Playoffs Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive MVPs: QB Michael Vick and RB Lesean Mccoy

Lesean Mccoy celebrating after a TD vs. the Texans

The emergence of a consistent running game (5th best rushing attack with 145 yards rushing per game) and obviously Michael Vick's spectacular play in 2010, has elevated Philadelphia to a level of play unseen since the year McNabb and T.O. went to Super Bowl XXXIX. Vick, a MVP candidate, played uncommonly as one of the NFL's most elite quarterbacks. Subbing in versus Green Bay for an injured Kevin Kolb, Vick took the quarterback role and ran with it...Literally! Vick ran for 676 yards and 9 touchdowns, but more importantly had a QB rating 100.2, passed for over 3,000 yards, and threw 21 TDs to only 6 interceptions. Lesean Mccoy ran for over a 1000 yards and 7 touchdowns rushing; Vick and Mccoy combined for 39 total touchdowns.

Defensive MVPs: CB Asante Samuel and DE Trent Cole

Asante Samuel and Desean Jackson

Even with only 11 games, Asante Samuel finished 2nd in the NFL with 7 interceptions. Samuel was a key reason the Eagles defense held up as well as they did (winning 7 of 11 games played), and recording 7 interceptions within a 9 game span.

Trent Cole finished 2nd on the Eagles defense in total tackles, and first in sacks with 10.0 sacks in 2010. Cole's experience has helped with young Brandon Graham's progression in 2010 (albeit Graham suffered a season ending injury versus the Cowboys, Graham had a successful 1st year in my opinion.). Cole will have to be a disruptive force against the Packers this wild card weekend, getting hits and pressure on QB Aaron Rodgers. 

Desean Jackson game winning punt return

Best Win: Week 15 - At New York (Giants) 

Miracle at New Meadowlands was once upon a time, the greatest victory ever by the Philly Eagles ( Herman Edwards scoring on an improbable fumble late at the NYG), however something of similar proportions came to fruition in 2010. The Miracle at the New Meadowlands. Michael Vick led a 21 point fourth quarter comeback (as well as rallying my fantasy football team), capped off by a regulation ending muffed punt return by Desean Jackson for a game winning touchdown.

Rookie Grade: B-

Brandon Graham, drafted in the first round by the Eagles, performed up to expectations with 3 sacks and 10 games played; however a season ending injury now brings up health issues. The most notable rookie has to be WR Riley Cooper. Cooper has stepped in due to varying injuries to the receiving corps and reeled in 7 catches for 116 yards, a touchdown receiving, and a touchdown rushing.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Offensive line to keep Michael Vick upright

Michael Vick inside the huddle

The problem ending the season for the Eagles has been the amount of grueling hits that Michael Vick has accumulated over the 2010 season. Can Vick continue taking this punishment and single handedly win the Eagles football games? Because without Asante Samuel, this secondary is not that good. Michael Vick must be healthy, must have time to make smart decisions, and ultimately will be counted upon for success in the 2011 playoffs.