With hopes of a first round bye in the playoffs now a distant memory, the Eagles route to the Super Bowl became much more difficult.
However, if there is a silver lining in the loss to the Vikings, it’s that the game against the Cowboys is now meaningless. The Eagles have been decimated by injuries in their recent games and are in need of some extra rest. With the NFC East already locked up, and nothing more to gain by winning or losing Sunday’s game, the Eagles can now use Week 17 as their bye week.
It’s clear that Michael Vick could use a week off. Vick has struggled in recent weeks in part because of the pounding he’s been taking. Vick did not look nearly as explosive against the Vikings as he had earlier in the season. Also, Vick has been turning the ball over much more frequently, 3 times in the Vikings game alone. He has a noticeable limp and while it isn’t clear what his injury is, it’s clear that it’s affecting his performance.
The same could be said for DeSean Jackson who has been limited in recent weeks with a foot injury. Jackson has only been able to return punts in emergency situations, and hasn’t been able to deliver his normal punch on offense.
Having an opportunity to rest players this late in the season is something that every team desires. Teams are beat up and worn down by this time of the year (imagine how much worse it will be with an 18 game schedule), and a chance to give the team an extended rest before the playoffs is important.
Though this isn’t what the Eagles wanted, they are in a unique situation that they must take advantage of. There is no reason for Michael Vick and the Eagles other key players to take a single hit or play a single down against the Cowboys on Sunday. Andy Reid must put his players in the best possible position to make a run to the Super Bowl, and that means the starters should not be taking the field in Week 17.
Vick has a quad injury, and has been dealing with it for some time now. Deseans foot is bothering him, but he really seemed disinterested last night. Coaches have to do a much, much better job… Rest Vick this week… he is wearing down. Wow does this seem similar to last season… Why does Chad Hall give me Reno Mahe flashbacks, he has no explosion as a return guy.
i know desean’s foot was hurting (awwwwww) but damn dude, act like you want to play … his effort last night was GOD AWFUL … routes were not crisp, not even trying to catch balls, crying after every throw … come on man!!!!
with that said, eagles need to rest their best players this week … i do not want to see shady, vick, maclin, desean, big todd, or peters even touch the field
i would also rest asante, Q, and cole on defense
everyone ha shit the nail on the head. use week 17 as a bye week for the star guys. it funny to me how the national media has now jumped off the band wagon. that’s fine with me. the 3 seed it not great but we have a home playoff game. last time i looked there is not great team in the nfc. all the teams has flaws. corrcet me if i am wrong but their have been teams that won superbowls with the 3 seed and lower. it going to be a great playoff season in the nfc!!!!!!!!!
Hell Denny,
I thought the Eagles used last night as the “Bye Week”…
I really don’t think that WR D-Jax is an everydown type of WR..
If he was utilized 30-35 plays on Offense, teams would have to change their coverages and packages all the time through-out the game giving the Eagle O the advantage.. Instead the Defense can play Cover 2 Deep for 90% of the game and the Eagles will keep trying to force and throw those 30-40 yard routes/passes… Makes no sense… Mix it up a little.. Get HArbor or Cooper out in space once in a while, wheres the qucik slant to MAclin for an easy 10-15 yards… etc, etc… .