Eagles Flying High

Even with a pedestrian performance by Vick, the Eagles still managed to cool down a red-hot Cowboys team

9-4 and with an opportunity to nab a first round bye? Who would have ever expected this from the 2010 Eagles! This team has shown again what I've been saying since week 3, they are Super Bowl contenders.

Of course we still have issues. The red-zone offense is still not solid and the red zone defense? Don't even get me started... The passing defense is also shown to be mediocre at best without Asante Samuel. But with Samuel returning soon, expect the passing defense to be much more effective and more turnovers generated.

Samuel's return is much needed in the rematch with the Giants

The news about Stewart Bradley and Brandon Graham could be better, but also could be much worse. As much as it hurts to hear this Eagles fans, Bradley has been an average MLB this season, nowhere near his 2008 form. If Jamar Chaney plays like he did last night, while he is certainly a downgrade the defense should not miss too much of a step. Graham also will not be missed that much with the return of Jacqua Parker, as well as having the likes of Daryll Tapp to fill in for him.

Without the leader on the defense (I believe it is Samuel at this point) and with Vick playing only an okay game, the Eagles were still able to cruise to a win over a red-hot Dallas Cowboys team. Next week will be a challenge, but the game against the Giants is a must-win. Especially if the Giants lose to the Vikings, it could very well clinch the division. With a win over New York, the Eagles would have the momentum to win out the remaining schedule (Minnesota, Dallas, both at home) and with the way the Bears are looking I believe they would seize the 1st round bye.

The Eagles may be the only team in the NFC capable of stopping the Patriots from earning their 4th Super Bowl victory.

Not that it would matter that much in the long run, as so long as the Birds make postseason, barring an injury to Vick or Jackson I can't see us not advancing to at least the NFC Championship, as I don't see a team that could stop us on paper except the Falcons with their homefield advantage. But who knows? Maybe a 1st round bye and extra week of rest is what will rejuvenate the team and allow Vick to do away with his former team. And the Eagles are likely the only team with a potent enough offense to stop the Patriots, who I believe will make their 5th Super Bowl appearance under Bill Belichick.