NFL Picks Week 1: Rams Will Soar Past Eagles' "Dream Team"

There is no doubt that the Philadelphia Eagles were the undisputed winners of the free-agent frenzy that served as the unofficial start of the 2011 NFL season. But the offensive line, which is one area of the team that got short-changed this offseason, will cost them in their game against the St. Louis Rams.

If you are the Eagles and you have Michael Vick playing quarterback, it would be understandable if you did not pay much attention to your offensive line because he is so athletic and quick that he does not need a lot of time after the ball is snapped to make a big play happen.

It does not help matters that the Rams were one of the best in the NFL at sacking the quarterback last season. They compiled 43 sacks in 2010, which was seventh-most in the league.

As Jonathan Tamiri of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, the Eagles need all their playmakers, not just Vick, to have a good game if they want to start this season with a “W.”

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With the Eagles boasting so many explosive offensive players, getting to Michael Vick might be the only sure way to slow down the Birds scoring. Expect the Rams to try, especially after surrendering nearly 224 passing yards per game last year.

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There is no denying Vick’s athletic prowess, but even the best athletes have to help from the players around them if they want to live up to their billing.

The Eagles offensive line was weak last season, which led to Vick getting beat up and missing four games and that unit will be even worse this season.

Expect a big day from defensive ends Chris Long and James Hall to have big days rushing off the edge and negating DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy, and the young Rams to upset the “Dream Team.”