nice job blocking for McCoy.
- Zach Ertz got some time with the first-team offense, and made a nice sliding catch on the team’s first possession to create a first down.
- Chris Polk looked pretty good tonight as well. Polk had five carries for 24 yards, and also caught a pass for nine yards. Polk runs hard, and earns yards after first contact. However, the second-year man had a costly fumble.
- I didn’t like the fact that Matt Barkley was given only a couple of short series to work tonight. The rookie should have been given most of the second half to play. I understand Kelly wants to do Dennis Dixon and G.J. Kinne a favor by allowing both quarterbacks to get some film out there for other teams, but the reality is that these guys aren’t going to be here and Barkley could have used the extra reps to help him further his development.
- Jason Avant was a favorite target of both Vick and Foles, finishing with four catches for 42 yards.
- Matthew Tucker ran for 26 yards on five carries. He’s shown that he can be a tough runner.
- Felix Jones was completely unimpressive, rushing for just 14 yards on four carries.
- Greg Salas continued his solid play, catching two passes for 27 yards.
- Still no impact from either Russell Shepard or Ifeanyi Momah on the offensive side of the ball.
Special Teams
- Damaris Johnson has looked great as a punt returner in these two preseason games. Johnson looks much more comfortable and confident in his abilities than he was a year ago. He had a 30-yard punt return and an 18-yard kickoff return.
- Russell Shepard made a nice special teams tackle in the second half.
- Punter Brad Wing had a couple of nice punts, and was able to pin the Panthers inside the 20.
Final Thoughts
Is the quarterback controversy over?
I think so. Michael Vick has been electric in the first two games, and he’s brought much more to the table than Nick Foles. He’s clearly the best quarterback on the roster right now, and gives the team the best chance to win. At this point there’s very little doubt that he’s the guy that Chip Kelly is going to go with, and he’s earned it.
Foles hasn’t been bad, but he just hasn’t been special. He looks like a backup quarterback. Serviceable, capable of stepping in and effectively running the offense. But at this point in his career, he just hasn’t shown anything to justify giving him the nod over Vick. He’s been the guy who has made mistakes, and turned the ball over. He doesn’t deserve the job at this time.
Whether or not there’s legitimate reason to be excited about what Vick has done so far is a story for another day, but right now he’s outplayed Foles by a mile and should be named the starter.
Bout time you came around old Denny! I thought this was gonna be a praising Foles blog,But Vick is clearly the better qb. He made one bad throw which was a hail mary to end the half. Foles has yet to throw over 30 yards. Desean would be pissed if Foles was the starter.
Yeah honestly I’ve never been that impressed with Foles either…all along I’ve said I thought his upside is limited, and that his ceiling is being a serviceable, game manager. The quarterback of the future isn’t on this roster.
I wouldn’t say VIck is drastically ahead unless we’re seeing two different sets of games. I think Vick should start, but I wouldn’t have a problem with the Eagles making a last minute trade involving him if it brought a star defensive player/OLB here.
not going to happen
I agree Denny. I’m not much of a Vick fan (and no i’m not a racist you scum bag bloggers) but Vick looks good with his throws, and seems to be the best fit in this style of offense. What’s nice is that we have some good QB’s on the depth chart. Good ins for if and when Vick gets hurt. Cause we all know at some point that’s probably going to happen..
that’s how it’s done on every football team.
The best QB starts and the back ups are ready in case of injury.
So, I’m wondering how it’s a dynamic discussed when there’s a Vick/Foles discussion?
The 2nd string clipboard carrier must be prepared if the better starting QB in front of him gets hurt.
Go ask that question of your Redskins you fraud. Start a controversy with them….you know, RGIII hates the coach….Cousins is only getting to play because Snyder is a racist….blah blah blah….go away you fraud. The Eagles fan base kicked you out of the club when you quit on this team last year. Just because you have a man-crush on Vick and he looks to be starting again….go away…take your family with all of the Redskins jersey’s you told us you bought after the end of last year ……you are a loser and a fraud….how away
One thing I do see with both QBs is that their both effective in the Red Zone, a very good sign, and for those that came on here before to proclaim Kelly the next Steve Spurrier? Wrong! Not even close! This guy is the real deal! I don’t care if its only two preseason games, you can see how this guy has his players playing that he can handle this league.
