Bye week review

As the Eagles go into the bye week at 4-3, it is still difficult to know what to think of this team.  My preseason prediction was that they would finish 8-8, which is still certainly possible.  However, with the lack of dominant teams in the NFC this season, the wide open playoff race can give Eagles fans reason to hope.

The most noteworthy story thus far is clearly the quarterback situation.  After Kevin Kolb was named the starter in the offseason, Michael Vick took over following Kolb's injury in the season opener.  After Vick played very well for two and a half games, he was injured himself, ceding the job back to Kolb.  Following the bye week, Vick is expected to start the next game against Indianapolis.  Kolb was considered the franchise's QB of the future and remains so, but Vick, with his form so far this year, gives the team a better chance to win right now.  With the wide open NFC, the Eagles cannot afford to not take a shot at the playoffs this year.

Celek has not met expectations

As for the rest of the offense, the wide receivers have performed as expected, but DeSean Jackson suffered memory loss and a concussion due to a hit during the week 6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.  LeSean McCoy has performed well at running back, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring 5 touchdowns, although the Eagles continue to be a pass first team.  Perhaps the biggest disappointment on the offensive end is that the expected breakout season from Tight End Brett Celek never materialized, much to the chagrin of fantasy owners everywhere.  Also, the Eagles offensive line, though finally free of the overpaid "Andrews Sisters" Shawn and Stacy, has struggled immensely.  This is another factor in favor of Vick starting; with his mobility he is less affected by the poor pass protection than a conventional pocket passer like Kolb.

Stewart Bradley

Meanwhile, the Eagles defense has welcomed back middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, who missed last season with an ACL tear.   Bradley's bolstered a shaky group of linebackers, but the defense has still had its struggles.  The biggest concern appears to be the secondary.  Corner back Assante Samuel continues to be provide sound coverage but poor tacking, but fellow cornerback Ellis Hobbs may be the weakest link of the defense.  Hobbs was exposed against the Tennessee Titans last week, allowing Kenny Britt to reach 255 receiving yards and score 3 touchdowns. Perhaps most worryingly, the defense lacks a killer instinct, always seeming to allow opposing teams to come back late in games.  It is for this reason mostly that speculation is rife over the job security of second year defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

As for special teams, David Akers, aside from one poor performance against Atlanta, has been his old reliable self.  Punter Sav Rocca has been solid, averaging 47.1 yards per punt.

Updated prediction: Based on what we have seen so far, it is very difficult to determine just how good this team really is.  With several difficult games coming up after the bye week, we may soon find out.  For now, I stand by my original prediction of 8-8.