Michael Vick

Michael Dwayne Vick is a professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He beforehand played for the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons prior to serving 18 months in jail for his involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring. Vick played at Virginia Tech in college, where as a freshman he was third in the Heisman Trophy balloting. He left after his 2nd year to enter the NFL, and was drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft. In six seasons with the Falcons, he gained extensive popularity for his show on the field, and led the Falcons to the playoffs twice. Vick is known for regularly running the ball, and ranks third among quarterbacks in career rushing yards.

In April 2007, Vick was caught up in an widespread and illegal interstate dog fighting ring that had operated over a period of five years. In August 2007, he pled guilty to federal criminal act charges, and was then sent to prison for 23 months. With loss of his NFL salary and product endorsement deals, combined with earlier financial negligence, Vick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2008.

Philadelphia (-15.0) vs. Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is starting to get better defensively after looking puzzled the first two weeks after years of playing a cover 2 scheme. Tampa allowed 7.5 ypp in their initial two games, but just 5.2 yppl the last two weeks against the Giants and Redskins, who would combine to average 5.4 yppl against an average team. I still rate the Bucs’ defense at 0.5 yppl worse than average and the Eagles are 0.3 yppl better than average offensively with Donovan McNabb and RB Brian Westbrook back in the lineup. The big disparity in this game is when Tampa Bay has the ball, as raw starting quarterback Josh Johnson is clearly a below average passer and his ability to run (56 yards on 8 rushes) doesn’t come close to making up for his passing deficiencies (just 3.9 yards per pass play on 35 pass plays against teams that would allow 5.6 yppp to an average QB).

Philadelphia has yielded just 4.3 yppl in 3 games (against teams that would average 5.3 yppl against an average team, so Johnson could be in a rough day if the Eagles don’t fully letdown. The math model favors the Eagles by 19 points, but it will be tough for Philly to play with full power against the winless Bucs. Tampa Bay applies to a 20-2 ATS subset of a 79-36-1 ATS situation that plays on bad teams and don’t want to jump that trend. With the math going one way and the circumstances favoring the other side it’s best to pass on this game.

Vick Speaks Out Against “Pointless” Dog Fighting

Coming off his first National Football League emergence since being sent to prison for his role in a dogfight ring, Michael Vick spoke out in opposition to dog fighting at a Washington cathedral last Tuesday. Two days after making a short come back for the Philadelphia Eagles as a reserve, the one-time superstar quarterback appeared at Covenant Baptist Church in an appearance sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States of America.

Vick called dog fighting “pointless” and said he did not know why he began funding and providing housing areas for the group, adding that he regretted the decisions that led to his conviction and 18-month prison sentence. Saying he wanted to be an agent for transformation, Vick signed with the Eagles after being dropped by the Atlanta Falcons earlier this year. Ever since he was released from jail, he has been working with that animal group.

Thomas Never Doubted He’d Come Back Strong

Pierre Thomas put on around 10 pounds during the offseason, hoping that would make him more in the image of ex-Saints power runner Deuce McAllister. Maintaining the additional bulk proved harder than Thomas expected, first because of a right knee sprain and then because of a virus two weeks ago that made it hard for him to keep food down.

Thomas sat out the Saints’ season-opener against Detroit because of the lasting effects of his knee injury and rarely got on the field against Philadelphia in Week 2. The Saints did not make Thomas a normal part of the offense until the second half of their victory at Buffalo, one night after he was vomiting in his hotel room. He then ran for 126 yards and two touchdowns in the span of a mere two quarters. In the Saints’ 24-10 victory over the New York Jets last Sunday, with Drew Brees held under 200 yards passing, Thomas had 86 yards rushing and 46 yards receiving. His 36-yard gain on a screen pass gave the Saints a first down at the Jets’ 1-yard line in the first half. He accelerated swiftly into open spaces and ruined several tackles, his feet always churning until he was finally brought down.

McNabb Returns to Practice, Expected to Start

Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb returned to practice Monday and is anticipated to start Sunday when the Eagles host the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McNabb has been away since breaking his rib in the first game of the season. He missed two games before the Eagles had their bye last weekend. Coach Andy Reid was not made accessible to the media Monday and is not anticipated to tell until his scheduled news conference on Wednesday morning. Running back Brian Westbrook, who was also out their last game with a knee injury, was back at Monday’s short practice. McNabb was hurt scoring a rushing touchdown Sept. 6 in a victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Wide receiver Kevin Curtis and backup cornerback Dimitri Patterson also returned to practice Monday. The only player who did not practice was left guard Todd Herremans, who is out indefinitely with a stress fracture in his foot. He is hoping to return with the team by the Oct. 26 which is their Monday night game at Washington.

