Eagles Preview: Week 5
We all know that the Eagles are good and the Buccaneers are bad. But they play the games for a reason so if they Eagles take them too lightly, anything can happen. Except the Eagles won’t take them too lightly and will win this game. They’ve had 2 weeks to prepare for this game and become healthy. Westbrook fells a bit better, McNabb feels better and Vick has had more time to practice with the team. Judging by Andy Reid’s superb record in games following bye weeks, this team will be prepared and hand Tampa Bay their 5th straight loss of the season. Here are a few things to look for in the Eagles’ offense in Sunday’s game:
Michael Vick:
He played in week 3 in his much anticipated return to football. But he played sparingly and didn’t do anything too impressive. There is no doubt he will progress throughout the season and it should be interesting watching him as the games go bye. Nobody thought he would come back in his first game and dominate every time he touched the ball (Like in Madden 10). This will be a gradual transition back to the NFL but look for him to be more involved this week against Tampa than the was in week 3.
McNabb’s Return:
Donovan’s last game was the memorable season opener against the Panthers. He came out on fire and racked up a total of 3 touchdowns in the short time he played. Not only that, he showed he still has some mobility. In 4 rushing attempts, he gained 27 yards and reminded us of why he has always been so dangerous. The Eagles wisely sat him out until after the bye week and now that he’s had 4 weeks to rest his rib injury, he can return. It will be interesting to see if he can pick up right where he left off or if he needs to ease back into top form. He will do fine tomorrow especially against Tampa Bay. With the Eagles doing so much wildcat, who knows- maybe he’ll catch a touchdown pass tomorrow.
Eagles 2-Headed Monster?:
In his first NFL start, Rookie LeSean McCoy showed his skill and his ability to fill in if Westbrook can’t go. While he defintely isn’t at Westbrook’s skill level, he is a solid number 2 punch who will definitely be worked into the offense after his week 3 performance. When Brian Westbrook is healthy, he’s a dominant force. McCoy looks like he will be a good complement to him and when these two start working together more, they can end up being a dominant force.
It might take a while to prefect an offense and call the right plays with 2 runners but that could be where this Eagles team is heading- especially if Westbrook isn’t 100% yet.
