Andy Reid’s game plan definitely did not include allowing a blocked punt on the opening drive. It also did not embrace the idea of having a 16 yard Brandon Marshall touchdown reception occur just three plays later.

But in the end maybe that was all that he and his Eagles really needed to snap their two game losing streak on Sunday, moving their record to 5-8 with a 26-10 victory over the Dolphins.

Michael Vick’s return under center and Philadelphia’s 24 point second quarter outburst probably had a little more say, however.

“We’ve been through a lot, a lot of games we were supposed to win and didn’t finish,” said Vick. “I’m proud we won today.”

Vick finally played for the first time in a month after missing the previous three weeks due to broken ribs. After a prolonged absence he spoke of how he chose to respond to the physical effects of experiencing NFL action once again.

“I’m in a lot of pain, but I just wanted to finish and get through the game,” stated Vick. “I got hit a lot, and it kind of wore me down. I tried to hang in there.”

Getting back to game speed was certainly an issue for Vick, as he finished just 15-30 with one touchdown and one interception on 208 yards passing. Meanwhile, his legs were a non-factor, running for a mere nine yards on only two carries.

Miami’s defense did a solid job of containing Vick and the Philadelphia offense for most of the day. Unfortunately for the Dolphins the scope of the entire game changed late in the first quarter after missing a 55 yard field goal attempt that would have given them a 10-0 lead. The Eagles suddenly gained new life, and would respond with a 54 yard drive that ended with a two yard touchdown run by LeSean McCoy in the second quarter. Philadelphia then proceeded to score an additional 17 points during the quarter. That was all the scoring that would be necessary to win the ball game.

“The Eagles have been inconsistent like we have,” said Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall. “But that’s a team with a lot of talent. At any moment they can be an undefeated team, or look like one.”

Philadelphia’s defense played an inspired second quarter following the team’s first score. On Miami’s next possession safety Kurt Coleman intercepted a deep pass from Matt Moore at the Dolphins 36 and returned it all the way to the one. The pass was intended for receiver Davone Bess.

The second play of the Dolphin’s goal line stand would result in McCoy’s second touchdown run of the day, giving the Eagles their first lead at 14-7. McCoy had a very unusual day. He did have two touchdowns but only rushed for 38 yards on 27 attempts.

Bess soon found himself in the middle of the Dolphins’ troubles once again. Eagles corner back Asante Samuel forced him to fumble after a 3^rd down completion on Miami’s next possession. Samuel also recovered the fumble at the Dolphins 34.

Luckily for the Dolphins they were able to keep it at just a two possession game by holding Philadelphia to a 40 yard field goal despite obtaining excellent field position.

But turnovers were Miami’s undoing in the second quarter. Matt Moore surrendered one right back to Philadelphia after the Dolphins recovered a fumbled punt return at the Eagles 24. It was a perfect opportunity for Miami to get right back into the game until Eagles defensive end Jason Babin forced Moore to fumble after sacking him at the Philadelphia 29.

Two minutes and five seconds later Vick connected with DeSean Jackson on a 34 yard touchdown throw to give the Eagles a commanding 24-7 lead going into the half.

Miami stopped turning the ball over in the second half and its defense returned to the strong form it established during the team’s recent 4-1 stretch.

But the story of the day was the Philadelphia defense. The Eagles had nine sacks, a late safety, and even knocked Matt Moore out of the game in the third quarter with a head injury. Moore’s final line was 11-19 for 95 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

His replacement J.P. Losman did not fare any better with 60 yards on 6-10 passing.

Philadelphia hopes to display more of that defensive firepower over their last three games for a potential playoff push.

The article Eagles Roll Past Dolphins After Huge Second Quarter appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

This past week, the NFL released its list of its top 100 players. The list is voted by the players and can feature a player from any position or team. The voted superstars are revealed on NFL network with in a ten show special. Each player is presented by a fellow teammate or coach who then explains why the player honored is one of the games current greats. The list is very prestigious and let me repeat, it is for the top 100 players in the NFL. This means you had to have been extremely successful and respected around the league for the 2010 NFL season. In laments terms; you’re probably really good and at least start. So how does a benched quarterback for the dreadful, Washington Redskins land at #100 on the list? Maybe the players were filled in on a little secret that Donovan McNabb isn’t washed up after all. Eh, lets not get ahead of ourselves.

Donovan McNabb’s career ended on April 4^th, 2010. Well not technically, but this is the day that McNabb was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Washington Redskins.  The Eagles had to be so confident that McNabb’s best days were behind him that they dumped him to a division rival. That’s like if your smoking hot girlfriend is so over you that she tries to hook you up with her annoying fat friend.   Talk about getting slapped in the face; it wasn’t all heartbreak though.

Washington welcomed McNabb with open arms. The man was named DC Donovan and titled the savior of the franchise. In other words, the marriage got off to a great start. Washington attempted to convince the sports world the trade was a steal. They received a middle aged quarterback who has played in four NFC Championships (lost three) and one Super Bowl (lost that one too). Philadelphia received two extra draft picks and found their next pro bowl quarterback out of the U.S.  Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Guess the ‘skins thought all those losses were just flukes. Maybe he just needed a change of scenery? Yeah, to a retirement community in Boca.

McNabb went into the 2011 season looking to bring the Redskins back to the playoffs with new head coach, Mike Shanahan. He started off rather pedestrian going 4-3 in his first seven games, but looked promising after posting two comeback wins. It was in week 8 when we watched McNabb’s career slowly start to combust. In the fourth quarter in a game vs. the Detroit Lions, McNabb was benched due to poor play. The benching caused a rift between a disgruntled McNabb and new coach Mike Shanahan. McNabb would later be relegated to the 3^rd string quarterback behind Rex Grossman and John Beck. Sounds like a successful trade. Who wouldn’t give up a second round pick for the highest paid third string quarterback in the league?

If he was worried about being a back up in Philadelphia, how much more embarrassing is it that he now backs up Rex Grossman for a pitiful Washington squad? If I were him I’d do my best to build a time machine and go back to April 3^rd, 2010 and beg the Eagles to keep me to regain some pride. Why not take him back Philly? He’s a hero in the city and clearly most of the league has a man crush on him if they voted him as one of the NFL’s top 100 players. He’ll cause drama? Please; I am sure if Andy Reid can handle Michael Vick he can control McNabb’s ego. Face it Donovan, you’re a back up.

If you’re asking if you can hang up your #5 jersey, the answer is 100% yes. Not because McNabb is the 100^th best NFL player (there has to be an explanation for this) but because the guys done. Donovan, I wish you good luck on your 401k but please just get out while you still have a little respect. It’s been fun Donovan but your time on the playing field has come to an end. Philadelphia superstar to Washington wash up.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/50322345@N02/

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