Eagles Rout Chiefs

Getting major assistance from their youngsters and backups, the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Kansas City Chiefs 34-14 in Vick’s come back to the NFL last Sunday. Kevin Kolb threw for 327 yards and two TDs, LeSean McCoy had 84 yards rushing and one touchdown, and DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek each had 100-plus yards receiving and one TD for the Philadelphia Eagles. Kolb became the first quarterback in the history of NFL to throw for 300 yards in his first two career starts. While he did most of the work, Vick got all the interest. Playing his very first regular-season game since Dec. 31, 2006, exactly 1,001 days ago, Vick ran once for 7 yards and threw two incomplete passes.

Matt Cassel threw for 90 yards and scored two touchdowns for Kansas City. The Chiefs remain winless under new coach Todd Haley. Kolb made 24 of 34 passes and had a QB rating of 120.6 against the Chiefs as he was mainly the reason why the Eagles routed the Chiefs, 34-14.

The NFL Draft Results

 Matthew Stafford was picked first as expected but there were some surprises in the draft itself.  The Ravens picked tackle Michael Oher and Paul Kruger, two individuals that would serve to bolster their defense. The Bengals chose tackle Andre Smith and linebacker Rey Maualaga that would fit their needs up front. The Eagles on their part got the best wideouts in the draft in Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy. The Packers got the best defensive tackle in the lot by choosing BJ Raji who can play nose guard and tackle on the offensive line.

On the other end, Dallas drafted down but got players that may not even break into the team. The Buccaneers traded up to get Josh Freeman, but is the gamble worth on an unproven player still to mature. Some of the other teams made conservative moves of the draft and the fruits may still be seen when the regular season comes rolling in.

 

Jim Johnson and Cancer

American Football is one of the most physical sports on the planet. You will see players going at it, and trying to tackle everyone on the field that would be an obstacle to their goals. In spite of this nature, all teams come together when there is no game played and it is tragic to see that a part of the NFL family sick or has a bad situation.

It was during the playoffs that Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson started to complain about back problems. It was quite a surprise that he was not coaching from his normal sideline position, and when he had it checked, he was informed by doctors that he has a tumor in his lower back. This is the reason why he won’t be attending the pro bowl next week.

He has all the league and fans support and prayers, and is very hopeful that he will get to coach in this 2009. He would be needing radiation treatment and will be closely monitored by physicians. He is 67 years old and is one of the most accomplished defensive coordinators in the league. It’s good to know that it was spotted immediately before it spread.

Cards’ Boldin Hopes to Play Sunday Against Eagles

Anquan Boldin is one of the most dynamic WR in the league and he is one of the reason why the Arizona Cardinals is no going to face the upbeat Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game on Sunday. But the problem is he didn’t play against the Carolina Panthers when his Cardinals triumph over the NFC leading Panthers, so now, Boldin is hungry to be a part of the team when that face the Eagles at home on Sunday. He wants to play and he finally practiced on Wednesday which boost his chance to play in the NFC Championship bout.

He said that his trip to Dallas for a chiropractor has been successful treatment for his strained left hamstring. When healthy Anquan Boldin proves that he is one of the most dangerous WR in the league and together with WR Larry Fitzgerald they form the most explosive WR duo in the league, there is no telling how they will be able to make a big run to stop the surging Eagles.

NFC Championship Breakdown

I think that it’s safe to say that NFC have surprised most of us, forget the regular season, it’s the Arizona Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles game now, it’s the year fo the birds for the AFC no doubt. Both teams are capable of big offensive outburst as we’ve seen all season long. Both teams have a veteran Super Bowl QBs that can lead them to the promise land, so the question here now lies, who can soar higher? For the Cardinals the game is played in the air, for the Eagles the game is played in the ground with the occasional air.  So, which style will be victorious? Eagle’s Andy Reid’s or Cards Ken Whisenhunt’s? So, let’s break this down differently.

