Does Foles or Vick give the Eagles a legit shot at the playoffs in 2013?

       The Eagles are ready to get into training camp with a heated 3 (Or as I like to say 4 way) battle for the starting spot at Quarterback and with a veteran in Michael Vick who everyone has been saying as of late "Fits perfect in Chip Kelly's system" and bla bla bla all about what Kelly is going to do. Well Kelly has proven he doesn't care what the media says when he drafted Matt Barkley and decided to keep Foles when odds are the Eagles could have gotten some really good picks for a guy who impressed me and many others last season. With Vick, Foles, Barkley (And Dennis Dixon) competing in training camp this July for the job, the question for the season is, which one can get us to the post season and gives us a chance at our first Super Bowl? After a brutal season last year for Michael Vick, it looked like the 32 year old veteran would not be back in midnight green this summer, well Kelly liked what he saw enough to bring him back. It just seemed like last year Vick couldn't hang on to the football....nope that is exactly what happened. His costly mistakes and mental errors continued time and time again to cost the Eagles losses after starting off hot at 3-1 to drop their next 5. Then came Nick Foles the rookie third round pick out of Arizona, a completely wrecked offensive line plagued by injuries to every starter except for solid veteran left guard Evan Mathis was all that stood in front of Foles and a hungry defensive line. Foles showed poise and composure in his starts with his ability to move around in the pocket and stretch plays. This is what I really liked in Foles. I don't think Kelly needs a RG3 or Cam Newton as a mobile guy no I think he just needs a guy that has the ability to stretch the field with his legs and get the ball out of his hands quickly, plus not make so many mistakes. Foles only won 1 game but it was one that really won over a lot of the Eagles fans and media. After trailing by less than 7 with a final drive, Foles drove down the field and with no time on the clock, again rolled to his right with his legs and fired a rocket to Maclin to win it. This shows Foles has the "Clutch Gene" that starting QB s in the league need to have so that is a plus for when or if playoff time roles around for the Eagles. The kid can handle the pressure, yet so can Michael Vick, just look at the Miracle in the New Meadow lands or if that is too out dated already then how about week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. Alright so you get the whole recap, I am sure people reading this saw everything I was talking about lets talk about who has the advantage to get the Eagles to the playoffs. Michael Vick has one thing over Foles that might be big for a new head coach like Chip Kelly, he has experience. Vick has started in playoff games before and has shown he can lead a team, with a new system and quicker throws, the turnovers can be significantly removed. I think another thing that Vick has going for him is the teammates look to him as a leader and that is hard to do sometimes if your a young guy like Foles, you have to earn the respect of your teammates but hey Foles looks like he is doing that. Vick though has the team, he has been the starter for 3 years with a playoff appearance. I have read some articles online and it seems like fans are fed up with Michael Vick. I am not so done with him. I saw what he can do in 2010 I am still clinging to that hope that we see that guy again and Kelly is my last hope. Nick Foles on the other hand is a mature young second year QB who looked impressive last year (As I said previously). If we are looking to the future then yes it is time to go to Nick Foles......or Matt Barkley. He is grasping the new offense very well from what I hear and is getting more first team reps so yes maybe he can take another step to get Philadelphia back to the post season. With Foles though I believe it might take a little more time. If the Eagles want to start off with Foles then there will most likely be some growing pains with a young QB and a new Head Coach. Eagles fans, My message to you is this. If you want to win now then Vick might be the answer. I know most fans are saying the turnovers and how good Foles looked last year and all that about why Vick shouldn't start which is a very reasonable opinion on why Foles should start and I am all for Foles, I think he would be a good starter and would be comfortable as him as our future with Barkley (And Dixon) also in the picture.
As of right now I am going to give it to Michael Vick as the guy who has the ability RIGHT NOW, I can't stress that enough I am not saying he is the future. Vick will improve greatly if he starts but if not.....odds are he won't be on the roster at the start of week 1. Which means Dennis Dixon comes in and steals the hearts of Eagles fans with his miraculous play!!!!! A guy can dream can't he?

Is Carry Williams guaranteed a spot as a starter?

