Category Archives: Michael Vick

Training Camp Winners and Losers

Posted on August 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

Enjoying their now weekly day off, the Philadelphia Eagles are only two days away from taking the field for their first preseason game.

A lot has changed since they reported to Lehigh University for training camp 11 days ago. Their is still a lot of camp left, and time for players to step up and win a job.

But on the day of, let’s take a look at who has shined and who has been a disappointment so far at training camp.

Shined:

1) Curtis Marsh: Thought of by many as a project when he was initially drafted out of Utah State, Curtis Marsh has played better then even the Eagles thought he would early on. Marsh is tall and fast with long arms, which has allowed him to blanket anyone he has covered so far in camp. An excellent athlete, Marsh has been compared to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in terms of body type. While he may not be as fast as DRC, Marsh has been able to stay with receivers down the field. One on play, he looked like a vet as he turned his head around to make a play on the ball. Rookies will generally not do that, and will draw a penalty for it. Marsh should seem some playing time this year off his his camp performance so far.

2) LeSean McCoy: I wrote about it yesterday, but LeSean McCoy appears ready to take the next step to an elite player in this league. McCoy looks 3-4 steps faster then anyone out on the field. If he is able to get enough touches- and a decent amount of rest with Ronnie Brown in the fold- McCoy could put up big numbers this season.

McCoy and Vick will lead a high powered offense this season

3) Jason Avant: In his time with the Eagles, Avant has been anything but flashy- he has been consistent, dependable and a staple on third down in this offense. But with DeSean Jackson missing the first 11 days of camp and Jeremy Maclin sidelined with a mysterious illness, Avant has been the number one receiver on this team in practices. Avant has responded by catching everything thrown his way, no matter the level of difficulty it takes. Avant will real in a 50 yard touchdown catch, but he could catch 7-8 balls a game to start this year.

4) Michael Vick- Not much to say other then this: If he stays healthy, he will be the NFL MVP. Etch it is stone.

5) Chas Henry- The rookie punter from Florida has blasted some beautiful punts through the Lehigh skies. He gets great hang time under his punts, and has kicked some what seems like 70 yards. If he is able to avoid hitting a rookie wall, he should be able to have a solid year for the Eagles.

Disappointment: 

1) Daniel Teo’Neisham- The biggest bust of last years draft class, Teo’Neisham has been getting berated by new defensive line coach Jim Washburn on a daily basis at camp. While Washburn has done his fair share of getting on almost all the players on his defensive line, he has been especially hard on Teo’Neisham, who is in serious danger of not making this team. Washburn has publicly gotten on his 2nd year player about his technique and hustle in practice. The only reason he has a chance of landing on the active roster is that he was a high draft pick a year ago. But if Teo’Neisham does not have good pre-season games, he will not make this team.

2) Brent Celek- Celek, who seemed to get nicked up the first day of camp, has struggled through most of camp. He looks heavier then last year, something he admitted to during the offseason. It is all muscle, but he doesn’t look like the same player both physically and production wise so far. Celek has had trouble hanging onto the football in 11 on 11 drills. It looks like he will spend a fair amount of time this year blocking again, which is good due to his new playing weight. Either way, his play so far would not lead one to believe he was going to have a big year.

Jason Babin has not gotten to the QB much this camp

3) Jason Babin- The most noise Babin has made during camp is in the fights he has gotten into. Babin has not done a good job of getting to the quarterback so far, and was shut down yesterday by new RT Ryan Harris. In live hitting drills, Babin has not made many plays. The fact he is 2nd on the depth chart right now behind Juqua Parker is more then likely due to Parkers veteran status then the amount of playing time each will get. But anytime you invest big money in a position of need and see that player behind the one you wanted to replace, that is never a good thing.

4) Jaiquawn Jarrett- The former Temple Owl’s camp can be best described by one word- quite. Both on and off the field, Jarrett has been quite and hard to find. The 2nd round pick was able to make plays in college because he knew the opposing offense from studying tape, something he has not been able to do in practice. Jarrett lacks elite speed, so anticipating the play is the only way he will be able to create turnovers. A big hitter, Jarrett might show improvement in preseason games, but it looks like it might take longer then expected for Jarrett to be the playmaker this team wants him to be.

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Posted in avant, celek, Chas Henry, Curtis Marsh, Eagles, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Jason Babin, lesean mccoy, Michael Vick, Teo'Neisham

Eagles, Vick near extension?

