They have a little bit better sense now of what Vince Young can do. A little bit better feel for what throws he can make, what plays he likes, what his strengths are.
Until Sunday, they kind of knew. But not really.
So the Eagles offensive game plan Sunday will be based in large part on what the coaches saw from Young Sunday, when the Eagles beat the Giants 17-10 at the Meadowlands. In his first start as an Eagle, Young overcame a shaky first half by completing 15 of 18 passes for 168 yards in the second half.
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With Michael Vick missing a third straight day of practice Friday, Young is expected to make his second start of the year Sunday when the Eagles face Tom Brady and the Patriots at the Linc.
I think you become more familiar as time goes on, head coach Andy Reid said. You gain a history with a player, and really going into that game we didnt have much of a history, except for a little bit in the preseason when things are really cut down. So I think every chance he has to execute the offense and every time you have a chance to evaluate him executing the offense, you build that.
Young was 6 for 7 for 68 yards on the final drive of the game, which he capped with an eight-yard touchdown to Riley Cooper. He improved to 31-17 as a pro.
Vick has not played or practiced since suffering two broken ribs during the Eagles loss to the Cards at the Linc on Nov. 13. The Eagles list Vick as questionable.
Jeremy Maclin, who had a setback while trying to practice Wednesday, missed a second consecutive day of practice Friday and is now listed as doubtful.
Meanwhile, Nnamdi Asomughawho hurt his knee at practice on Thursdayis questionable for Sunday, as issurprisinglyDominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who was expected to miss several weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Rodgers-Cromartie actually did some scout-team work at practice on Friday, long before he was expected to return.
But the big news Friday was the absence once again of Vick and the liklihood Young will once again be at quarterback Sunday.
Its always good to get something on tape and go back and coach and correct it, Young said. You know, same thing when youre at practice and you make a mistake. ... We definitely make mistakes but learn from it, and if a leader or starter or someone tries to come and help you out, pay attention and listen and when your next time comes youre going to do a good job as well.
Young lost his only start against the Patriots, 40-23 in 2006 in Nashville, but the Titans actually trailed 26-23 with the ball when Young got picked off.
It went down to the wire, Young recalled. The funny thing about it is Asante Samuel picks me off and they win the game. So thank God hes here and playing with us.
Young did something Sunday Vick has struggled with all year. Making big plays late in the game.
Ive been preaching all week to the offense that we have four quarters to play, Young said. So if it starts off bad, have anything rough, make a mistake, put it in your past and get ready for the next series or the next play and just play hard, total four quarters and thats all you have to do.
Reid said Vick has thrown each of the last three days and has felt better each day. Hes been campaigning to Reid to play him Sunday, but he remains a long shot to return this weekend.
Weve got to be smart with it, but he wears you out with wanting to play, Reid said. Thats refreshing. I think thats a good thing. Hes very competitive. Weve just got to be smart with it. Ive got to listen to the experts, obviously, and listen to him, and see how hes feeling. Thats really what Ive been doing.
Asomugha suffered a hyperextended knee at practice Thursday. Reid said he was feeling better on Friday but not well enough to practice or even try to run.
Hes going to continue to try to rehab and get himself ready for the game, Reid said. He feels pretty good. He seems to be doing OK. If he can go, hell go.
The injury was frightening to see. Asomugha was unable to put any weight on his left knee and had to be carted off the field. It looked like an ACL.
It didnt look real good, Reid said. I saw it on the field and then I had a chance to look at it on film, it didnt look good either way. He was really optimistic from the time he went to the MRI until he got back. After I saw the film I wasnt quite as optimistic as he was, but it was good news, so thats a plus.
Rodgers-Cromartie didnt do a lot at practice Friday, but he was out there, which is more than anybody expected this quickly.
Even though DRC has struggled this year, his presence couldnt hurt against the Patriots, especially if Asomugha is unable to play.
Listen, Im not going to tell you hes all the way back, Reid said. He went out and he tried to today to see how it felt. He moved around pretty good. Were just taking it kind of day-by-day, like you do with these things. Thats why I hesitate to predict anything. I dont go there. Everybodys a little different. How they come back from every injury is a little different.
Maclin, who missed the Giants game with hamstring and shoulder injuries, practiced on Wednesday but hasnt practiced since. The shoulder seems to be OK, but the hamstring isnt.
It tightened up on him (Wednesday), so we backed off, Reid said.
The Eagles also list offensive lineman King Dunlap (concussion) out for a second consecutive game.
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com.