SB Nation Philly - Michael Vick: "We Definitely Have Something Special"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2011-08-12T11:35:19-04:00http://philly.sbnation.com/rss/stream/21219272011-08-12T11:35:19-04:002011-08-12T11:35:19-04:00Michael Vick: "We Definitely Have Something Special"
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<p>The Philadelphia defeated the Baltimore Ravens 13-6 in their preseason opener and generally looked pretty good doing. The first offense scored in their only drive and the defense got six sacks, two turnovers and gave up no touchdowns. Overall, it was a pretty good performance for a team with a lot of guys that have had less than a week of practice to prepare. Here's what some had to say in the locker room after the game.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/1188/michael-vick">Michael Vick</a></b></p>
<p>"I feel that each and every guy in the locker room wants to be on this year. We've enjoyed each other so much over training camp and just spending time with one another, getting to know one another. [We're] just so happy to be back and gelling as a team that I think that every guy in the locker room wishes they could be on this team. And I think that's why you get the effort that you just saw out on the field. Because guys want to play for us. It's awesome. It's awesome. I wish every guy could make this team and be a part of it. But yeah, we definitely have something special and this was by far one of the best training camps that I had, one of the best teams that I ever felt that I've been a part of and I enjoy each and every teammate that I have in the locker room."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/71549/lesean-mccoy">LeSean McCoy</a></b></p>
<p>"It's still early. It was only one series and it's going take a lot to be a good team. We have to get everybody back healthy and in the flow of things. It will take a bit of time, but we will be good. I think that past few years we were good and now with a few more weapons and working together, we will be fine."</p>
<p><b>Punter <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/131096/chas-henry">Chas Henry</a></b></p>
<p>"It's great. I love winning and coming to a place like this, where the expectations are winning a Super Bowl. That is the expectation you should have as a professional. I relish that and can't wait to begin the season."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/130943/danny-watkins">Danny Watkins</a></b></p>
<p>"There are certainly some things I need to work on. I have only been in camp for a week, so I need to get comfortable with things and pick up on the offense. It's going to be a continuing thing. There are a lot of things to work on. I told coach Mudd that I am not afraid to put extra time into it. I am hoping for a good week of practice and head down to Pittsburgh and see how it goes."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/2903/vince-young">Vince Young</a></b>, who evidently feels that he needs to keep working.</p>
<p>"I have to continue to keep working. It's a new offense and a new team. I just want to continue to keep working. I felt alright tonight, but it's not where I want to be at. I have to go back to the practice field and keep working to progress."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/108637/kurt-coleman">Kurt Coleman</a></b></p>
<p>"With the way [defensive coordinator] Juan [Castillo] is having us play, I mean, we're playing fast and we're manning up a lot of guys. I don't know if you can tell, but we are getting after these wide receivers. They made a couple catches, but at the end of the day, they didn't get in the end zone. From [the first team] to the end of the first quarter, everyone did their job and I think that's something that we can improve on. There are still things that we have to go back and check the film on and get better at, but overall, I'm pleased with the way it went down."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/2338/darryl-tapp">Darryl Tapp</a> </b>is now wearing the #55 jersey, but he says that wasn't the reason for his two sacks.</p>
<p>"[Jokingly] It might have been. No, it was definitely a lot of work with [defensive line] coach [Jim] Washburn. There's still a lot more work to do, but it was a good feeling to get a good start."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/130984/alex-henery">Alex Henery</a></b>, a kicker, says it was to get started off "on the right foot." Get it!?</p>
<p>"Yeah, the first kickoff was kind of nice and I got a good one. I snuck it in. It was good to just get started off on the right foot. I was happy how it went today."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/130856/jaiquawn-jarrett">Jaiquawn Jarrett</a> </b>on his first pick</p>
<p>"It was a great experience to come out here in my first professional game to get out here and compete. The coaches had faith in me and the players did, so it was exciting for me to get a turnover and get the offense back on the field."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/3286/nnamdi-asomugha">Nnamdi Asomugha</a></b>... he calls us "we!"</p>
<p>I've had three practices and a preseason game, and obviously we're talented-it's laid out all over the place and everyone sees it and the coaching is great here as well. So, we could be really special. I think we have a great opportunity to do some big things this year. But with those expectations, you have to put in a little more focus, so it may not be as easy as other people are expecting it to be. We still have a lot of work to do."</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nfl/players/131192/casey-matthews">Casey Matthews</a></b></p>