Posted on August 6, 2011 | Leave a comment

Take not DeSean Jackson: Michael Vick has said time and time again that his contract will take care of itself.

And it looks like that is exactly what is happening- and it could be over soon.

Michael Vick looks on during practice

ESPN is reporting that Michael Vick and the Eagles are indeed talking about a long term extension. Their is no time table on when a deal will be done, but it should be done sooner then later.

It will be interesting to see what kind of money Micheal Vick gets. His age, combined with his dangerous playing style, will definitely playa  factor in how much determining how much guaranteed money Vick lands. At the same time, however, Vick is one of the best quarterbacks in this league, and his value to this team cannot be understated.

To anyone who has been at Lehigh, thing is very clear: This team, this Super Bowl contending team, is unequivocally Michael Vick’s team. It has adopted his attitude and his confidence. Free agents talk about wanting to play with him, and his teammates look to him to carry them.

The decision to sign Michael Vick two seasons ago has paid off in spades for the Eagles.

Now it looks like it is time for Michael Vick to cash in on it as well.

 

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Posted in Eagles, Michael Vick

Vick on Rob Ryan: He’s gonna have to deal with us

Posted on August 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

A few days ago, Rob Ryan took a shot at the Philadelphia Eagles, saying that they were the “all-hype team” and that the Cowboys were going to “kiss their a**”

Those words did not go over well with Michael Vick.

Speaking to 97.5 The Fanatic, Vick shot back at Ryan.

“I was mad about that,” Vick said with a cool confidence. “Sometimes my emotions do come into play and I felt like that was inappropriate. But he’s gonna have to deal with us. And he’s going to have to find solutions just like everybody else. And we don’t talk. We go about our business the right way.”

Vick is absolutely right in what he said, and would make head coach Andy Reid proud in the way he said it. The Cowboys and their defensive coordinator can talk all they want, but the fact is that their defense got burned by the Eagles last season in Dallas. It’s understandable that Ryan would want to fire his team up and show confidence in his players, but he might have awoken the wrong giant in Vick and the Eagles offense.

“Maybe we’ll make him eat his words” finished Vick. “I hope he backs it up.”

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Posted in Dallas Cowboys, Eagles, Michael Vick

Vick on Super Bowl Parade: “Plan It”

Posted on August 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

One difference noticeable difference between Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb has been the confidence and swagger Vick had brought to the quarterback position.

That confidence was on display again today during an interview with Howard Eskin and Ike Reese of 610WIP.

Vick stretches after a morning practice

Vick was asked about the excitement  surrounding this upcoming season, and the fans back in Philadelphia already planning a parade.

“Plan it,” Vick said confidently.

Vick went on to say in the interview that he feels this season will be a memorable one, and that he can’t help but work harder as the team continues to bring in free agents.

In the interview, Reese asked Vick if he felt like he had been given the keys to a Lamborghini. Vick agreed, saying now that he has the keys, all he has to do is drive it.

Vick has been razor sharp every day at camp. From the minute he takes the field to cheers from the fans, Vick has been smooth, confident and productive. Last year, coming in as the back up, he was more of a observer as Kolb ran the show.  One noticeable difference is how much time he has spent during this camp talking to his receivers, giving them little things he sees that could improve a route.  He is really putting his imprint on this team, as you can tell his teammates feed off of his confidence. He said that he feels every ball he throws is going to be a completion, and it’s looked that way so far.

Vick taking his game to the next level is a scary thought. After being so dominant at points last season, Vick could set NFL records if he is consistent over 16 games.

And if he is, that plan will need to be planned.

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Posted in Eagles, Michael Vick

Review: First Day of Hitting at Eagles Camp

Posted on July 31, 2011 | Leave a comment

The effects of the lockout have been felt throughout the NFL from a front office perspective, but today at Lehigh, the on field results were very visible.

While the Eagles players took the field for the 8:05 am practice in full pads, the pads were off by 9am. During that hour, the team did maybe a half hour (and thats generous) of live hitting.

So what did the abbreviated version of live hitting teach Eagles fans? Here are some of the highlights from camp today.

Moss jogs up the sideline after bringing in a long touchdown

Sinorce Moss: Moss was a late season addition to the Eagles last season, and did not see much time on the playing field. But during this offseason, he was one of the players who were a constant at the unofficial New Jersey work outs. How much direct effect that had on his play so far is unknown, but Moss was very impressive today. Multiple times Moss was able to real in long passes down the sideline, including one diving catch that called for him to trap the ball under his body as he dove. Michael Vick spent a lot of time on the sideline talking to Moss about little things he could do to improve, which shows that Moss is viewed as a important part of the receiving core. While his touches will drop drastically when DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin return, Moss has played well enough that he may have a spot on this team all but locked up. Not quite, but he’s close.