I apologize to Jason Avant. I wanted him gone. But man he is money. He doesnt miss anything. He may catch 80 balls in this offense. Vick and Lurie have both said that they arent running nothing right now, very vanilla. Wait untill weel one. Its still a 6-10, 7-9 team IMO but heading in right direction and fun to watch.
I agree with you. He has played great in the first 2 pre-season games.
It was kind of exciting to watch the offense function and then think that they haven’t thrown a lot of wrinkles in yet. What excites me about Kelly is that he seems to be able to put his offensive players in the best possible situation to succeed by evaluating their skillsets and determining mismatches.
And boy did McCoy look great last night. Wow.
Great Game by the 1st Unit and Key Back-Up Players
Vicked played very well and has most likely secured the Starters Spot but Chip Kelly probably won’t won’t make the Call “Publicly”
Until after Camp, why should he?? This open Competition is being the Best from Vick and also keeps Foles very focused as well as the rest of the Offense, so keep that going thru Camp and Preseason to keep them both sharp and ready to Play, but Vick is the man right now, there is no doubt..
Had an crazy & interesting thought, since LT A Barbree has played well in his first 2 Starts for Jason Peters, could Peters and his big Salary ($15 Million)
be possibly Traded for Top Picks and or a Stud LB or Secondary Player
A couple of Teans are really hurting at OT Position around the NFL and the Eagles finally have some Depth at this Position now with Peters, Lane Johnson, Barbree,Dennis Kelly and still have Herremans who could Slide out to play OT
Just a thought, but imagine the OL with a healthy Peters back .
Paul, no way I trade Peters. No way
ha, I agree with you there Frank.
Besides having depth on the O Line is a very good thing…
Need that depth, look at what happened last year… also, look how good Vick has looked the last couple games with a pocket to step into. This is all with out the possible the best lineman in football also.
* this is happening without, possible the best lineman in football
I did start off by saying I had a “crazy thought”, about Peters…
And both the Raiders & Falcons lost their Starting OT’s last week
Raider’s will have a Top #3 or #4 in next Years Draft
abd the Falcons are built to Win now and have to figure out
How to keep $100 Million QB Matt Ryan ..
lol lol way to go Denman I knew you could do it you just needed some pressure on you to bring out the best in your writing skill set (which is excellent NOW); It kinda puts you in the mind of how Chips putting pressure on Vick to bring out the best in his skill set YOU GUYS HAVE A LOT IN COMMON.
Ahey paulman your on the grill too you was talking smack about Vick and now you’ve changed lol lol as Don King would say “ONLY IN AMERICA”
I still would have let Vick go as a new Coach & Era of Eagles Football
but that’s water under the bridge at this point , he’s here on the Team, playing well, which is good for him and good for the Team..
Let’s see him keep his good play up before annointing him as the MVP and do remember, that this is Pre-Season, but it’s sure is nice to see Vick & Foles both play well and move this Offense up and down the Field
I would not even be surprised to see both take snaps in Regualr Season Games to mix it up a little and give Teams Defense’s more to prepare for
I was thinking the same thing both taking snaps
I thought that the interior of the Dline was still very suspect. LBs were also not getting off of blocks very well. Thought that Geathers and Logan played very well when they had their chances on the field. Carey Williams looked like he hadn’t played in a while which he hasn’t. He was tentative and slow, but he can bring it on the outside. Made some tackles out there. Chung looked good too.
On the offensive side, it was really fun to watch both qbs be able to move the offense down the field. Avant played great, and the RBs were very good too. Tucker has a nice littler burst. I thought that the O-line was very good even without Peters. Barbe seems to be a find and this was without Peters. Potentially offensive line depth? Foreign concept here. Salas is gonna make this team and Momeh showed that he couldn’t get any separation at all.
And SPECIAL TEAMS!
I agree Bugs…the LB’s weren’t filling those gaps quick enough at times. Some gains were 2 yards too long because they weren’t getting to the ball quick enough…Those 2 yards are important when it comes to a 3rd down. Definitely gotta do a better job with recognition.But definitely were improved from last week. Graham was getting pressure on the QB at will. Thornton is solid. Curry is multi dimensional. Gonna be interesting to see how they use him. I Iiked how Chung was quick to the ball on occasion. Wolff looks good. He recognizes the play quicker than these 1st stringers. Was real impressed where he ran at the full back and got the tackle on the RB. Nate Allen still looks like the same guy, nothing special at all.
