Philadelphia Eagles: 10 Reasons Why They Are Super Bowl Contenders

The return of Michael Vick has sparked the Eagles explosive offense, and the standout play of cornerback Asante Samuel has the Eagles running on all cylinders going into their Monday Night game against the Washington Redskins. 

Coming off a big win last week in Indy, the Eagles look to take that momentum to FedEx field to take down the division rival. 

Michael Vick has the team setting their sights on the Super Bowl and here are 10 reasons why he could be right. 

10: Momentum

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Eagles defeated Peyton Manning for the first time last week.  Even with failed red zone opportunities, the defense still managed to shut down Manning's arm with pressure and tight coverage.  The team looks to keep rolling with a win over the 'Skins tonight.

9: Getting Healthy

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles is laid out by Dunta Robinson #23 of the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both players were injured o

The team is finally nearly injury free.  Going into Monday's game only Nate Allen, King Dunlap and Ellis Hobbs are out of action.  Both the offense and the defense are healthy and should be able to be back in form.  If the team stays healthy, they can make a major push in the playoffs. 

8: LeSean McCoy Impact

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Colts 26-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac

LeSean McCoy struggled last week after breaking a 62-yard run on the first play of the game to set up a touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson.  After that run, McCoy managed just 33 yards on 15 carries.  However, he is averaging over 75 yards a game his last seven games and is facing a Redskins team that is ranked 18th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. 

The Eagles also have to face the New York Giants twice.  The G-men are ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.  They also have to face the Chicago Bears who are ranked second.  If McCoy can have breakout games these last few games, he can open up the offense for Michael Vick and the passing game. 

7: Defensive Play

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Trent Cole #58 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a sack against Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Image

The defense is playing well as of late.  On the year, they are averaging a total of 318 yards per game given up.  However the are 22nd in the league with allowing an average of 22.6 points per game.  The defense needs to step up especially in the red zone the rest of the season in order to give the team a chance at a Super Bowl title. 

6: Brent Celek

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 13: Brent Celek #87 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on December 13, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael

Brent Celek has dropped off the face of the Earth this season.  Celek has just 21 catches on the year so far, and his number of targets is way down from last season.  With Jackson and Maclin healthy, teams should be looking to prevent the deep play which should open up the underneath pass to Celek.  Celek needs to make an impact, especially in the red zone to balance the Eagles offensive attack. 

5: Red Zone Offense

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Owen Schmitt #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles tries to run the ball past Rocky McIntosh #52 of the Washington Redskins on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Imag

The Eagles struggled last week inside the red zone.  After scoring an opening drive touchdown, the offense managed just nine points on three straight red zone attempts. 

Here's an idea for the offense...use the players that are paid for red zone situations.  Michael Vick is great.  If there is an opening, he will find it, and he will score, but he is more effective in the open field than in the red zone. 

Jerome Harrison was acquired for Mike Bell but has just two carries as an Eagle.  Harrison was brought on for his size, and bulldozer running style.  This is perfect for goal line situations, however coach Andy Reid continues to hand the ball off to LeSean McCoy around the goal line. 

Owen Schmitt also can punch the ball in on the goal line, but has zero carries on the year.  The big guys need to get involved in order to capitalize on the opportunities for touchdowns. 

4: Asante Samuel

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his last minute interception that clinched their victory against the Indianapolis Colts with teammates DeSean Jackson #10 and Jorrick Calvin #38 on November 7, 2010 at Li

Asante Samuel had a great game last week, intercepting Peyton Manning twice, including one to seal the victory late in the fourth quarter.  If Samuel continues this type of play, the Eagles should be able to shut down the high-powered passing offenses coming up on the schedule. 

3: Coaching

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Andy Reid, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Andy Reid has made some very good and some very bad calls this year.  This is especially true in the red zone.  If Andy Reid makes the very good calls to finish the season, the Eagles have the offense capable of winning a Super Bowl.

2: Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Colts 26-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

Vick has been outstanding this year when he is healthy.  Being effective both through the air and with his feet, Vick has led the offense and has produced impressive numbers.  Vick has yet to throw an interception this year, and if his passing game stays as effective as it is now, he will be hard to stop. 

With the passing game producing big numbers, teams will drop back into more coverage which should open up running lanes for McCoy and Vick.  Vick can make his predictions come true and lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl. 

1: Confidence

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with offensive linemen Todd Herremans #79 and Mike McGlynn #77 after throwing a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Eve

The Eagles played with confidence last week and need to continue that confidence with five division games left on the schedule.