The Eagles are ready to start their first training camp under Head Coach Chip Kelly but there are a few players who are tending to talk with the media a lot. The Eagles signed Williams after releasing Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rogers-Cromartie to come into start after a big year in Baltimore. Well so far it he hasn't gotten off to the best start the Eagles were hoping for. The Eagles also singed Bradley Fletcher from the Rams and now is looking to get a much bigger role in Philadelphia. Carry Williams has missed a lot of the "Voluntary OTAs" due to little things such as a dental appointment or going to his daughters dance recital. He has been all over the media and I personally don't like the way he has handled his business as of now. Now the question is heading into training camp is he a unquestioned starter? Of course Chip Kelly is going to say it is wide open but for corner back which was arguably the Eagles worst position last year, a young player like Curtis Marsh, Jordan Poyer, or even Brandon Boykin could start if they impress in training camp and the pre-season. As of right now Carry Williams will most likely be taking first team snaps at the start but if 7th rd pick out of Oregon State Jordan Poyer makes a impact look out because Kelly will pull the trigger on a young gun if he is playing big time. Poyer to me would be the next guy up or Curtis Marsh to start if they could beat out Fletcher or Williams. Poyer played the press coverage at Oregon State and did a really good job at it.  Carry Williams had 4 interceptions during the season last year after Ladarius Webb had his season ending injury and showed some really good stuff in the playoffs where he had a int against the Colts and was big against the 49ers in the Super Bowl. I like the aggressive play and grit Williams brings so hopefully he can stay out of the spot light and just play some football which is exactly what the Eagles need at this point, they can't really afford to have many distractions as they prepare for their first season under Head Coach Chip Kelly.

What does Felix Jones do for the Eagles?

The Eagles signed former Dallas Cowboy Running Back Felix Jones last week to a one year contract and will backup McCoy along with young promising backs in Bryce Brown and Chris Polk. The explosive back fits Chip Kelly's system perfectly but with Bryce Brown who was a surprise breakout rookie last year....what exactly can we use Jones for? Well for one Chip Kelly is going to rotate players around maybe even move McCoy to WR and Jones at RB I can easily see at times so the versatility is for sure there but the thing I like most about Jones other than providing a veteran prescience for 3 young running backs is his explosive kick returning. Bryce Brown does have some fumbling issues he must attend to which could be a reason why the Eagles went out and got Jones but as I said, His Kick Returning is spectacular compared to what we had last year which was just plain out unproductive. Rookie Corner as of last year out of Georgia Brandon Boykin took kick return starter and rookie out of Tulane WR Damaris Johnson took punt returning duties. This 2 rookie set didn't work too well and since Desean Jackson is returning to punt returning they could use a explosive kick returner to help and go along with Boykin. Felix Jones only has one career return TD but was not put at the spot a lot not really giving him the opportunity to do it. Watching the small samples we got I can totally see this guy having a pro bowl special teams year. The Eagles will be running many different offensive looks this year including 3 TE sets, 4 WRS, Heck maybe even 3 running backs which would actually be pretty dangerous. Move Brown to FB for the play have McCoy at RB and Jones next to him phew this could be a fun thing to watch as Kelly plays with his toys. It's not the biggest pick up but Jones is another piece to this mysterious puzzle and I personally am intrigued to see what Kelly wants from Jones who by the way when Demarco Murray was hurt last year, he was very productive finishing the year off with around 700 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns. For a backup that's pretty good.

Cases for each Eagles QB for the job

The Philadelphia Eagles made a big move day 3 of the draft taking a surprise drop and complete stud in my opinion in college in Matt Barkley from USC. Well this really makes things complicated for the Eagles starting job doesn't it. Well in my opinion Barkley could be the next Tom Brady (Courtesy of NFL.com's Bucky Brooks) Here are the cases for each Eagles QB to start. Yes even GJ Kinnie.......Come on give the guy a chance.

