Around the NFC East – Dec. 30

It’s a relatively quiet week in the NFC East, mostly because only one team is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. The Eagles, or I should say Michael Vick, is dominating the headlines, with the Redskins and Cowboys looking toward the offseason.

Cowboys Are Facing Big Turnover

Needless to say, Jerry Jones will not stand for two disappointing seasons in a row. Wade Phillips was the first casualty, but he certainly will not be the last. According to the Star-Telegram:

"The list of players who might not return next year is a lengthy one, which is a reflection of the Cowboys’ 5-10 record. It could include running back Marion Barber, guards Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis, tackle Marc Colombo, defensive end Marcus Spears, safety Gerald Sensabaugh, linebacker Keith Brooking, safety Alan Ball and cornerback Terence Newman. However, it’s receiver Roy Williams who could move to the front of the line."

Jason Garrett has not finished his audition for the head coaching position. With all the strong head coaches looking for a job, however, I owuld expect that Jerry will take some time to weigh all his options before making a final decision.

Grossman Ready for His Final Audition

Some more speculation that Donovan McNabb will not be Washington’s starter in 2011. Grossman, who I have always felt underachieved in Chicago despite his Super Bowl appearance, has held his own in his first two starts and led the Redskins to a 20-17 victory over the Jaguars, who are certainly underachieving but aren’t always pushovers.

"Grossman has completed 48 of 89 passes for 548 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in his two starts and the few moment played in relief of Donovan McNabb at the end of the loss to the Detroit Lions. He has lost two fumbles. His passer rating: 77.4. McNabb’s? Only a hair lower, at 77.1. Neither is particularly good, though Grossman’s statistical sample is much smaller."

Certainly the Redskins’ problems run much deeper than who is under center, but I can’t imagine there will be all that much success with either of these guys. Shanahan should look elsewhere to find a young player for the future. The draft may be the best place for them to begin rebuilding their team.

Eagles QB Michael Vick  Likely to Sit Out Season Finale vs. Cowboys

"They are locked into the NFC’s No. 3 seed and will host the No. 6 seed on Jan. 8 or 9. Their game against the Cowboys is meaningless in the standings, so it’s likely Vick, who was sacked six times by the Vikings and has taken 34 sacks this season, and other starters will rest."

You have to take the good with the bad when Vick is your starter. For as dynamic as he can be, he puts himself into constant danger. If he continues his style of play, he is unlikely to ever complete a full season. Here is yet another game he will miss, though fortunately for his team, who seem less capable of being any good when he is not at his best, this game is meaningless and he will likely be fine for their first playoff game.

Speaking of the bad parts of having Vick as your quarterback…

Tucker Carlson Addresses Vick Role

"…Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did [it] in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should’ve been executed for that."

Strong words, though I am sure he is not alone in his belief. Of course this is a story that will probably be taken out of context. These words came from a host on the Fox News channel in response to President Obama’s praise of the Eagles and their work in giving Vick a second chance. This was clearly more of a dig at Obama than Vick.

For my part, I am an animal lover and am sickened by what he did. He served his time and is doing and saying all the right things, though only he knows whether or not he has truly changed. I certainly hope he has. But the beauty of the NFL is that one can choose who to root for, for any reason or no reason. I am just glad he is not on the Giants, it would be difficult to cheer on the team when you don’t like their marquee player.