Michael Vick and the 7 Most Indispensable Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick's recent concussion has Eagles fans wondering, "What would we do without that guy?" Losing Vick for any period of time would be a big blow to Philadelphia, but is Michael Vick the player the Eagles could least afford to lose?  

Any analysis of a team's most indispensable players first requires defining the term "indispensable."  We must cement what the word is and weed out what it is not.  At its core, dispenseability comes down to how easily a player can be replaced.  If the team can replace the player and maintain standard, the player is not indispensable.

For instance, it is quite possible for a player to be the best at his position in the entire NFL, but if his backup is also a standout, the former player is able to be replaced, and thus, is not indispensable.  It is also possible for an average player to be indispensable to his team.  If the player is at a premier position and his backup is one miscue from the CFL, the starter is indispensable to his team.  Depth plays a significant role in defining a player's value.  Without further delay, lets examine which players the Philadelphia Eagles simply could not survive without.    

No. 7: Nnamdi Asomugha

The Eagles have such depth at the cornerback position that it's tough to include Nnamdi on this list.  However, Asomugha's ability to simply take a primary receiver out of the game is unparalleled.

In the franchise's storied history, it has never had a player with the man-to-man cover skills Nnamdi possesses.  Neither Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, Al Harris, Lito Sheppard or Sheldon Brown could eliminate an elite receiver like Asomugha.  Throw in the fact that the league's rule changes have made it nearly impossible to stop the passing game (Did Cam Newton really throw for 400 yards twice?), and Nnamdi's value only rises.  

His presence should also increase interception opportunities for ballhawk Asante Samuel.   

No. 6: Trent Cole

Cole has been, and should continue to be, the Eagles' best pass rusher and edge presence against the run.  He is an elite pass rusher in a league where a team's ability to win games is highly correlated with its ability to rush the passer (No, seriously, did Cam Newton really throw for 400 yards twice?).  

The Eagles have other fast balls in Jason Babin, Juqua Parker, Darryl Tapp and Brandon Graham (should be off the PUP list by week 6), but none are as strong against the run or have a motor like Trent Cole.

Cole's leadership and veteran presence on the NFL's fifth youngest team also help him earn indispensable status.    

No. 5: Cullen Jenkins

Cullen Jenkins is the Eagles' most valuable and indispensable commodity on defense.  With suspect play at the linebacker positions, an even greater onus is on the defensive line to make plays against the run.

Jenkins not only plays every down and provides big-time run defense, but he is one of the NFL's premier pass rushers from the defensive tackle position.  His three sacks are currently tied for second in the NFL.  The team does have some depth with Antonio Dixon, Mike Patterson and Trevor Laws, but none of those players are the dual threat that Jenkins is.   

No. 4: Jason Peters

Peters made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in Philly. He is the only returning starter on the offensive line who is playing the same position as last season.  It doesn't take an O-line expert to realize how unique a talent Jason Peters truly is.

His foot speed is second to no offensive linemen in the league.  Perhaps only Peters has the athletic ability to lead the screen play that Jeremy Maclin scored on last Sunday night against Atlanta.  In his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills, Jason Peters blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.

Honestly, how many left tackles can do that? 

Throw all of that aside; there are two words that alone make Jason Peters one of the Eagles' most indispensable players, "King Dunlap."   

No. 3: LeSean "Shady" McCoy

Last year, McCoy became the youngest player in NFL history with 1,000 rushing yards and 75 receptions in a season and only the fourth player in league history to rush for 1,000 yards, catch 75 passes and average at least 5.2 yards per carry.

"Shady" led the NFC in yards from scrimmage and was fourth in the NFL.  Do you remember how valuable Brian Westbrook was to the McNabb-led Eagles teams?  Were it not for the additions of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, McCoy would be just as valuable.  No back in the league turns more plays that should be losses into three-to-five-yard gains.  

Consider this:  In LeSean's first two seasons, the Eagles were 18-5 when he carried the ball eight times or more.  The team was 3-5 when he didn't. Also, the Eagles were 17-6 when McCoy received 12 touches or more, and 4-4 when the ball went elsewhere.     

Nos. 1 & 2: Michael Vick and Todd Herremans

It is impossible to define which player is more indispensable to the Eagles this year.

Sure, Vick is the guy that makes the team go, but if his blindside is not protected, Vick's performance is a mere image of what it can be.  The Eagles were 8-1 in games Vick started and finished last year prior to the blitz onslaught the team faced in the final 2 games Vick started against Minnesota and Green Bay (Wild Card playoffs).  

Against the Vikings and Packers, Vick had little time and committed far too many turnovers.  In the 8-1 stretch where Vick received adequate protection, Vick protected the ball and led drives better than any quarterback in the league not named Tom Brady.  

Yes, Vick is the team's most indispensable player, but only if Herremans gives him the protection he needs.  When Vick doesn't have time, he has shown to be an average to below average quarterback.  Eagles fans don't want to see Winston Justice try to block Osi Umenyiora again.

Sure, Philadelphia's season depends on Michael Vick, but Vick's season depends upon his blindside protection, right tackle, Todd Herremans.  

Honorable Mention

DeSean Jackson—too much depth at WR to make top 7 (Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Steve Smith)

Asante Samuel—Eagles are deep at corner (Asomugha, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, Joselio Hansen)