For the first five minutes of yesterday's game, everything that concerned me about this Eagles team was coming to fruition.
Special teams checked in with an early mistake, with Dion Lewis returning the opening kick from eight yards deep in the end zone. Anybody can return kicks, right Andy?
The Eagles offensive line looked like a group that had not played together at all on the Birds' first series. Oh, they hadn't? Nice call, Andy. Michael Vick was running for his life.
A rookie punter uncorks a line drive punt that fails to push the Rams on their own side of the 50-yard line.
Make your offensive line coach your new defensive coordinator? No need to get talented linebackers? How did those decisions look after Steven Jackson waltzed untouched 48 yards into the end zone on the Rams' first play?
And yet, the Eagles simply shrugged, looked toward Michael Vick, and shouldered on. Vick promptly put the team on his shoulders and willed the Eagles to a surprisingly easy win.
This week, Vick heads back to Atlanta - where he first became the face of an NFL franchise - as the clear face of the Eagles. He's a starter again, and has the $100 million contract to prove it.
The Falcons aren't likely to let Vick beat them with his legs. Instead I see them adopting the plan teams used toward the end of last season. Put early pressure on Vick, make him read blitzes and get rid of the ball early. The longer plays go on, the more dangerous Vick becomes.
On defense, the Eagles must again stop a premier runner in the Falcons' Michael Turner. Then they can focus on turning their fearsome pass rush loose on Exton native Matt Ryan.
For some reason, I see Vick as entirely ready for prime time. He's been waiting for this moment for a long time. He again will push the Birds over the Falcons as a national TV audience takes in every moment.
Make it Eagles 26, Falcons 23.
Last Week: My pick of the Rams was looking good - for the first five minutes of the game. Not so hot afterward as the Birds steadied themselves and routed the Rams. Anyone else wonder what would have happened if Steven Jackson had not exited the game after scorcing the Eagles for a 48-yard TD on the Rams' first offensive play? He wasn't touched, but still blew out a quad muscle.
Season Record: I'm in the hole at 0-1, while the Eagles are 1-0 and looking to go 2-0 with two straight wins on the road. Not an easy feat.
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