There will be no talk of Dream Teams. The Eagles are all business, something that was on full display yesterday on the first day of full-squad OTAs. The commitment to bringing home the Lombardi Trophy is everybody’s top priority. Some players say it, but this team wants you to know they mean it.
“With all the big time players that we have, we really have to check ourselves and go into the season to prove ourselves,” said LeSean McCoy, who re-iterated that his main goal is to win a championship. “I really think all of the hype is out the window and it’s a new year.”
McCoy is fresh off signing a five-year contract extension that put him among the NFL’s elite. Now that he’s financially set, McCoy knows he’ll be leaned on heavily as a team leader. The same goes for Mike Vick. This is his first full offseason as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. He’s been working extra hard in the film room with quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson.
“Hard work and preparation is one thing I pride myself on now,” Vick said. “We just have to keep grinding and understand that nothing is going to come easy.”
Vick turned the ball over 18 times in 2011, throwing 14 interceptions and losing four fumbles. That trend can’t continue if the Eagles want to reach their goal. He knows it, and he didn’t hesitate when asked what area of his game needs to improve. Dramatically.
“Obviously, the turnovers,” Vick said. “That’s something that can be corrected, and my accuracy — slowing my feet down and not getting too anxious and excited. I can do that from time to time, and I have to work on it. If I do it, then it will take my game to another level.”
NOTE: There were only two players missing from action on the first day of OTAs. Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins and defensive end Jason Babin were reportedly on a fishing trip in Alaska. OTAs are considered mandatory, so they won’t be disciplined.
