Yeah, the Eagles started the preseason with a 13-6 win. But, really, we all know a preseason win and $5 will get you across the Walt Whitman Bridge.
Still, you always look to get a sense of how well a team is or isn’t clicking in the early going. A number of things jumped out at Eagles Nation last night.
The Eagles may have a legit NFL pass rush this year. The team racked up six sacks in Jim Washburn's scheme, including this one on Audubon's Joe Flacco.
What looked good:
- Michael Vick looked like he has gotten better during the off season despite not working with Andy Reid or Marty M., or spending much time with his teammates at PowerTrain or the athletic field of South Jersey. Vick played just one series, but 4-of-6 passing and a TD are solid.
- Vince Young looked competent in his brief time on the field, going 3-of-5 for 45 yards. He’s still got some elusive rushing skills as he displayed on the first down scramble and the throw to Chad hall on a broken play. He’s not a Pro Bowler, but he can be a solid backup on this team. Should something happen to Vick, the Eagles will be OK with Young at QB against the dredge of the NFC such as the Deadskins.
- Riley Cooper gained a little swagger this offseason. He looks bigger and the 42-yard pass he hauled in displayed toughness we never saw from Hank Baskett. Maybe Cooper is the big red zone target this team has been lacking.
- Speaking of the red zone, it was nice to see Brent Celek get a little love in that area on his TD grab. The TE must be more involved this year.
- Speaking of getting Celek involved, an improved offensive line will help with that scheme. Danny Watkins and Ryan Harris sure looked good on Vick’s weak side.
- Ronnie Brown gained just 22 yards on 9 carries. But, he still showed some speed and decent running skills. Let’s see how he looks behind the first unit. Something tells me this guy — if he stays healthy — is the guy who can lengthen Shady McCoy’s career.
- Howard Mudd, Jim Washburn and Juan Castillo have put some enthusiasm back into the lines and the defense.
- Castillo may just be the guy for the job after all. On Jaiquawn Jarret’s interception, who was the first to rush over and slap his helmet? Yeah, that was Castillo.
- The Eagles have a pass rush thanks to Washburn. Darryl Tapp looked like the next Jason Babin last night. Eagles rcked up six sacks, two by Tapp. The scheme and rotation has a chance to be special. Maybe the Bud Carson/Jim Johnson heyday is coming back.
- Rookie kicker Alex Henery. Dude was 2-of-2 on field goals. Solid start to a career.
What didn’t look so good:
- Mike Kafka’s interception. That was a horribly thrown ball. The second year QB went 13-of-19, but I’m not sure he can do it against the second unit, let alone the starters.
- Andy Reid’s first challenge. That wasn’t close enough in my eyes to review and burn a timeout on. Then again, it’s the preseason for Big Red, too.
- The final score. Scoring just three points after Vick an Young were pulled? Not good.
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