<p>"I knew what this team was capable of doing. With this outcome, I wasn't surprised, but with how fast it went. I only got eight reps and that's fine. Each game we'll start getting more and more and just looking forward to getting in a rhythm. We have a good group of guys and we know what we're all about. Obviously, it's nice coming out with the victory."</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/8/12/2359368/michael-vick-we-definitely-have-something-specialJason Brewer2011-08-12T04:54:34-04:002011-08-12T04:54:34-04:00Video: Riley Cooper Owns Ed Reed
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<p>Second year WR vs future hall of fame safety... WHO YA GOT?!<br><br> <object width="300" height="200"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xRjm5nxiDtI?version=3&hl=en_US">
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xRjm5nxiDtI?version=3&hl=en_US" mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xRjm5nxiDtI?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300" height="200" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> </p>↵<p>And despite Don Tollefson calling him "Chad Hall" that is indeed Riley Cooper. Just so you don't ever get those two confused, Chad Hall is the guy who's 5-8 and Riley Cooper is the one who's 6-3.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/8/12/2358951/video-riley-cooper-owns-ed-reedJason Brewer2011-08-11T22:36:09-04:002011-08-11T22:36:09-04:00Eagles Vs Ravens: Michael Vick, First Team Offense Shine
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<p>Andy Reid said this week that he planned for his first team offense to play the first quarter. But after <span>Michael Vick</span> led them straight down the field for a TD on the first series, Reid had decided he had seen enough. Vick connected on four of his six passes, including a nice 42 yarder to <span>Riley Cooper</span> and a three yard TD pass to <span>Brent Celek</span>.</p>
<p>Vick was crisp with his passes, the offensive lane gave him all the time in the world… overall you probably could not have asked for more out of the first team in the first preseason game of the year. Vick said during the game that he was just happy to face another defense for once...</p>
<p>"Just to get back out for a preseason game after not having the OTA's and the minicamps and the offseason strength and conditioning programs, it was good to get back and to get out there to have an opportunity to just play against another defense." Vick said on the sideline, "We play against our defense every day in practice, they blitz us every day and we just wanted to play against somebody else."</p>
<p>When the second team came in, we saw some good things from some of the playmakers as well. <span>Ronnie Brown</span> especially was impressive despite getting very little blocking. I thought generally <span>Vince Young</span> did good things despite being under pretty heavy pressure for most of the game.</p>
<p>Other offensive performances of note would be <span>Chad Hall</span>, who caught five passes for 82 yards. <span>Dion Lewis</span> only ran for 26 yards on 10 carries, but looked pretty impressive when he had holes.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> defense was really the story of the night registering six sacks and picking off two passes. The effect of Jim Washburn on the front seven could be seen almost immediately as the Eagles constantly brought pressure. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>’ backup <span>Tyrod Taylor</span> was able to avoid some of that pressure with his athleticism, but he was also in a bit over his head in the passing game and the Eagles certainly took advantage of that. Rookie second round pick Jaiquwan Jarrett and <span>Jarrad Page</span> both got picks in their Eagle debuts.</p>
<p>All in all a solid preseason debut. As with any preseason game there’s only so much you can take from it, but more than anything you just don’t want to see injuries or poor play from your starters. <span>King Dunlap</span> did walk off with a knee injury, but nothing seemed serious and the first team offense and defense played well. Eagles take the win 13-6.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/8/11/2358603/eagles-vs-ravens-michael-vick-first-team-offense-shineJason Brewer2011-08-11T16:36:52-04:002011-08-11T16:36:52-04:00Two Key Players To Keep An Eye On Vs. Ravens
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<p>Preseason games are a very important tool for <span class="caps">NFL</span> teams to determine which players are deserving of spots on final regular season rosters…here are two key players to keep an eye on when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> tonight to kick off their 2011 exhibition schedule:</p>
<p>1. <span class="caps">MLB</span> <span>Casey Matthews</span>: With <span>Stewart Bradley</span> now a Cardinal and the Eagles choosing not to bring in any serious competition at the middle linebacker spot, the fourth-round draft pick is slated to open the preseason (and eventually the regular season) in the lineup as part of Juan Castillo’s defensive unit. He isn’t anywhere near the type of player his older brother Clay is, but Matthews has been heralded for his instincts and knowledge of the game. He will get his first chance to prove himself as a potential starter tonight after over a week of praise at Training Camp.</p>