Yep it seemed like there were some wide open lanes. As well as Kendricks pressured the QB, I felt like he didn’t do much to stop the run.
Birds go on the road now. 2 straight Scrimmages and week 1 on Monday night at Washington.
Next week Gus Bradley gets his chance to show his displeasure with Lurie and Howie on the field for the helicopter to mansion job interview no job offer situation.
Ha I told you MFs lol. Especially Denny who shits on Vick constantly. You people said Vick was washed up lol.
Pour some salt on those words and eat them.
I’ll say this. He’s played great so far, and what he’s done so far has been pretty much flawless. Vick has earned the right to be the starter, and if you can’t see that you aren’t looking at things clearly.
Now, that being said, be careful not to overrate what you’re seeing right now. Keep in mind that we’ve only seen Vick in action for all of two quarters, against vanilla defenses. It’d be foolish to think that all of Vick’s previous issues are magically gone after seeing him look good in a grand total of four possessions when teams aren’t really gameplanning against him.
Preseason football only tells us so much. What we can say we’ve learned right now is that Vick is clearly ahead of Foles, and Chip Kelly is going to go with the guy who gives him the best chance to win and that’s Vick.
Will Vick keep this level of play up in the regular season? History says no. But we’ll see.
Who stood out to me: ill start with the obvious in vick and mccoy. Avant was solid and so was the o line, minus Todd Herremans. On defense I was impressed by Pat chung. I thought Curry and Logan showed talent, along with Ced Thorton. Kendricks also.showed his athletic ability.. McCoy looks like an olb in a 3-4, really the only one on the team other than Barwin.
negatives: cary williams, although, I do like how he mixes it up. Nate allen- what a bum, not only cant he tackle he dosent dosent recognize his assignment in a zone.
Vick supprter, suck in that concave chest of yours, you haven’t told us anything , if Vick wins and keeps the starting job and plays at or near this level all year, come back and puff it out, is only been 2 pre-season games, 4 series, so pipe down until it matters
Denny lol nice ( SAFE) response
Anyone see vinnie? Im worried.
Vinnie, only has 3 more weeks on this site. Start getting used to him being gone!
What about the 4 TE sets? Had it on both pre-season games. Spread 2 out on each side to look for TE screen. Look for the mismatch outside. If you don’t have it then run the ball up with that better matchup. Love how adaptive, reactive and relentless the offense could be. So different from Andy Reid.
One thing that I will say is that by making the players learn all of the different roles, I think that they will really understand the offense better.
Bugsy… i agree 100% love how chip is taking whats givin to him. No more bombs away eagles. Its fast… and responsive. We will need to keep our rbs fresh.
Yeah, gonna have to make room for a bunch of skill players who will all see time to keep them upright the whole season. And although he fumbled, I like Polk’s burst and Tucker has some acceleration. I know that he prob doesn’t make the team, but he is a good practice team guy.
If you havent seen it yet go on youtube and check out the —” Sport Science: Michael Vick ” video..
Last year this time every Eagle defensive lineman was jumping off sides and starting fights — big temperament difference this year.
Lane Johnson is a legit starter and a really good selection with pro bowl prospects.
Ertz and Logan belong in the NFL. It looks like the first 3 picks this year are hits. Howie finally had a great draft. Last season’s picks Cox, Kendricks, Curry, and Foles are contributing. They aren’t pro bowl superior talent but contributing. That is how this team is going to turn around. Finding pro bowl draft picks and Lane Johnson might be Howie’s first one.
I’m just exciting about an offense that appears to be able to move the ball BOTH running and passing and able to score in the redzone. Doesn’t look like we will be seeing as many stalled redzone drives and field goals as the last couple years. Defense stinks but we already knew that. Can’t turn the entire thing over in 1 year and expect them to be great not to mention the d coordinator is still questionable himself. But special teams and offense will keep this year much more exciting and watchable.
