The Birds Baby!

Wow, that was a great game. Couldn't have started the game any better than that effortless toss from Vick to DeSean Jackson. That was the greatest display of pure athletic ability when Vick just flicked that ball about 60 yards in the air, completely across the field. I just love that thought process of going up top on the first play of the game and setting the tone. This is especially important to get some momentum when you are on the road in a divisional game. I was nervous going into this game because the Cowboys have been steadily getting better as the year has gone on and I didn't want to lose a cheap one to a team that we are better than. Although I still do not like Vick's in-game decisions all the time I do love when he is being aggressive and making play calls like that. He did a great job of last night of getting Vick out on the edge. Vick really has been looking to throw the ball. I could not believe that he didn't run in for the one touchdown and instead decided to rocket one into Herreman's, getting the big guy the touchdown. That was actually a great catch because he put some zip on it.
Both Vick and DeSean had great games last night. DeSean actually had a career high 210 yards. You also had to love DeSean's taunting of the Cowboys late in the game after he scored that touchdown and slowly fell over the endline. Maclin is really coming along and I love to see him playing well. He even beat Newman one on one a few times and Terrance Newman is one of the best cover corners in the NFL.
Bradley's injury to the elbow I heard was very gruesome (I could not look myself). I do not know how long he is out but that is a huge blow to the defense. We really need the defensive line and linebackers to step up. At time last night, early in the game, the Cowboys were getting way too many yards straight up the gut. At times I saw some defensive linemen getting blown off the ball when they were double-teamed. When taking on a double team it is expected that you won't be able to make the play. However, the linemen need to start falling to the ground and causing a pile. This causes 3 huge linemen to take up space on the ground and that fills the hole. When the noseguard is 8 yards downfield, that hole is way too big for the linebackers to fill. That is simply not playing smart football and its really easy, just fall to the ground. I don't understand how a professinal defensive linemen does not know to do that, that's just not using the right technique. We are really missing Asante and I cannot wait to get him back on the field. The guy is just a playmaker and we are signifantly better when we have him on the corner.
Vick really needs to stop taking so many hits. There was one hit he took last night where two Cowboy defensive linemen hit him helmet to helmet afer he let go of the ball. I don't know how the refs missed it. Also, the play on the sideline I think we should have gotten another 15 yards tacked on because he was clearly out of bounds when the guy pushed him to the ground. I know Reid was going crazy and he should have because he needs to look out for his QB. I know Vick is going to take some hits when he runs but we need to protect him better and sometimes he needs to simply get rid of the ball instead of trying to always make a play. Also, in the past he has had problems losing the ball when the pocket collapses. He threw two picks last night, one interception was on him but the one that Maclin tipped should have been caught. That was actually a great play by Vick, again making a great read and throwing it across the field. Although the pass was high, he needs to make that grab.
Shady McCoy continued to play well. I really think he was the best draft pick this Eagle's front office has made since McNabb. He was a great replacement for Westbrook and I think he is actually better at running between the tackles but Westbrook was a better receiever out of the backfield. It was nice to see Westbrook play really well on Monday Night Football the other week filling in for Frank Gore. Westbrook still has it but it was a good move for the Eagles to move on beause McCoy was ready for the starting role.
Its always a great win when you beat the Cowboys, especailly when its Sunday Night Football in front of the whole nation. Everyone played well and it was a great overall win for the Eagles. We still have a lot to work on and improve before the playoffs. Losing Bradley for a few weeks is a killer but as long as we stay aggressive and Vick and DeSean continue to be the playmakers that they are, I still stand by my prediction that we are going to the Superbowl. Let's keep it going!
---Buzzy

Fly Eagles Fly, On the road to Victory!
Fight Eagles Fight, Score a touchdown 1, 2, 3!
Hit 'em low, hit 'em high and watch our Eagles fly!
Fly, Eagles Fly, On the Road to Victory!
E-A-G-L-E-S--EAGLES!!!!