Let’s talk Eagles

I totally forgot to mention the latest Eagles news.  First of all they completed the long rumored trade of Kevin Kolb to Arizona.  From all accounts they got good value for their former QB of the future, scoring a high level defensive back to throw out there opposite Asante Samuel.  They also obtained a 2nd round draft pick.  Of course this means that all of the eggs are now firmly in Michael Vick’s basket.  I have mixed feelings about the situation.

First off I don’t think Kolb ever get a real shot to establish himself in Philly.  He was knocked out of the very first game after one half of disappointing play.  After that he never was allowed to resume his role as THE QB because of Vick’s surprising good play.  When Vick was hurt later in the year Kolb had some very good games.  I wish him success in Arizona.

With Vick I do not feel quite as optimistic as many of the bandwagon types do for two reasons.  First off Vick and his scrambling style, while exciting to watch is also a recipe for injury, especially as Vick is now moving towards his mid 30’s, he isn’t a kid anymore.

Second, at the end of last year Vick struggled much more.  Teams figured out how to beat him, basically overwhelm him with pressure.  Now if the Eagles O-line is improved this year maybe this won’t be as large of a problem but I will have to see it to believe it.  I still remember just how ordinary Vick looked in several games.

The Eagles appear to be flushing their special teams core and I am not quite sure why.  They did not offer David Akers and Sav Rocca new contracts.  Akers was promptly snapped up by the 49ers.  I don’t really get it.  Both players had good seasons last year.  Sure there were spots when Akers missed a few easy kicks that could have swung a game or two and Rocca was prone to mixing in a few shanks along with his booming punts.  I can only assume this was all about money.

I was also surprised that the Eagles weren’t offering a contract to Stewart Bradley, whom they proclaimed as THE answer at middle linebacker last year.  He had some injuries last year but I am curious what exactly reversed their outlook on him so dramatically?

As far as personnel moves go, the Eagles have a pretty amazing track record of making the right move (except arguably in draft picks).  There have been many times when they cut or didn’t resign players where I was questioning the move only to be proven later that in retrospect it was the right thing to do.