Ertz is already playing with first team.. 6’5 250 runs 4.5s with 35 inch vertical. And he was under brent jones tutelage.. with him and celek attacking the middle that means Djacks is going to have alot of big plays
Lets be realistic here. I believe i have a reputation for being pretty balanced on thisbsite. Vinnie says im a vick lover… i dont agree…. but As far as the qb thing goes.. vick is looking good now. Hes doing all the things i thought he could do BUT… u worry about what happens when the comp is over. vick with swag is not a good thing. Vick “DOIN HIS THANG” is not a good thing. We need vick to buy into this system at ALL times. Agree?
Don’t think you have to worry about that. Vick knows he’s a couple bad games away from riding the bench. Foles is a capable back up. Complacency is just not going to happen.
On another note: He LOVES this system. LOVES it. I think he’s bought in 110% – so no worries there either.
Having the Open Competition and being able to work in Kelly’s Fast Paced System is probably the Best Things that’s happened to Vick since the Eagles signed him up 4 Years to return to the NFL.. I think he realizes this, knows that this could be his best last shot and is taking full advantage by working hard, studying, and giving it his all to be a Success again in the NFL.. My hat’s off to him to re-dedicating himself to working on his craft as a “NFL QB” and he knows that with a big season in 2013, he will have many opportunities for another big contract…
I like this situation for it’s on him to compete at his best and so far, he’s grabbing the bull by the horn’s and getting the Job done.. A healthy,engaged and focused Mike Vick means that the Eagles Team is better, which bottom line is what I care about…
We see enough highly paid athletes simply go thru the motions and remain too complacent and comfortable.. (look at the Phillies as an example) Vick is going all in for he knows it’s his best chance for his future employment to remain in the NFL and comman a big pay-day..
I was hoping to see Clay Harbor a little more in the first half out as a WR..
Barkely just missed him a tad straking down the right sideline which went off his finger-tips ..
Stevo get your panties out your twat man. Vick is “Doin his Thang” because he doesnt have to buy into Reids system. Kelly is letting his natural ability speak for itself and Kelly is utilizing everyone talents to the best of their ability. His swag iis 100 right now and so is all of the players. Because people different than you express their excitement in different ways doesn’t mean that you can overtly throw your crap out to disrespect them. People can see right you. Though you may express what vick is doing as “oh golly gee buddy ol pal vick looks like he looking spiffy out there” and some one else says he’s “doin his thang”, equivalent to your saying doesn’t mean anything. Vick with swag and doin his thang is a great thing and will hopefully get us into the playoffs and possibly superbowl buddy.
No,. Disagree 100%. In the past when Vick was “doing his thang” he was doing what MIKE wanted. He did it in Atl and has also at times done it here. Mike needs to continue to do CHIPS “THANG” and THATS why its working right now.
Rocko…. relax…. I am not raining on parades or bringing anyone down here.
Vick has looked amazing. No doubt. All im saying is that he needs to keep at this thing. He has worked well under the pressure of having Foles over the shoulder. He is doing all the things he is told to do and its working. My point was that I hope this continues. Vick gets in trouble when he’s allowed to do HIS thing. And although i am 100% behind him….. he has shown in his past that he CAN be a me me me guy. I pray this has changed… and I have seen in some areas that it has.
If Vick continues to buy into this system…. and Kelly continues to use ALL phases of the O to score points (bye bye Bombs away) than the sky is the limit. Im more excited to see this O than I have been in many many years. Go Birds.
Stevo, my apologies man. I feel you buddy. Although he can be a me me guy at times trying to do his thing, lets hope that he has bought into kelly’s system and can spread the ball around. Go Eagles baby!!!!!
amen. Thats EXACTLY what im saying!
Vick is definitely the guy. I will say once again if you do your research, Vick is 14-6 behind a healthy and solid O line. Last year and the teams 1-4 start in ’11 cannot be pinned soley on Vick. The line was chaotic at first under Mudd. When they got it together Vick was 6-2 the rest of the way. He was 8-4 in 2010. And that is counting the last two games when the O line fell apart. Back up at RG and Justice on one leg. It was easy to say everyone figured him out, but no one thinks about the line deterioration and Reid’s predictable game planning. Wait until people think they can just blitz this offense and Vick will crumble. I can’t wait! Unlike Reid, Kelly will make people pay for that strategy.
