Philadelphia Eagles 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview: Five Questions & Answers

Vick Has Played Poorly in Cold Weather-Advantage to Play Road Playoff Games?

Todd Jacobs, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jan 2, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2011 NFL Playoffs limping into the NFL Wild Card Weekend. Michael Vick is banged up along with key defensive players. Andy Reid was disappointed with Michael Vick's inability to pick up the blitz against the Minnesota Vikings in their Tuesday night football game.

Reid was so disappointed with Vick he floated the idea he may use Kevin Kolb in the NFL Playoffs. This is more of a power play for Reid to motivate Vick for the NFL Playoffs and plants the seed for their first opponents to game plan with blitz strategies to get Vick off his game.

Michael Vick Strategy Changes for NFL Playoffs?

Michael Vick has not practiced with the Philadelphia Eagles offense in the lead up to the last game of the season. It was reported by the NFL Network that he has been studying film of the Green Bay Packers defense and the Minnesota Vikings game in an effort to figure out why he had difficulty picking up blitz packages.

Now that the Philadelphia Eagles know they will be facing the Green Bay Packers it could be a tough game for the Eagles. Vick has struggled against defensive schemes like the Green Bay Packers in the past and this will be a hurdle he must overcome to get to the Super Bowl. Answer: Michael Vick will change his strategy against the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Wild Card Weekend Playoffs.

Is Andy Reid a Super Bowl Championship Caliber Head Coach?

Andy Reid is looking to get back to the NFL Conference Championship game once again and his strategy may have been to get there on the road. Michael Vick and this Philadelphia Eagles team are suited for a fast track and home games could result in bitter cold weather.

Now with the Philadelphia Eagles losses late in the NFL season their NFL Playoffs route will possibly run through domed stadiums unless the Chicago Bears host them. Reid has a history of poor clock management decisions in the NFL Playoffs and the first week will tell the tale if Reid has learned anything over his career. The answer to the question is not yet. Andy Reid is one year away from getting the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl.

Can LeSean McCoy Handle the Pressure of NFL Playoffs?

Philadelphia Eagles LeSean McCoy has been a top three running back all season and the number one reason behind it has been conditioning. McCoy is a threat out of the back field on the ground and is especially effective on occasions when Michael Vick and McCoy run the option.

McCoy is in his second full season and has replaced Brian Westbrook as the explosive back in the Philadelphia Eagles offense. McCoy and the Eagles were eliminated on NFL Wild Card Weekend last year and they will be looking to survive this season. Answer: LeSean McCoy will persevere in the NFL Playoffs this year and be a major factor for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Will DeSean Jackson Resist Temptation to Showboat in NFL Payoffs?

No one questions DeSean Jackson's abilities as one of the most potent NFL wide receivers and return men. Jackson's acceleration and superior route running skills has led to some of the most spectacular plays of the Philadelphia Eagles season and some of the most bone headed celebrations of the season.

Jackson will need to exhibit self control in the NFL Playoffs or one of his celebration penalties could cost the Philadelphia Eagles critical ground in a close game. Answer: DeSean Jackson will be on good behavior in the NFL Playoffs.

Will Trent Cole be a Major Factor on Defense in the NFL Playoffs For Philadelphia Eagles?

Trent Cole is the motor of this Philadelphia Eagles defense. Cole is an exceptional pass rusher with enough speed to drop back and cover route runners across the middle of the field. If Trent Cole is double teamed in the NFL Playoffs it will free up other Philadelphia Eagles on defense. Answer: Trent Cole will be a major factor in the NFL Playoffs and will create plenty of chaos in the trenches.

Philadelphia Eagles NFL Playoffs Breakdown & Prediction

The Philadelphia Eagles have the most talented offensive roster in the NFL but can they overcome some of the best defenses in the NFL Playoffs? Michael Vick and the weak offensive line have shown in recent weeks they are vulnerable to the blitz and against the Minnesota Vikings their Achilles heel may have been exposed.

Vick and Andy Reid will have to establish the threat of the run early in the NFL Playoffs and devise some short play action passes to off set blitz happy NFL teams. Vick will be studying film all week in preparation for the Philadelphia Eagles NFL Wild Card Weekend Playoffs game. The Philadelphia Eagles will advance to the NFL Conference Championship Game but not the Super Bowl.

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Philadelphia Eagles 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview: Five Questions & Answers

Vick Has Played Poorly in Cold Weather-Advantage to Play Road Playoff Games?

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