What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Here’s the weekly roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles.

Don Banks of SI.com writes that Chip Kelly is not about to let Michael Vick get comfortable:

But clearly Kelly is writing nothing in cement at quarterback this season in Philadelphia, and Vick should think of his starting designation as a status he’d be wise to earn a week at a time, for the next four-plus months. I listened to Kelly’s comments over the weekend, and I came away convinced that he’s on to something with the idea he introduced into his hotly contested quarterback derby: Namely that Vick at this point in his less-than-conventional career is better served by never being allowed to feel completely secure in the starting job.

In other words, here’s the carrot, and here’s the stick. Keep chasing.

Ashley Fox of ESPN.com weighs in on why Kelly chose Vick:

The guy is Vick. The reason is simple: The Eagles are Vick’s team. It is obvious. It might have taken Kelly several months to figure that out, but it is an inescapable truth. The players wanted Vick to be the starter. They like Foles, sure, but many look up to and admire Vick. Some idolize him. They all remember the Michael Vick experience. They remember how he ran as a rookie for Atlanta. They’ve all seen the good, and they believe in him.

Gary Horton of Scouts, Inc. has the Eagles’ offensive line as one of his most-improved units, league-wide:

This is a new offense under Chip Kelly that puts a priority on athletic ability and range by the guys up front. In addition, they must be able to block on the second level. All of these offensive linemen run well and have the attributes to flourish in this scheme.

Greg A. Bedard of TheMMQB.com likes what he saw from LeSean McCoy:

Also, for all the talk about the Eagles quarterbacks, the player who will reap the benefit the most from Kelly’s offense is running back LeSean McCoy (pictured at the top of this column, scoring against the Panthers). There might not be a better space runner in the league, and that’s the goal of that scheme—to create extra space. One more Eagles note: First-round pick Lane Johnson has been a standout at right tackle so far.

Peter King of TheMMQB.com offers his one lasting impression from  his visit to Philadelphia:

I never saw a huddle in two hours and 20 minutes. I saw Mike Vick complete seven passes in a row in seven-on-seven drills. I have no idea if the Eagles can play any defense, but this is going to be a fun offense to watch.

Adam Schein of NFL.com thinks the Eagles could be a surprise team:

Bottom line: The Eagles are going to be better than you think. I’m all in on Kelly and will continue screaming my belief in the NFL newbie from the mountaintop.

Could Philly prove to be the best of an average bunch in the NFC East and shock the NFL world?

Elliot Harrison of NFL.com predicts an All-Pro year for Evan Mathis:

The former journeyman is starting to get some credit; Pro Football Focus had him rated as the top guard in football last season. The transformation of the Eagles’ offense will depend on Mathis.

Gregg Doyel of CBSSports.com says he’s rooting for Vick and the Eagles this year:

The awesomeness of Vick applies on the field, too. He remains one of the most perfectly constructed quarterbacks ever, a guy with a strong arm and beautiful throwing motion and tailback speed. He’s never had the right offense to showcase all of what he has, but what do you know? He has that offense now. Chip Kelly wrings every bit of production he can get out of his quarterbacks — he did at Oregon, anyway — and now he’ll try to do the same with Vick. If only he’d gotten Vick when he was 23 instead of 33 …

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has the Eagles 25th in his power rankings:

Chip Kelly sure has livened up that offense. And it looks like Mike Vick will be the starter. They will be fun to watch.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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