Michael Vick- Well most Eagles fans expected him to be gone with Andy Reid after a awful and disastrous 4-12 year for Vick and the Eagles. Vick did have 4 of his 5 Lineman out for the year well Watkins counts in my opinion but he just simply could not stop turning over the ball. I'm still waiting for that 2010 magic to come back but I just don't see it happening. The good for Vick is he fits the read option offense Chip Kelly should be sprinkling in on the offense. His mobility and big arm fits great but the durability and turnovers are a major concern. If the O-Line along with 4th overall pick Lane Johnson can thrive and stay healthy well Vick has the weapons so no excuses. According to Jeremy Maclin and Lesean McCoy it looks like Vick is the front runner right now for the job but if he struggles or gets hurt early in the year well we might just not see him if Foles, Barkley or Dixon go off which I expect to happen at some time. I still think there is something left in Vick and this is the year to break that old Michael Vick out and if he doesn't work out well Chip Kelly won't hesitate to pull him.  Predicted Record if Vick starts all 16 Games- 9-7



Nick Foles- The second year player did some good things last year in place for Vick but only notched one win and just didn't in my eyes have that "It" factor. He has a big arm and is smart in the pocket but I just don't see the fit in Kelly's offense. I think he is at the biggest risk to be cut if he doesn't win the starting job. For his case in starting if he impresses in the preseason like he did last year and in training camp he could upend Vick or Dixon or Barkley. Most analyst think its up between Foles and Vick which is probably the case and not saying I wouldn't like to see what the kid has because I do he only played a couple games and was in a disastrous situation that he got thrown into but he just doesn't wow me in any way except for his maturity which tended to be the theme for last years QBs which was older than they really were maturity wise. We could see next year if things don't work with Vick a two QB battle with Barkley and Foles for our future QB which I do see Dixon Barkley or Foles as the guy in my opinion.
Predicted Record if Foles starts all 16 Games- 7-9


Dennis Dixon- The Eagles signed Dixon in the off season which to me was the smartest move they could have did. The former Oregon Duck played for Coach Chip Kelly back in 2008 and is the dark horse for the starting job. His read option ability and knowledge of the offense should already give him an advantage. He has to get his mechanics down but his arm is strong and has a high football IQ. I really want to see what this guy can do with only 3 starts and a 2-1 record he proved he can win in this league unlike Foles and Barkley even though Barkley hasn't played of course. Dixon is a long shot to start but if he can light it up in the preseason, Chip Kelly isn't afraid to put the best guy in. He and Foles are the two who are battling for a roster spot because if he doesn't win the job they will put him on the practice squad and keep Foles as the two because Barkley and Vick to me are a lock to make the team even though to me Vick should not be a lock. Dixon is getting the biggest shot to start and I am rooting for him to take full advantage of the biggest shot in his football career. Predicted Record if Dixon starts all 16 Games- 8-8


Matt Barkley- The Rookie probably has the second longest shot to start come Week 1 (Sorry GJ Kinnie) but I can see him getting on the field this year. If he doesn't win the job I think he is #3 on the roster but hey Rookies have success in their first year and Barkley is NFL ready and could be our QB of the future. We completely stole him in the 4th rd and if he can impress in the preseason like all the QBS he has a legit shot. People are saying he doesn't fit in Kelly's system well unlike Foles, Barkley has some mobility and is good at the no huddle fast paced offense. The rookie will for sure get a shot next year but I just don't see him winning it this year but if he gets on the field he may just stay there for the next seasons to come if of course he gets more than 1 win unlike Foles which I think hurts Foles significantly. Predicted Record if Barkley Starts all 16 Games- 6-10



GJ Kinnie- Well Kinnie you've made it this far.....I'm sorry but I just don't think you have a good shot. Impressive AFL career but that's where you will thrive. Predicted Record if Kinnie Starts all 16 Games- 3-13




MY PREDICTION FOR STARTER: DENNIS DIXON #Dixon4Starter

Does Dennis Dixon have a legit shot at the Starting job?

