Fly, Philadelphia Eagles, Fly: Why the Birds Should Remain Optimistic

Call me an eternal optimist.

Sure, the Eagles are 0-1 after a lackluster (to put it kindly), loss to the Packers on Sunday. Our QB is concussed, our best offensive lineman is out for the season and our former franchise savior, (Donovan McNabb), won his first game not in Eagle Green, on National T.V. no-less.

And after all of that, I'm not ready to write the season off. No matter what may have happened on Sunday, the Eagles are only 0-1, and the optimist in me refuses to give up hope. . Andy Reid has spent more than a decade taking the Eagles deep in to the playoffs, and it would be unfair for me, or any other Philly fan to give up on the team after one sub-par outing. In fact, I even managed to come up with 5 reasons why Eagles fans should be excited for the rest of the season.

(Please note: I had to talk myself into making this list. In all honesty, I feel terrible after the Eagles week one performance. I'm pretty sure Andy Reid could have relieved himself on the Liberty Bell and Eagle fans wouldn't feel as bad about the team as they do now, but I'm trying to put a happy spin on things, so enjoy my list and feel free to add your own additions.)

LeSean McCoy

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PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 27: LeSean McCoy #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Denver Broncos on December 27, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Broncos 30-27. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

Just seven caries for 35 yards, McCoy was certainly far from the player that made him a top-30 pick in most fantasy league's this season.

However, five yards a carry is nothing to sneeze at, and when you throw in another five catches' for 47 yards, McCoy could become the most important cog in the Eagles offense if he can stay healthy.

McCoy will likely never make Philly fans forget Brian Westbrook, but he appears poised to become the next best thing.

Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

When Michael Vick was added to the Eagles' roster before last season, I considered him to be, ironically enough, much like a stray dog. 

If he behaved himself, Vick would be a great asset. If he didn't, the team could cut the cord easily. Vick did his job last year, was a good solider even managed to make the biggest play of the Eagles NFC Wild-Card loss to Dallas.

One week into the new season, Vick could be looking at a much bigger role.

I don't want to add anything to a potential QB controversy, but Vick looked great on Sunday. He is certainly a long way away from being an every-down starter, but Vick showed that he can at least provide some excitement to the offense.

Welcome To Philly Owen Schmitt

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Full back Owen Schmitt #35 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs for a touchdown as defensive end Adamm Oliver #42 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets gives chase. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Ok, this one is a bit of a personal pick.

I love Leonard Weaver. He was great for the 'Birds last season, and I expected more of the same from him this season. Obviously, those expectations changed after he blew out his knee in the first half on Sunday.

As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

With Weaver out, the Eagles decided to bring Owen Schmitt onto their roster, a decision that delights me, not just because I love the prospect of Andy Reid using a traditional full-back, but because Schmitt was one of my favorite players to talk with as a young, very green sportswriter at West Virginia. 

It might seem selfish to put someone on this list for personal reasons, but Schmitt knows how to block, knows how to put his head into the play, and if the Eagles ever decide to become a running team, Schmitt could be a huge asset.

The Throw-Back Jerseys

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

I can't help it, I love those jerseys'. I'm sure we won't see them again this season, and maybe never again, but they reminded me of those amazing Buddy Ryan era teams', and for people older than me, probably teams even further back.

It seems a little strange to begin a new era of Eagles football by wearing throw-back jersey's, but they were nice to see. After a week one loss its obvious they aren't Invincible, but at least they can look the part.

It's Only Week One!!

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Ellis Hobbs #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Trust me, I remind myself of this every day.

No matter how you spin it, (believe me I just tried), the Eagles didn't look like an NFL team in week 1.

But I'm not ready to give up on the season yet.

I don't know if Kevin Kolb is any good, I'm not sure that Stewart Bradley is 100% back, and I'm not convinced that either Jeremy Maclin or DeSean Jackson is is ready to be a top-flight receiver.

Here is what I do know...

The Cowboys, Giants and Redskins were all less than impressive on Sunday...

...The Eagles, playing with their back-up QB, lost by seven to Green Bay, a team that everyone seems ready to send to the Super Bowl...

I certainly don't like what I saw last Sunday, but as an Eagles fan, do I think the season is over? Not by a long-shot.

And that's why we will be there on Sunday.

Lets just hope the Eagles show up too