Eagles Extras: Vick Struggles Against the Blitz (Still)

Over the last year, I've taken a lot of heat over the perception I am not ultra-supportive of Michael Vick. While it's true he's come much farther than I ever thought he would, I couldn't help but find the flaws in his game from week to week last season, namely with blitz recognition and holding on to the ball too long.

Sorry, folks, but they're baaaack...

Part of the reason for the Eagles' inefficient start on offense this past Sunday was a direct result of the Rams blitz. They brought the heat early and often, at times sending more rushers than there were blockers, and once again, Vick got burned, holding on to the ball too long and taking big hits. It was the main focus in this week's Under Review with Brian Baldinger and CSN's Ray Didinger.

“This is the play that bugs me,” Baldinger said, cueing the tape to Quintin Mikell’s sack of Vick that killed an Eagles’ drive in the red zone. “Look at DeSean (Jackson) on this play…”

Jackson was lined up in the slot, one-on-one with a Rams defender. At the snap, Jackson beat his man to the inside.

“The ball has to be gone right now,” Baldinger said. “That’s an easy throw and an easy six (points).”

Instead, Vick held the ball. He never saw Mikell coming from his blindside. He took a big hit, the ball popped loose and Laurinaitis recovered the fumble.

“That’s the same blitz Minnesota and Green Bay used against him last year,” Baldinger said. “That tells me he’s still not seeing it.”

Fans are often quick to blame an offensive line that has endured its share of problems over the last season and a half, but when defenses blitz, at some point it's the quarterback's responsibility to find where to deliver the ball. An overload blitz where the defense sends six or seven defenders means a very talented player on the Eagles has a one-on-one, or maybe isn't even covered at all.

To be fair, we assumed Vick and the coaches would work on this over the off-season, but the lockout prevented any serious teaching from taking place. Like many other areas on the Eagles, his recognition could be considered a work in progress, and he should be better in January than he is in September.

Of course, he has it to make it that long first.

- Strongside linebacker Jamar Chaney has some sound advice for the Atlanta Falcons in Thursday's edition of the Inquirer (via PFT): "I would probably run at our linebackers if I was them." The Rams experienced some success getting to the second level in Week 1, where the linebacker play was not exactly formidable. Michael Turner is a bruiser who will provide a tough test for a defense that has already allowed 169 yards to ball carriers. [Inq]

.bbpBox114014471546093568
{background:url(http://a0.twimg.com/images/themes/theme1/bg.png)
#C0DEED;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px
12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px
!important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px}
p.bbpTweet
span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px
solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata
span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author
img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet
a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet
span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}

Brian
Rolle said that he's been playing some first team WIL in the base
defense ahead of Moise Fokou.less
than a minute ago via Twitter
for iPhone Favorite Retweet
ReplyJeff
McLane
Jeff_McLane

- On a related note, Jeff McLane Tweeted rookie Brian Rolle saw some practice time with the starters ahead of Moise Fokou at weakside linebacker on Wednesday. It's somewhat surprising, given Fokou was one of the more active backers on Sunday, but Rolle has been gaining a lot of attention after an outstanding training camp and preseason. According to the Moving the Chains blog, the Ohio St. product was in for 14 snaps versus the Rams. [Follow Jeff McLane]

- And in even more from McLane, the Inqy beat writer reported earlier in the week that Brandon Graham plans to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list after Week 6, and the defensive end claims he will be suit up after the Eagles' bye.

"I'm very confident I'll be ready and I'll be playing Dallas," Graham said.

Last year's first round pick admitted there is still a chance he winds up on injured reserve, but clearly thinks he'll be good to go.

We're not so sure. The Eagles received contributions from all four of their active defensive ends on Sunday, and they waived last year's third rounder, Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, so they could keep Philip Hunt on the roster. That's five defensive ends, and while Hunt did not play this week, Graham still could be caught up in a numbers game. Considering the difficulties associated with microfracture surgery, the Eagles have to consider even if Graham is cleared to play, he might not be able to make a contribution either way.

Shame for such a promising young athlete, but hopefully he will will be making an impact in a Birds uniform sooner rather than later. [Inq]

- Over at Blogging the bEast, we are treated to a brief film review in the vein of the late Iggles Blog. It's only one play, but if you were wondering why Jason Avant was motioning out of the backfield in the second quarter on Sunday, this is a very well done breakdown of that set. [bEast]