The Eagles signed Dennis Dixon in February to bring in competition for the QB spot and Dixon was Kelly's QB in college when he was the OC of Oregon. Dennis Dixon is a very interesting player who got drafted in the 5th rd by the Steelers after a torn ACL against Arizona where he could have won the Heisman and maybe picked in the first rd. Well then after a couple starts in Pittsburgh where he did go 2-1 just saying that's good for only 3 games then went to the Ravens and was put on the practice squad playing as the "RG3" or "Kaepernick" in practice as he ran the read option in college. Well he just might be doing that on Sundays for the Eagles this year. I am big on the kid I think his maturity is great and hes still young and has time to grow.  If your going to go with a guy in the draft like Manuel or Smith you might have a better option on the roster already. Today was the first day of Eagles mini camp program and HC Chip Kelly said in his press conference that Foles and Vick split first team reps and Dixon was put in there for a couple snaps. Well when Kelly said the job is up for grabs including Dixon wouldn't he get equal snaps? Maybe not coming from experience stand point and simply Vick and Foles are more likely to win the job. Is Dixon getting a fair shot at the job? Well it is only one day of practice but I think he does. If he can execute the option well and make smart decisions with running and passing, he just might squeeze in there. Foles to me does not fit the system and should be traded before the trade deadline keeping Vick and Dixon to duke it out at training camp and bring in EJ Manuel out of Florida State or develop a young raw guy like Arizona QB Matt Scott. Putting Dixon at the starting spot maybe Week 1 isn't a big possibility but like Kelly said the Eagles with this system will need at least 3 QB s to run this as injuries to Vick will be likely with all the running and if Vick continues his turn over ways then Dixon could find his way in quickly or play a key backup role to a young QB like Manuel or maybe even Geno Smith. Dixon will need to have a big preseason and training camp if he wants a shot at the job but I think he can fit great into the Eagles system if he can outplay Vick, Foles and any drafted QB.

NFL Mock Draft!

Here is the NFLExperts newest mock draft my official one!

Check out my 2013 NFL Draft Mock Draft

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joekel OT Texas A&M- The Chiefs got Alex Smith as their QB  so they will look to give him a dynamic tackle with this pick. Johnny Manziel's sucess should be credited greatly to this guy.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan OLB Oregon- The Jaguars could go QB but they need pass rushing and Gus Bradley is a defensive minded coach. The most complete outside linebacker will help the jags greatly in their rebuilding process.

3. Oakland Raiders: Shariff Floyd DT Florida- The Raiders Defense was bad last year and with Seymour as a FA and Desmond Bryant, The Raiders need a guy in the trenches and Floyd has all the physical talent to do just that.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan- The Eagles filled a lot of Defensive needs in FA so they go with the BPA.

5. Detroit Lions: Ziggy Ansah DE BYU- A bit of a project but the raw talent is there. The Lions lost Cliff Avril so they could use a dominant pass rusher to mold into.

6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner CB Alabama- The Browns get Paul Krueger so they go with a tough physical CB that can start from day 1 across Joe Haden.

​7. Arizona Cardinals: Lane Johnson OT Okalhoma- Yes everyone thinks Geno or Barkley not neccessarily the Cardinals O-line was awful and you don't want a young QB behind a bad O-line, Johnson the most athletic tackle in the draft will help either Barkely in the 2nd rd or maybe a EJ Manuel or Ryan Nassib.

8. Buffalo Bills: Geno Smith QB West Virginia- Does the singing of Kevin Kolb effect Geno Smith I don't think so and Geno is a much better upgrade for the future the Bills stick with their gut and take the kid.

9. New York Jets: Jarvis Jones OLB- The tape shows all this guy does is make plays, a great duo of Coples and Jones will be loved by Rex Ryan.

10. Tennessee Titans: Johnathan Cooper UNC- Cooper is the most atheltic guard and will make a good pair opposite newly signed Andy Levitre.

11. San Diego Chargers: Chance Warmack OG Alabama- Lane Johnson doesn't fall and although they want WR they will fill a nice need in Warmack.

 12. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State- The Dolphins need to sure up the CB with Sean Smith gone, Rhodes is a big physical corner.

 13.Tampabay Bucaneers: Bjoren Werner DE Flordia State- The Bucs can't get Rhodes so they go DE and they will get a steal in Werner.

 14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotelei DT Utah- The Panthers get a great run stopper, although he has limited pass rushing ability, he will contribute to the Panthers from week 1.

 15. New Orlean Saints: Barkevious Mingo OLB- Will Smith is pretty much done and although Mingo is raw his talent will make him a great turnout to what Rob Ryan wants him to be.

 16. St Louis Rams: Tavon Austin WR West Virginia- The Rams need a big time play maker not just a vertical threat which is why I put Austin here.

 17. Pitsburgh Steelers: Cordarelle Patterson WR Tenessee- The Steelers need a vertical threat after losing Mike Wallace.

 18. Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Vacaro Saftey Texas- The Cowboys will go BPA and could use a big hitter like Vacaro.

 19. New York Giants: Alec Ogletree LB Georgia- The Giants lost Michael Boley so they need another LB and Ogletree has some character issues but  his talent on the field will be hard to pass up.

