| New Philadelphia coach Andy Reid
would love nothing more than to turn the Eagles from birds of clay into birds of prey.
Among the afflictions in suffering the most losses (13) in a season in franchise history
in ’98, the Eagles were last in the NFC in interceptions with nine. With two
one-point losses and a two-game winning streak, which includes the team’s first road
victory since ’96, Reid and his staff are showing signs of improvement. First and
foremost among these strides is pass-purloining proficiency. The Eagles lead the NFL with
13 interceptions.
"It’s all about making plays; that’s the name of the game," said
rising star FS Brian Dawkins. "Me myself, Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor, we constantly
go out and challenge ourselves," he said.
All three of the talented defensive backs give credit to first-year DB coach Leslie
Frazier.
"He’s a great guy. He’s always on the sidelines mixing it up, making
sure we’re all on the same page, communicating with each other," said Dawkins.
CB Taylor, who has returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown, agreed, adding,
"Leslie keeps us focused, especially on the road. Which is good, since we
haven’t been winning on the road in a long time."
Vincent, at 6 feet, 194 pounds, and Taylor, who is 6-3, 215 pounds, are two of the
largest starting cornerbacks in the league.
"There’s so many big, tall receivers out there," Taylor said. "Our
size gives us a plus."
Dawkins is the first Eagle since ’93 to have an interception in three straight
games.
"I’m just so comfortable playing with Troy and Bobby out at the
corners," said Dawkins. "Those two guys do a great job of jamming receivers,
holding them at the line of scrimmage. That really lets me roam around free back there and
be aggressive.
"I really didn’t think about it when it was going on," Dawkins said of
his INT spree. One more pick and Dawkins will have a personal season high of four.
"I’m trying to get four more; I’m not just trying to get the next one;
I’m going for the next four," he said with gusto. "They’re going to
come. I just have to make plays, that’s all."
Legendary S Ronnie Lott is Dawkins’ role model. "Well, he was bigger than I
am first off. But the thing I pattern myself after is Ronnie’s competitive nature. He
was a fierce competitor, and I’m a fierce competitor. I hate to make mistakes,"
he said.
Seven different Eagles have at least one interception this year. Their leader, Vincent,
in his eighth year out of Wisconsin, is tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions in
six games.
"Troy has a good streak going. I love him; Troy is my guy," gushed Dawkins.
"I’ve never had a stretch like this," said Vincent. "Jim’s
(defensive coordinator Johnson) philosophy is great. He never lets up; he continues to put
pressure on the opposing offense to make plays and make quick decisions."
Although Vincent said the team is playing with more enthusiasm, the defense has room
for improvement.
"We have so far to go as a defense," said Dawkins, "but the sky is the
limit if we can go out and play our kind of ball."
"We’re coming together," Vincent said, "but we still have hurdles
to overcome."
One hurdle may very well be playing without Vincent, who suffered a pulled groin in the
third quarter against Chicago in Week Six.
"I felt a pull, and it was very uncomfortable," he said. He is listed as
doubtful for the Week Seven game against Miami.
Vincent, who keeps a diary for NFL.com, maintains an even keel.
"The guys at the Web site asked me to come on every week and write a little story.
I love it," Vincent said. "I don’t have highs, and I don’t have lows.
Once the game is over, it’s over. I’m going to tell the truth. I’m going to
tell it the way I see it."
While Vincent may be one of the league’s premier takeaway artists, he is even more
adept at giving back in a much more profound manner. Generously giving of both his time
and resources, Vincent’s charitable works range from the American Cancer Society to
the Make-A-Wish Foundation to high school donations to supermarket gift certificates for
the needy.
"I could use the Web site to promote some things, but I’m not. People, the
fans, want to know about football, not about what’s happening in Troy Vincent’s
personal life. That stuff should be more anonymous," he said.
Philadelphia is fortunate to have such a golden Eagle. |
