Eagles Wake-Up Call: Jaws, Vick And The QB List
Ron Jaworski‘s new quarterback power rankings are out, and Michael Vick comes in at No. 12. This is what Jaws had to say:
The Eagles easily could be 0-4, and nine turnovers through four games is too many, but his performance against the Giants convinced me to keep Vick at No. 12. He really got it going Sunday night, staying patient in the pocket, making his reads and only taking to the run when his passing options were exhausted. That’s how Philadelphia needs Vick to play from here on out.
Here are the 11 QBs Jaworski put ahead of Vick:
1) Aaron Rodgers
2) Tom Brady
3) Eli Manning
4) Peyton Manning
5) Drew Brees
6) Matt Ryan
7) Ben Roethlisberger
8) Joe Flacco
9) Matt Schaub
10) Phillip Rivers
11) Tony Romo
Romo and Vick seem to have a habit of winding up next to each other in these types of exercises. Jaws had the following to say about Dallas’ signal-caller.
Not all interceptions are created equal. Romo was victimized by a drop by Kevin Ogletree and a mental mistake by Dez Bryant. Yes, turnovers have been a common factor for Romo, but the score and game situations often prompt most of those miscues. The Dallas line is not good. Period. But Romo’s ability to avoid the rush, get outside the pocket and throw is probably second to none. He erases all kinds of mistakes for the Cowboys. Without him, Dallas may not win a game. He needs more help.
Vick and Romo’s numbers are pretty similar through four games.
| Name | Completion percentage | Yards | TDs | INTs | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Vick | 56.8 | 1146 | 4 | 6 | 72.7 |
| Tony Romo | 66.9 | 1148 | 5 | 8 | 78.5 |
Neither have been dazzling, as you can see, and might not be so high up on Jaworski’s list if they had different last names. They are 23rd and 28th, respectively, in quarterback rating. Romo has more interceptions than anyone in the league, and Vick is right on his heels. What Vick does have going for him is three game-winning drives in four games. Romo doesn’t have any.
WHAT YOU MISSED
Nothing wrong with a little trash-talking before an intrastate showdown. Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown decided to take a shot at Brandon Boykin. The rookie out of Georgia responded on Thursday.
Sheil makes his triumphant return with an All-22 look at the offense’s performance Sunday.
Vick and DeMeco Ryans have teamed up to form somewhat of a leadership partnership.
In my Twitter Mailbag, I break down the chances of Mychal Kendricks and Fletcher Cox taking home Rookie Defensive Player of the Year honors.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Les Bowen caught up with tackle Jason Peters, who is hopeful he can make a return to the playing field sometime this year.
“I’m running, doing everything,” Peters said, pausing briefly as he walked from the locker room to a training room. Asked if he has realistic hopes of playing this season, Peters said “yeah.”
Demetress Bell is expected to start again at left tackle this week. Dan Graziano goes to the coaches tape to evaluate Bell’s performance against New York.
The conclusion? Not too bad, though for most of the game the Eagles gave him a lot of help and little responsibility. Bell was on the field for 47 plays in the first three quarters, and he had either one or two tight ends lined up with him on 23 of those (48.9 percent). For some reason, though, the Eagles took away Bell’s help in the fourth quarter, lining up one or more tight ends on just four of his 21 plays in the fourth (19.0 percent).
Ten of the 14 experts at ESPN picked the Steelers over the Eagles.
COMING UP
The Eagles’ final practice of the week starts at 11:45 this morning. Andy Reid will speak afterwards. The team will leave for Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon.