What They’re Saying About the Eagles

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

Andrew Kulp of the 700 Level thinks Michael Vick can very well make this team as a backup.

For one thing, Vick has given no indication – none – that he would be a malcontent if relegated to the bench. He accepted the same news last season after he was cleared to return from his concussion. He restructured his contract knowing full well there was an open competition for the job. And those comments of his we parsed and dissected until they equated to demanding Chip Kelly name a starter ahead of training camp? 24 hours earlier, Vick sounded determined to contribute in 2013 no matter the outcome.

How exactly is it even beneficial for Vick to demand a trade or his outright release? Any team that is looking for a signal caller in August is typically screwed, and at 33 years of age, Vick’s next chance to start could conceivably be his last. Does he really want to quarterback some directionless franchise while trying to learn a new system and mesh with unfamiliar personnel, or would he prefer to bide his time in Philly, make the most of whatever action he sees, and handpick his next opportunity during the offseason?

Dan Graziano looks at LeSean McCoy from a fantasy perspective.

 As for splitting carries, I’m not buying it as a reason to like these other backs over McCoy. I think Chip Kelly’s going to run the ball a ton. I think Brown will get carries but not nearly as many as McCoy will get. I think there will be enough running plays and short passing plays in the fast-paced, no-huddle, get-the-ball-out-quickly Philadelphia offense that McCoy will get as many touches as any running back in the league, even if Brown gets his own share. I think Brown’s a chronic fumbler who can’t be trusted in big spots, and I think Kelly knows that. I don’t think the Eagles’ quarterback situation is significantly better than those in Kansas City and Buffalo. In short, I love McCoy, especially as a late first-round value pick in fantasy this year.

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com sees big things for No. 25 as well.

New coach Chip Kelly loves to use his running backs on offense, which was apparent in the gangbusters numbers LaMichael James recorded while at Oregon. That’s exciting for the fantasy prospects of McCoy, who is coming off a disappointing 2012 campaign but is now in a position to rebound. He’ll be a first-round pick in most leagues. Brown remains the favorite to back up McCoy even with the addition of Jones, making him worth a late-round look or handcuff for owners with McCoy.

Geoff Mosher believes Riley Cooper is one of several Eagles veterans on the bubble.

Cooper is one of several veteran Eagles who might not be around for the season opener. I have no idea how many receivers Kelly plans to keep, but DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and Damaris Johnson can safely be considered locks to make the team. That leaves one or two more openings for a committee that includes Cooper, Arrelious Benn, Ifeanyi Momah, B.J. Cunningham and rookie Russell Shepard. Cooper and Benn can both make the team with impressive camps, but a numbers situation could force Kelly to decide upon one. Benn can play the slot, the outside and has return game experience. He’s a former second-round pick and has the versatility that Kelly covets.

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