Graig Cooper: Dion Lewis was absent from the second half of practice, and Cooper stepped in and played well with the second time. He was able to miss some people miss in the backfield, and got to the edge for a “first down” on a 3rd and 1 drill. With Eldra Buckley unable to practice due to his contract situation, Cooper has stepped in and played well enough that Buckley’s job may not be as wrapped up as once thought.

Brent Celek: Celek did not stand out this morning, as he had to leave the field with an injury. While he is assumed to be fine, Celek has been a virtually non existent this camp. Over the last two days, Celek has been a ghost. Celek put on some muscle in the offseason, and was visibly bigger during the work outs in New Jersey during the offseason. In his place, Clay Harbour has had a good camp, catching everything thrown his way. Clearly Celek is in no danger of not making the team,  but it will be interesting to see if all of the working out and muscle gaining have a negative effect on his game.

Jaiquawn Jarrett: Penciled in by many as a starter, Jarrett has been running with the third team defense for most of camp. With his name not even on the back of his jersey, Jarrett is a player that excelled in college due to his knowledge of the game. Not the fastest, Jarrett will move up the depth chart once his grasp of the defense improves. But for now, it looks like the second round pick is far down the depth chart.

Michael Vick: Vick has had a very impressive camp so far on many levels. On the field, he has been amazingly sharp. Whether it is in 11 on 11 drills or simple passing drills, Vick has made every throw with accuracy. Off the field, Vick has been talking to his receivers during breaks about things they can do that he is seeing. After one play today, he and Chad Hall talked about what each saw on a route and how they could improve it. Watching them talk, it was evident that what everyone says about Vick’s improved emphasis on preparation is true. Vick is without question the leader of this team, and unlike last camp where the feeling was on cautious optimistic and excitement, the feeling at this camp is clear: confidence. The players believe in Vick, and Vick believes in them.

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Posted in celek, Graig Cooper, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Michael Vick, Sinorce Moss

Vince Young on competing with Vick: “Of course we’ll compete”

Posted on July 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

As Vince Young made his away across the fields at Lehigh, meeting his new teammates and coaches, the fans rose in excitement to see the new back up quarterback.

Young talks with the other Eagle cornerbacks

Yes, only in Philadelphia can a back up quarterback receive a standing ovation upon arrival to camp.

With shouts of “Welcome to Philly!” and “We’ll treat you better then Tennessee”, Young saluted the fans as he walked around sporting his new number 9 jersey.

While Young did not take the field to practice, he did speak afterwards for the first time to the Philadelphia media. Young was asked about whether or not he would consider himself as competing with Michael Vick.

“Of course we’ll compete”, said Young. “It will only make us better. I know that if I am on the field, he’ll support me. And if he’s on the field, I’ll do whatever I can to help him.”

Young later said that he would be happy with whatever role the Eagles need him to play- even if it means running the scout team. Needless to say, the Eagles will not be paying Young over $5 million dollars to be third string. But if Young thinks he has any chance of competing with Vick, he is sorely mistaken.

Did Young try to start a quarterback controversy when he said he would compete with Vick? Probably not. Young seemed to only be trying to say that the two would make each other better.

But for a few moments, Young’s competitiveness shined through- something the Eagles hope does not shine brighter as the season goes on.

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Posted in Eagles, Michael Vick, Vince Young

Report: DeSean “probably” holding out

Posted on July 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

What started as a Michael Vick comment has now been confirmed in a report by Geoff Mosher, Eagles beat writer for the News Journal of Wilmington.

Mosher reports that after talking to two sources, one of which is “fairly close” to DeSean, that the wideout is “probably not” showing up to Lehigh tomorrow.

Michael Vick, speaking to the media at the NovaCare this morning, turned what should have been a routine press conference into a breaking news one when he dropped a bomb on the media.

When asked whether or not he had spoken to DeSean Jackson recently, Vick had this to say about his number one wide out.

“Hopefully he will be here tomorrow. DeSean has some things to think about and some decisions to make that only he can make,” said Vick while sporting a Nike headband.

Vick was then asked directly if he thinks DeSean will show up to training camp tomorrow.

