Last night the Eagles were able to rebound from an embarrassing performance against their cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a 24-14 defeat of the Cleveland Browns. While there were obvious improvements in many facets of the team, the offensive line still struggled to protect Michael Vick. Because of this, Vick was forced to check the ball down to his backfield and tight ends the entire time he was on the field. Rookies Jason Kelce (C) and Danny Watkins (RG) made their share of novice mistakes throughout the first half, but it comes with the territory of being a rookie in the preseason. Kelce would, however, open many fans eyes with an phenomenal effort getting downfield to throw Ronnie Brown a great lead block to allow him to get into the end zone on the team's first touchdown. Michael Vick was unable to complete a pass to WR DeSean Jackson but managed to complete 7 passes to RB LeSean McCoy. Vick also had a rushing touchdown in the first half. Andy Reid displayed his creative play calling on a 4th and 1 in the first quarter when he gave Clay Harbor a tight end reverse to get the first down. For the second time this preseason the Eagles special teams blocked a field goal, this time it was Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie getting his hand on the ball. Casey Matthews showed why the team has entrusted him to be their starting middle linebacker at times against the Browns, making a few great run stopping tackles. Fellow rookie LB Brian Rolle took over for Matthews in certain passing situations, however. Vince Young took over after halftime, and like Vick, scored on a QB scramble. The reserve offensive line did an adequate job of protecting Young and Kafka in the second half (once Browns rookie DT Phil Taylor exited the game). Overall, the team looked leaps and bounds better than last week against the Steelers, but they still have a ways to go before anyone can consider them to be "super bowl ready".
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