<p>2. OT Ryan Harris: Signed as a free agent during Training Camp, Harris is on track to replace the injured <span>Winston Justice</span> at the right tackle position, and despite some durability concerns that surfaced during his stint in Denver, the 26-year-old blocker is believed to have an ideal skill set for Howard Mudd’s O-line scheme and could prove to be an important part of the Eagles. Tonight, he’ll receive his first chance to gel with the rest of the blocking unit against a stout Ravens defense, and a solid performance might be enough to solidify a starting job in the trenches alongside the likes of rookie <span>Danny Watkins</span> and perennial Pro-Bowl-caliber players like <span>Todd Herremans</span> and <span>Jason Peters</span>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/8/11/2358000/two-key-players-to-keep-an-eye-on-vs-ravensCody Benjamin2011-08-11T16:10:57-04:002011-08-11T16:10:57-04:00Eagles Vs Ravens Preseason Preview
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<p>The new look <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> will stage their first dress rehearsal tonight as they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in their first preseason game of the year. Most of the new faces will be making appearance with <span>Nnamdi Asomugha</span>, <span>Cullen Jenkins</span>, <span>Jason Babin</span>, <span>Ronnie Brown</span>, <span>Vince Young</span> & <span>Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie</span> all expected to play about a quarter.</p>
<p>As usual, whether the starters actually play a full quarter will be up to Andy Reid’s discretion. In the past, Reid has pulled his starters from preseason games if they turn in one good series.</p>
<p>The Eagles will be without both starting WRs as <span>DeSean Jackson</span> hasn’t even had the chance to practice yet after ending his 11 day holdout and <span>Jeremy Maclin</span> is still undergoing tests for his mystery illness that the Eagles won’t discuss. Newly signed Steve Smith is still rehabbing a knee injury and wouldn’t have played even if he was healthy.</p>
<p>This will be the 11th preseason meeting between these two teams with the Ravens sporting a 7-3 record in the first ten contests. Baltimore is led by John Harbaugh, a former Andy Reid assistant who ran the Eagles special teams for a decade. Harbaugh is 32-16 in three years as head coach of the Ravens.</p>
<p>The game will start 7:30 pm at the Linc and can be seen on 6ABC locally. <span class="caps">NFL</span> Network will air a rebroadcast following the game. Radio coverage can be heard on 94 <span class="caps">WYSP</span>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/8/11/2357949/eagles-vs-ravens-preseason-previewJason Brewer2011-08-10T14:18:36-04:002011-08-10T14:18:36-04:00Eagles Vs Ravens Preseason: Andy Reid Says Who's In Who's Out
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<p>The Eagles host the Ravens in their preseason opener tonight at the Linc</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> play their preseason opener tomorrow night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, just a couple weeks after the NFL opened for business. Many of the newest Eagles have only been practicing for a week and yet here we are, with a game to play. Just another feature of what has been bizarre start to the NFL season. Because of the late start, injuries, holdouts etc, we will not be seeing the Eagles at full strength but we will get a chance to get our first look at some of the new toys.</p>
<p>Despite only practicing for a few days, <span>Nnamdi Asomugha</span> will get the start at corner opposite <span>Asante Samuel</span>. Reid says that the starters are penciled in to play only the first quarter.</p>
<p>"Really simple rotation," Reid said. "The ones will go the first quarter, the twos the second quarter, and obviously there's some groups that are a little thinner than others, so they might carry over into the third quarter in certain positions. The third quarter the threes will go, and again, some of those guys might carry over into the fourth quarter. The fours, and I'm really giving you the quarterbacks right now, will go in the fourth quarter, or at least part of the fourth quarter."</p>
<p>Neither <span>DeSean Jackson</span> nor <span>Jeremy Maclin</span> will play, so that leaves <span>Jason Avant</span> and Jeremy Maclin as the starters at WR. Maclin is still sidelined with the illness that the team refuses to discuss and DeSean Jackson only came to camp just two days ago, so he's certainly not ready to play a game yet. He reportedly dos plan to play next week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> however.</p>
<p>Reid admitted that a game so soon after the start of camp is odd, but he expects everyone to be giving maximum effort.</p>
<p>They're going to get in and try to show, and I think for those younger players, or the veteran players trying to make the team, or a team, you get an A-effort for wherever they're at right now condition-wise and knowledge of the offense or defense-wise. Everybody is going to play in this game, so that gives them an opportunity, if they don't make this team, then at least they have some tape out there and some work they've shown on tape that they might be able to get picked up by another football team. So it's important that they give it their best shot."</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/8/10/2355634/eagles-vs-ravens-preseason-andy-reid-says-whos-in-whos-outJason Brewer