There was plenty to be unhappy with in yesterday's win over the improved Detroit Lions yesterday, but a win is a win, so let's start off Monday morning with a round of game balls to the players who excelled:
Michael Vick - The Vick/Kolb discussions will of course dominate any and all talk surrounding the Eagles this week, and I think that's generally perceived as a bad thing. I don't see it that way. It's only a topic of discussion because Vick has been so surprisingly good, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with having the best backup QB in the NFL. I'd say he looks like "the Vick of old," but he actually looks better. He played a spectacular, mistake-free game yesterday, throwing for 284 yards on 21 of 34 passing, with an additional 37 yards on the ground. Gone are the critics questioning the signing of Vick last year. Enter the critics that will say he should take over as the full time starter. He won't of course (and shouldn't), but let's give him his due - He has far exceeded any and all expectations these first 2 games, and that's an understatement. The pressure is on Kevin Kolb to play well and win in Jacksonville next week, and I think a little extra pressure can be a good thing.
LeSean McCoy - At times during training camp, I thought McCoy looked like the best player on the field. He's hitting holes with authority, and is adapting to the pro game quite nicely. He inexplicably had just 5 carries against Green Bay. That simply can't happen. Yesterday, he carried 16 times for 120 yards and 3 TDs, and he also had a long run called back on a holding penalty. Even that's not enough - He needs to get 20-25 touches per game.
DeSean Jackson - That catch and run was a thing of beauty.
The Colts, Texans, and Bears - Thanks guys.
Juqua Parker - He lost his starting job to impressive rookie Brandon Graham, accepted his new role, and is now leading the team with 3 sacks. When he has gotten his opportunities, he's been outstanding putting pressure on the QB.
Ellis Hobbs, Asante Samuel - Great job today by the starting corners in coverage. Calvin Johnson had 4 catches for 50 yards, and Nate Burleson and Bryant Johnson each had 1 catch for 4 yards apiece. That was it from the Lions wide receivers. Hobbs also made a nice play on his interception of Shaun Hill.
Sav Rocca - What a pleasant surprise. Sav is killing it so far this year. 7 punts today for a 48.7 average. More importantly, the Lions only returned 3 of those punts for 34 yards, giving Sav a 43.9 yard net. If he continues this kind of play, he's going to the Pro Bowl.