“I just don’t know. Just being realistic about the situation. It’s all in what DeSean wants,” said Vick.

Jacksons contract, which will pay him only $565,000 this year, was an issue all last season. Clearly upset about not receiving  the big deal he thinks he has earned, Jackson barley spoke to the media throughout the season. At training camp last season, Jackson slipped in through the back and refused to talk to the media throughout most of camp.

DeSean Jackson refused to talk to media last year at Training Camp

Will Jackson hold out of this years camp? If the report is true, then it looks like the Eagles will have a holdout on their hands. Despite it being a known issue, Jackson did handle himself well last season and did not create a problem in the locker room. His agent is Drew Rosenhaus, which always leaves the door open to a holdout. This year Jackson, who nicknamed himself “Jaccpot”, is serious about getting a contract.

The Eagles most likely will take care of him soon, but given Joe Banners tendency to take care of his players at a young age, Jackson may be seeing the writing on the wall that a deal is no guarantee.  Jackson is an undersized wide out who’s only real weapon is his speed- one of the first things to go in the NFL. While he is young, the Eagles cannot be blamed for being hesitant about giving him big money.

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Posted in DeSean Jackson, Eagles, Michael Vick

Agent: Vick is open to long term deal

Posted on July 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

Lost in the shuffle today is a qoute below from Michal Vick’s agent Joel Segal, who spoke today on the NFL Network about Vicks current situation with the Eagles.

“I think a long-term deal is something both sides would covet. I will talk to Joe Banner and explore that,” said Segal. “I think Mike is amenable to it. He’d look forward to it. He loves Philly, loves the fans, he’s a big Marty (Mornhinweg) fan, big Andy Reid fan. If the Eagles are interested, we’re definitely interested. “

Vick wants to stay in Philly according to his agent.

Of course, it’s not exactly earth shattering news to hear an agent say he is open to a long term deal. The Eagles may have intentions of eventually signing Vick to a long term deal, but a message was sent by only offering him a franchise tag. Andy Reid, Joe Banner, and Jeff Lurie may be mentally tied to Vick for the future, but clearly were not ready to be financially tied to Vick for years to come.

Will Vick end up getting a long term deal? If he starts off last year like he did the year before, it’s hard to imagine he won’t.

But until then, Vick should not quite cash in the big check he feels may be coming.

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Posted in Eagles, Michael Vick

Vick on Favre: It’d be an honor

Posted on July 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

Howard Eskin of 610WIP started what has become an annual NFL tradition last night: the Brett Favre watch.

Eskin reported last night that the Eagles may have interest in bringing in the future Hall-0f-Famer, in a back up role.

Since the report, Eagles reporters Tim McManus and Jeff McLane have shot down the report, saying that they have no heard the Eagles have any interest.

But that did not stop Michal Vick, the current Eagles starting quarterback, from taking to Twitter to support any potential Favre move.

Clearly, have Vick on board with any potential Favre signing would be big. Vick has been nothing but a great teammate and locker room guy since his arrival, so it’s no surprise that he doesn’t have any problem with Favre possibly being brought it.

Here is some footage of Vick talking about Favre, which I shot during with Garry Cobb of Gcobb.com.

Is bringing in Favre a smart move? It would make sense in many ways- proven winner, knows offense, comfortable with Reid.

But it would not solve any long term quarterback problems, if Vick were to go down. Favre showed last year he can’t handle a beating any more- and unless the Eagles offense line improves, he is in for one.

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Posted in brett favre, Eagles, Michael Vick, rumors

Vick bags another endorsement deal

Posted on July 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

This one should make the protestors happy: Michal Vick has bagged another endorsement deal.

Vick is now an official sponsor for Fuse Science Inc., which has a line of sports nutrition vitamins and minerals. The financial details of the contract were not released.

It's clear that consumers are starting to embrace Vick

“Fuse Science has game-changing technology and an incredible team of scientists and business leaders to bring it to market,” Vick said to the associated press. “I believe these products will revolutionize how athletes provide their bodies with nutrients and medicines, changing what we have come to accept as normal.”

Fuse Science CEO Adam Adler said that while Vick has shown he is more then just trying to turn his life around through football.

“As part of that change, he’s becoming a business man and not just a football player,’ said Adler.

It’s clear that Vick is starting to be seen as marketable in the eyes of businesses again. While signing with Nike was a big deal, it should only be a matter of time until the larger companies start to welcome Vick to their team.

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Posted in Eagles, Michael Vick