The Philadelphia Eagles opened their 2012 season with a team they should have beaten easily, but the Cleveland Browns made them sweat out a 17-16 victory, mainly because of the bad decisions and bad passing of Eagles QB Michael Vick. Other areas of the team fared much better, but it doesn’t really matter if the QB plays as poorly as Vick did on Sunday.
Offense -- C-minus: RB LeSean McCoy and WRs Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson had great games, but that was offset with the terrible game played by Vick and the less-than-perfect game played by the offensive line. Vick threw four interceptions and could easily have thrown a few more, including one in the end zone in the final seconds. Plus Vick almost fumbled the ball away during that game-winning drive, so it was luck as much as skill that won this game against an inferior opponent.
Defense -- A: The Eagles survived a couple of glitches in pass coverage early in the game, but then this unit dominated. They intercepted rookie QB Brandon Weeden four times, held rookie RB Trent Richardson to about 2 yards a carry. These guys carried the team while the offense sputtered.
Special teams -- A-minus: Second-year K Alex Henery missed a field goal attempt that could have proven costly. But second-year P Chas Henry had the best day of his career and his booming punts, and the airtight coverage that went with them, gave the Eagles a much-needed advantage in field position until the offense finally got on track.
Coaching – D: Andy Reid’s team committed 12 penalties for 110 yards and that lack of discipline goes back to the head coach. Plus Reid kept allowing Vick to throw the ball even though he was having a terrible day and he didn’t give it nearly enough times to McCoy, who was having a great day. Reid’s teams always seem to have trouble on opening day – the Eagles are now 7-7 in his tenure with them – and this one was no different.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSSportsEagles.