QB Advantage: Both teams have very good clutch QBs but very different styles as well. For the Cardinals, they have a Hall of Famer pocket presence with clutch game in QB Kurt Warner, although many might argue that he maybe past behind his best playing days, but with the strong showing last game against the Carolina Panthers you have to think twice. The Eagles in the other hand have a very capable agile and accurate QB in Donovan McNabb who by his own rights led the Eaglesin the Super bowl before, but his inconsistent play in the regular season have people asking if he can go all the way? His numbers aren’t sexy but he gets the job done, he is hard to take down but occasionally throws the pick.  Edge: Even

Running and Passing Game: Well, it is easy to differentiate this teams, Cards play more in the air because they have weapons for it WR Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin can be lethal and this year they have shown it. But the problem is Boldin have history of injury this season, although we have seen Fitzgerald carry the load, it is still hard to se eif he can be able to do it again with tight Eagles coverage. Eagles have a fair game in the receiving as well but not as elite as the Cards, WRs Jason Avant, Rookie DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis plus TEs Brent Celek and L.J. Smith, sure McNabb has options but none of them can be as good as the Cards duo which makes you wonder if quality is better than quantity. Rushing the ball the advantage here will be on the Eagles again a quality over quantity issue, the Eagles have 1 elite back in RB Brian Westbrook and the Cards have 2 capable backs in RBs Edgerrin James and Rookie Tim Hightower,  now who will come out winner on this match ups? Edge: Even (Receiving Cards; Rushing Eagles).

Defense: This is probably where this game will be decided, with their offense at an even match up. You have to wonder who wants it more? Well in the Defensive side of the ball game, the Cards has an underrated but surprising defense they have 5 picks against the Panthers and also can stop the run if they focus on it. Their strength is the secondary with CBs Rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Roderick Hood and Safeties Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle, also OLB Karlos Dansby can make plays too. For the Eagles they have a good LB set with Chris Gocong and Stewart Bradley, also DE Trent Cole and DT Mike Patterson can give you the pressure. Their Secondary is also as dangerous lead by CBs Asante Samuels and Sheldon Brown and Safeties Quintin Mikell and Brian Dawkins. Who can stop both teams offense will be the key on this game. Now the question is, who’s faury tale ending will be this game? Edge: Eagles

Prediction: Cardinals 24; Eagles 26

Eagles Soars High, Defeat Giants to Advance

East Rutherford, NJ - The Eagles comes to the game with momentum in which they are relying to their leader veteran QB Donovan McNabb, he has been in this position before and he wants to get the 5th NFC Conference Championship game appearance for him and the Philadelphia Eagles. The end game result was Philadelphia Eagles 23; New York Giants 11. The end score was the first in NFL history and with that win it was also the first time since the top 3 seed of the NFC will not be participating the NFC championship game.  McNabb was the key for the Eagles win as he scored 2 TD (1 passing and another rushing), although his stat line wasn’t eye popping the way he move the ball was amazing enough to cap the win. As he posted 22/40 in passing for 217 yards, 1 TD and 2 Pass Intercepted, he also rushed 5 times for 16 yards and a crucial TD.

Overall the game wasn’t really a high scoring affair as both teams struggled committing turnovers (PHI 2; NYG 3). Defense was the key on winning this game but QB  Donovan McNabb showed his ability to move outside thpocket to convert on 3rd downs and keep the drives alive. RB Brian Westbrook didn’t have a big game ( 18 carries for 36 yards) as he was clamped by the run stopping defense of the Giants, that opened up their passing as 3 players had 4 receptions (WRs DeSean Jackson for 88 yards, Jason Avant for 43 yards and Kevin Curtis for 40 yards) and TE Brent Celek had the key 4th quarter TD to seal the deal he has 3 reception for 12 yards. Their defense was also the key as CB Asante Samuel (4 tackles, 1 Interception) and Safety Quintin Mikell (5 tackles, 1 Interception) both picked Giants QB Eli Manning’s 2 passes.

New York Giants was getting the job done as they scored a safety and converted 3 FG by kicker John Carney, but Carney missed twice that may have been the deciding factor to give the Giants a lead.  QB Eli Manning was awful today he passed 15/29 for 169 yards and 2 picks although he was not sacked, some dropped passes from his target was seen, on one play WR Steve Smith had an unforced turnover that kills their drive. Their running game was there actually, RBs Brandon Jacobs (19 carries for 92 yards) and Derrick Ward (12 carries 46 yards) keep the defense honest. But like I said the turnovers kept them out of the game.

It was a good win for the surging Eagles who was almost out of playoff contention and a regenerated McNabb led them to the playoffs and up until now, making things happen. Kicker David Akers have kicked for 18 straight playoff Field Goals which is an NFL record. Now, the stage is set as the Arizona Cardinals who was waiting on who will be their opponent will be, is going to face the uptempo Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday.