The Linc - Michael Vick, Nick Foles still even after preseason opener

Today is an off day for the Eagles since they had a game yesterday. Don't forget to follow the BGN writers on Twitter:

Jimmy Kempski - @JimmyKempski

Brandon Lee Gowton - @BrandonLeeSBN

Mike E. Kaye - @mike_e_kaye

Let's get to the links:

Recap: Philadelphia Eagles lose to New England Patriots 31-22 in preseason opener - Brandon Lee Gowton, BGN
Chip Kelly's Eagles have been a subject of intrigue all off-season. So naturally, there was a buzz before tonight's preseason game against the New England Patriots. You read that right. A buzz before a preseason game! If you don't believe me, the Eagles PR guy (along with James Kempski) noted that the press box was unusually packed for a preseason game.

Initial thoughts on Eagles-Patriots - James Bradley Kempski, Philly.com
Greg Salas has had a great training camp, and that continued into the first preseason game. Salas had two highlight reel plays. The one-handed catch was a thing of beauty, but his elusive run after the catch on his TD was just as impressive. He proved that it’s no fun trying to toss Salas.

NE 31, PHI 22 - Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
I’ll keep it simple on the QB battle. Both guys were very impressive. Vick’s first drive was great. Foles second drive was great. Both resulted in TDs and they showed the ability to move the team in different ways.

Vick and Foles prove capable in Eagles opener - Zach Berman, Inquirer
Michael Vick raised the stakes in the quarterback competition on Friday night by throwing a touchdown for a dynamic start to the most pivotal preseason of the 33-year-old quarterback's career.

Foles, Vick impress in first round of QB Battle - Geoff Mosher, CSN Philly
And after Round 1 of the anticipated Great Quarterback Debate ...? Well, it’s a draw. Still.

Tackling Woes For Eagles ‘D’ In Opener - Tim McManus, Birds 24/7 PhillyMag.com
The tackling left plenty to be desired, as the the running back duo of LeGarrette Blount and Stevan Ridley romped for a combined 193 yards and three touchdowns on just 19 carries. That’s north of 10 yards per clip. Part of that has to do with players abandoning their gaps; part of it is growing pains as the team adjusts to a new scheme. But the poor tackling was a big factor as well.

Looking at Those First Couple Plays - Derek Sarley, IgglesBlog
And this is why you don't practice against Bill Belichick.

LeSean McCoy: Shady Records | TDdaily.com
On his love of hip-hop, Chip Kelly's new offense and comparing the Eagles roster to MMG.

Patriots vs. Eagles Wrap-Up: Some Quick-Hit Thoughts - Pats Pulpit
For a Patriots perspective on last night's game.

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