What they're saying about the Eagles
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What they're saying about the Eagles
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
If you missed it from Wednesday, I posted my thoughts on Kyle DeVan replacing Danny Watkins at right guard and the return of Joselio Hanson.
And here's the roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles:
In an interview with the Dan Patrick Show (via SI.com), NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp said he is not buying into the Eagles' hype:
"Come on, give me a break. They're the Philadelphia Eagles. The last time I checked, they haven't won anything since 1960. That would be my cautionary tale to Eagles fans. How many times have they had their bags packed on their way to a Super Bowl?"
SI.com's Don Banks makes 20 bold predictions for the upcoming season. One of them is that Nnamdi Asomugha will struggle:
After playing in the relative obscurity of Oakland for the first eight years of his NFL career (all playoff-less and non-winning years), Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will have some unexpected struggles in the big-game, big-market atmosphere of the NFC East. He won't be left unchallenged for seasons at a time in his new division, and the more teams try to throw at him, the more he'll appear less than invincible and even a little vulnerable. By season's end, some will consider him over-rated.
Banks has the Eagles eighth in his power rankings:
And to think a year ago right now Michael Vick was still Kevin Kolb's veteran backup, with no apparent path leading back to stardom or contract riches. It's a good reminder of how much can change in Week 1 of the NFL season, and I wonder if there's another significant plot twist in store for Vick and the Eagles in Sunday's opener at St. Louis?
Mike Sando of ESPN.com has Michael Vick third on his MVP Watch list:
Vick finished second in the MVP Watch last season. His placement near the top of this list last season generated particularly strong resistance for some reason. Vick was one of four qualifying quarterbacks with a passer rating in triple digits, joining Brady, Philip Rivers and Rodgers. Only Rivers had more pass plays covering at least 40 yards. Vick passed for 21 touchdowns, ran for nine more and finished with more rushing yards than Ricky Williams, Michael Bush, Marshawn Lynch or Jahvid Best. He was also fifth in QBR, ahead of Brees.
Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has the Eagles eighth in his power rankings:
They've made some nice moves, but I just think there are still issues. The biggest is whether Mike Vick can repeat his big season. Dream team? Time will tell.
Prisco has the Eagles going to the divisional round. Clark Judge of CBSSports.com has the Eagles beating the Chargers in the Super Bowl.
Elliot Harrison of NFL.com has the Eagles sixth:
Tough to figure this team. On paper, Philly looks great, but during the course of the preseason, it wasn't all hot dogs and apple pie. The injury to Vince Young is no small marble, at least in the sense that he needs to be ready. Vick's style of play, especially at 31, isn't exactly conducive to staying on the field for 16 games.
ESPN.com has the Eagles fourth:
The Eagles will have new starters at four of the five offensive line positions, including at right tackle. They must keep Michael Vick upright for the season to be a success.
Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com predicts the Eagles will lose their opener, but finish 12-4. He has them losing in the divisional round:
The "Dream Team" Eagles lose their first game of the 2011 season to the upstart Rams. That leads to a rash of “You don’t win Super Bowls in August!” knee-jerk reactions from the media and fans. They, then, promptly go on to win their next eight games and the NFC East title for the second straight year.
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Eagles are the DREAM TEAM with the $100 MILLION DOLLAR QUARTERBACK.....they better win the Super Bowl this season, or the media and fans will run Reid and Vick out of town.— frank105
Comment removed.- I would give anything to see the dream team comment - an out of context phrase said by a guy who had been an eagle for 5 days and then played down by everyone on the team - never talked about again. But judging by the snowballs at Santa comment - I figure it will be at least 50 years till the chatter dies down.— gob1234
- 'Greenblood20' -- I love your venomous comeback. LOVE IT!— Dave Kane
- So Warren Sapp is still a know nothing, loud mouthed idiot. Good to know.— jasvic
- exactly.
— coloradoeagle - It's obnoxious when these folks make their "out on a limb" predictions just to get their name out there. I'm sure they have a good 50 outlandish comments, and if 1 is accurate, they're the ones that "told ya so." The O-Line is a concern, but there is no adequate argument that Nnamdi will be called over-rated because people didn't throw at him in Oakland. How are people putting them at 6 and 8 when the lost to the Super Bowl Champs last year and did nothing but upgrade?— T
- Sapp struggles!!!— first down
- Comment removed.
- I don't mind people downplaying us. The sooner we lose the "Dream Team" name, the better. Then we can just win games and make good on last year's early playoff elimination.— MaartenV
- ya Banks is an idiot. Nnamdi is just considered 1 or 1a of best cb in the league, so now he will just stink against better competition, ya that makes sense> Pick a side, as the game goes on these dbs will have field days for picks. I can see a ton of em this year changing games. Assuming the offense doesnt struggle and puts up points, this D is built to hold leads when teams are forced to pass with our improved front line. Cant wait, bring it.— peteike
- This Eagles Team is the Dream Team On Madden !— dmanphilly
- DeSean needs to be extended by Sunday..or it becomes a rain cloud the entire season.— SilliBilli
- I am just plain sick and tired of Andy Reid....It's time he packed his bags and head back to Cali and coach the soon to be relocated Jacksonville Jag-wires.— citysims
- Young should have been fined for saying stupid things like dream team. I am so sick of reading about that and it won't go away.— rbrogna1
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