Eagles vs Patriots Recap

The Eagles won their second preseason game 27-17 Monday Night in Foxboro against the Patriots but another scare to the Eagles starters put a damper on the game. During the second drive of the Eagles offense Vick dropped back looked looked found nothing rolled to the right and threw up a deep ball to Desean and was brutally hit by Jermaine Cunningham. Vick held his ribs right after and could not get up, this is exactly what you did not want to see in a preseason for the second game in a row Eagle fans were holding their breath again for the news that Vick was ok. Luckily they got that news, Vick's X-Rays came back negative so his ribs are just sore, he will play in the season opener vs the Browns. After that news everyone could relax and watch the game but what does Vick have to do to stay healthy? He has gotten hurt two consistent games so the chances he can play all 16 games are slim. My take on what he needs to do is sometimes just give up on a play and get to the ground or throw the ball away. With his talent and ability he refuses to give up on a play and that is why he gets hit so much. If he can slide and when a play blows up give up he should be ok. Going back to the game it was actually a pretty succesfull game for the Offense but the Defense again had its ups and downs. The offense moved the ball both running and passing scoring 3 touchdowns in the redzone which is a great thing knowing how bad the Eagles were there last year. The defense looked good at times and bad, they completely shut down the run game not letting the Patriots go anywhere there and Asomguha and DRC played lights out as Cromartie had a INT which was taken back after a penalty on a late hit by Cox. There was the problem throughout the game..Penalties the defense was getting stops but you kept on seeing the yellow flag on the field. The other problem was getting off the field on third down. They had probably 3 third and longs which were 15 yards or longer that they blew with either penalties or just bad coverage. Lets take a look at the 3 stars from both Offense and Defense.

OFFENSE
1. Nick Foles QB- Foles had another great game coming in for a injured Vick, He really stayed poised and moved the ball great. He stepped up in the pocket and put the ball in the perfect spot for the WRs. He was really clicking with Desean Jackson hooking up for 4 Receptions for 82 yards. Foles finished with 217 Yards  2 Touchdowns and 1 INT. If he keeps playing like this he will pass Kafka as the backup for Vick which is a very very important job.

2. Lesean McCoy RB- McCoy looked great Monday night having 7 rushes for 30 yards and a touchdown plus two receptions for 12 yards. The Eagles need to see McCoy do good because if Vick goes down, they will need to rely on McCoy to carry the load until he comes back. Although he only had 42 total yards he hit the holes so fast and scored a red zone touchdown which is very important knowing again how bad the Eagles were last year there. Fantasy owners as well should be very happy with McCoy's play so far.

3. King Dunlap LT- Dunlap really has the advantage right now for the starting Left Tackle spot over Demetress Bell as he had a very impressive start. Dunlap was completely shutting down Chandler Jones not letting him get anywhere near Foles. He showed a lot of mobility in the run game getting up the field and making some blocks which is a great sign as Jason Peters thrived in that last year. He should remain the starter for the preseason but if he struggles, Howard Mudd is not afraid to bench him as shown when he did it to Bell.

DEFENSE
1. Mychal Kendricks LB-  Kendricks is making the Eagles very excited for the regular season. He again was the leader in tackles in the game having 6. He was terrific in coverage and was just incredible against the run. He plugged up the holes and finished all his tackles. He even almost got a sack as he beat the tackle and locked up the QB who got away but was then quickly brought down. If he can continue to play like this, I think the Eagles LB problems are solved.

2. Philip Hunt DE- There is no way that the Eagles could even think of letting this guy go, he has just been stellar in the preseason again posting a sack and a forced fumble. He was rushing the passer all night, the offensive line just had no answer for him. The Eagles don't have to worry if one of their ends go down because Hunt is the best backup possible. Hunt will make this team over Tapp so the only way Tapp can make the team is if the Eagles keep more ends because Hunt is a sure thing to make the roster.

3. Curtis Marsh CB- Marsh had a solid game against the Patriots when Cromartie got injured he stepped right in and shut down his receiver. Luckily if one of the Eagles CBs go down they know they can count on Marsh, he had two really good pass breakups against Stallworth really getting up in his face and playing great press coverage. The Eagles need Marsh to step up in case of an injury and so far I am feeling pretty confident in him.

The Eagles take on the Cleveland Browns Friday but don't be surprised when the Eagles show the Browns absolutely nothing as they are playing them in the season opener. Lets hope Vick does not play so we don't have to see him go down again (Cross your fingers).