 20. Chicago Bears: Manti Te'o ILB Notre Dame- The Bears released Urlacher setting them up to go LB in the draft. Te'o can play along side Briggs and learn from a top notch LB.

 21. Cincinatti Bengals: DJ Fluker OT Alabama- The Bengals don't have many holes so a big tackle to protect Dalton is needed after last years melt down in the playoffs with the line.

 22. St Louis Rams: Matt Elam Saftey Florida- The Rams secondary wasn't terrific last year and with a solid WR pickup with their first 1st rd pick they get a hard hitting Saftey to start and help the defense.

 23. Minnesota Vikings: Sheldon Richardson DT Mizzou- The Vikings get a fast great pass rushing big tackle that will be great along with Jared Allen.

 24. Indianapolis Colts: Damontre Moore DE Texas A&M- The Colts spent a lot of time with Moore and need to replace Dwight Freeny. 

 25. Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen WR California- The Vikings will get an explosive versitle WR opposite Greg Jennings to get Ponder more weapons.

 26. Green Bay Packers: Eddy Lacy RB Alabama- The Packers desperately need a running back as they could not get a deal done with Steven Jackson. Lacy the most complete back will help balance out the Packers high flying offense.

 27. Houston Texans: Deandre Hopkins WR Clemson- The Texans need another WR opposite Andre Johnson, Hopkinsn speed and size will be a nice pickup.

 28. Denver Broncos: Sylvester Williams DT- A big Tackle with Bunkley might be out and the defense struggled against the run last year, Williams will be a solid pick that won't miss in my opinion.

 29. New England Patriots: Margus Hunt DE SMU- The Patriots took Chandler Jones with their first rd pick last year and can put another big guy across to strengthen the D.

 30. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Trufant CB Washington- The Falcons get Osi in FA so they need a DB as they released Dunta Robinson and Asante Samuel is almost at his end. Trufant had an amazing senior bowl and showed great tackling and hard nosed play.

 31. San Francisco 49ers: Jesse Williams DT Alabama - The 49ers lost two productive DTs in Issac Soapoaga and Jean Francois so they need help at the NT postition. Williams is a big run stopper who will help in the trenches for the 49ers elite defense.

 32. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Minter LB LSU- The Ravens lost Ellerbe and Ray Lewis which was a bit of a surprise for Ellerbe to sign with Miami so the Ravens have a gaping hole at the LB postition and Minter is a great run stopper and is NFL Ready to start and get these Ravens back to the playoffs.

Geno Smith vs EJ Manuel Eagles future QB?

The Eagles are holding the 4th overall pick which unless the Jacksonville Jaguars look to take Geno Smith well...if the Eagles want him they can go get him. Before I get into Geno and Manuel is QB a need for the Birds? The roster currently holds Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Dennis Dixon, Trent Edwards so they have enough QBs but none are the future of this franchise which brings us to the draft. Its not every year that the Eagles are a 4-12 club so maybe we take advantage and take Chip Kellys QB with Geno. His arm is great he is a confident pocket passer and has some underatted speed and mobility. To me though you might be able to get a better fit for HC Chip Kelly in the second round with a more mobile guy in Florida State QB EJ Manuel. He has already shown interest in being a Eagle as Kelly recruited Manuel out of High School. I personally want to see a QB taken in Philly in the first two rounds now most likely as Kelly said they will not go QB #4 but maybe they trade back and take Geno or take a top notch tackle in Eric Fisher or Lane Johnson and then take a young guy in Manuel. So say the Eagles take Manuel who to me has just as good of an arm as Smith what does this do to the QBs on the roster? To me Foles will be on his way out, he just doesn't fit in the scheme and didn't show much last year he was solid but not spectacular. Michael Vick might start Week 1 but might be unseated by Manuel or hey they could buy out Vick and roll with Manuel. Dennis Dixon to me is a lock to be on this roster I think hes a great backup to help with the scheme that he ran with Kelly in College. Final QB Roster prediction for me is this.

1. EJ Manuel
2. Michael Vick
3. Dennis Dixon

So 3 very mobile guys who can run Kelly's offense and he even said they will need at least 3 guys to ran this offense as they will most likely have some injuries along the road. Geno if picked will start from week 1 and Dixon and Edwards will make the roster it all depends on where they go. They could go neither and take another guy later like Arizona Matt Scott.