Foles has a skill set but he needs time. He needs to work on his body and get his arm stronger. I think he has the mental tools in abundance but lacks the physical skill set. That being said, I would take him over Vick behind a bad line because he is just a little quicker and doesn’t mind checking down A LOT. That’s not Vick’s game.
You know…I’m not down on Foles. He’s gotta work on his arm if he wants to make it in this league as a starter. That’s a must. And last year he seemed way more calm in the pocket…he’s a lot more jittery this year it seems…but once he calms that down and shows he can make a throw over 15 yards consistently I think he can be a Flacco/ALex Smith (with Harbaugh) type player.
jbird and tsj good stuff from the both of you, I concur.
tsj…I used to think he could be a Flacco too but he has no where near the arm strength. I think he may be a carer back up.
I think arm strength you can work on. But he’s got to REALLY work on it. IF he does that – then he can start – otherwise he’ll be a well paid back up – hey and well paid backups can still make a couple mill. lol He’ll still eat.
Not one post from Vinnie I see..
Wip just reported a man wandering the streets of philly throwing quaters at children. Its said that the man is wearing a kevin kolb jersey and is mumbeling something about time between snaps. Anyone hear from vinnie? Its got to be him. Guys…. i know we have had our differences but… we’ve got to do something. If we dont find him first… they might put him down or something. Whos with me?
I heard they were “Canadien Quarters” too..
Vinnie can’t be a true fan, he’s a fake who just hates Vick. He can’t be a true eagle fan because a true fan of a team would care about winning. I dont care if barbara walters was our qb, rosie odonnel our center and hugh hefner our receiver, as long as we’re winning that’s all that matters! Screw fake fans…
Hey you meatheads. I think I explained about 1000 times that I’ll be in Europe all year. Just arrived yesterday and getting used to my house here in Edinburgh. Can’t a guy get a day off of Gcobb?
As for Rocko’s stupid comment. “a true fan would care about winning”. Exactly. Vick has one season with more than 8 wins in his career you twit. If you want winning, you can’t want Vick.
I didn’t see the game the other night as I was on the plane. Only looked at the recap.
Foles 2 drives. One bad int in endzone. One td.
Vick 3 drives. One td. One int. 9 of 10 seems pretty impressive…..but was it against the 2nd string?? Lol, I just heard a lot of of that after week 1.
Anyway, you won’t be hearing much from me the next couple weeks as I get settled in here. Lotta shit to do.
Vinnie enjoy Europe dude, you missed a crazy night on Thursday just a Mike Vick total love fest. Frankly he was good but not good enough to be salivating over and not good enough to prove his piss pour qb play the last decade has changed. Encouraging performance but the stats and resume speak for itself…
So Jealous,
Enjoy the Royal mile and the Pipes.
EPL (soccer) is starting if you aren’t a fan go to a game or two and you will be.
I’ll get to a few PL matches for sure. Have to pick a club I suppose, Newcastle is closest English city.
Rugby seems to be big here in the ‘borders’. Caught a local club game this afternoon and then signed my boy up for their youth program.
Looks like its a bit of a downer back in NA with the whole “vick is going to start” business. Absolutely a ‘short term’ choice for a team that should be concentrating on long term development.
Off to buy some wheels.
Vinnie you sound ridiculous you eagle hater. Great news, please stay off this site with your negative energy, you won’t be missed!
@tsjohnson, foles has plenty of hose, he just hasnt shown it yet, and you cannot develop arm strength after you start shaving, but he’s got plenty of hose, not the howitzer that Vick has, but an nfl arm
I agree with you though he looks more jittery this year and explains the turnovers
You can develop arm strength. It’s not a fixed metric. The reason why Vick’s has such a strong arm is b/c since he was a kid he’d bet people money that he could throw the ball [insert distance here] – lots of practice at something and you will get better.
i didn’t say it’s easy – but he can get to the point where he can accurately and comfortably throw down field. How bad does he want it is another question.
About Foles- I dont think he looks bad at all. He is checking it down well and has been fast. I like it. IF Chip thinks he has the ability to stick around and be something in the future.. GREAT!! If not… maybe there is a trade partner out there willing to give us a CB or a good pick.
I was rooting for him in the worst way. Wish he could have stepped up.