It might be crazy to still think of the Eagles as “The Dream Team” after their 1-4 start, but now, with a win and a bye week to regroup, the 2-4 Eagles deserve a closer look ahead of their Sunday Night Football meeting with Dallas.
When we hear the phrase “Dream Team,” most of us envision the 1992 Olympic Basketball squad with Michael Jordon, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley, among others. But the Dream Team that makes a much better comparison to these Eagles is the 1989 comedy The Dream Team starring Michael Keaton, Christopher Lloyd and Peter Boyle. Let me jog your memory: the movie follows patients from a mental hospital who are left unsupervised in New York City during a field trip gone awry. So let’s take a look at what the Eagles front office was trying to do and see if we think they’re crazy or not.
- Extending Michael Vick’s contract: 6 years, $100 million, with $40 million guaranteed. Remember, it’s not your money. And look at what Kevin Kolb took the Cardinals for: 5 years, $63 million – plus the Eagles got a 2nd round pick in that deal. Not so crazy, right?
- Corners: You can never have too many corners. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie coming as part of the Kevin Kolb deal gives you a former Pro Bowler. Then the very next day you add free agent Nnamdi Asomugha and you’ve got 3 near shut-down corners. The only crazy move would be playing Asomugha in off-zone coverage. Wait, call the Eagles guilty on this one!
- Defensive line: Jason Babin’s an extreme pass rusher and tackle Cullen Jenkins adds inside pressure. Both are good moves. But the extra “wide-nine” technique deployed by the defensive ends? That looks a little crazy to me.
- Vince Young as back-up QB: A good choice to give him a chance to quietly redeem his career as Michael Vick’s back-up. But then you hold a press conterence for your back-up QB and he utters the phrase “Dream Team” and puts a big bulls-eye on your back. Crazy? You make the call!
Now, you can call me crazy if you want, and I know the offensive line is leaky and the linebackers need a net to stop opposing ball carriers, but crazier things have happened – like last year when the Giants punted to DeSean Jackson! Don’t count this team out just yet. What makes you think “The Dream Team” won’t go crazy on “America’s Team”?
– James Lofton
James Lofton is the analyst for Westwood One’s coverage of Sunday Night Football. Dave Sims, James and Hub Arkush (sidelines) will have all the action of Cowboys-Eagles from Lincoln Financial Field beginning at 7:30PM ET.
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