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"Won't you help to sing...these songs of freedom..."

Bob Marley - Redemption Song

As the NFL season shifts gears from training camp to the preseason...a lot of talk has been about Tom Brady and his return from injury...however there is another quarterback that didn't play last year...and he has dominated his fair share of headlines too.

Thriller

I have always said that sports are a mirror of life, and nothing proves that statement more than the unpredictable Philadelphia Eagles signing of Michael Vick. The home team just gave Donovan McNabb a healthy extension on his contact, so to the untrained eye...the new acquisition makes zero sense. However it's quite to contrary and here are a few reason why:

• Backup QB Kevin Kolb was drafted in 2007, and while he was given a few key opportunities to shine...he has yet to pan out, as a reliable 2nd or 3rd string. To add a strain of difficultly to this scenario...he was injured recently towards the end of training camp.
• Donovan McNabb is and will be the main guy in Philadelphia...however if he gets hurt during a game, or has to miss games due to injury...then having Vick on the bench to fill in, is a great insurance policy for this team's high powered West Coast Offense.
• Vick will serve a suspension to start the season, so he will have time to learn the plays, fellowship with his teammates, and get comfortable being in his own skin, as he gets readjusted to life in the NFL.
• Life is about change, as it is one of the more constant things in this world...so for Michael Vick, who I believe can still play and excel on a high level...will have McNabb to learn from, and a team that played in the NFC Championship last season to add to.

This is a good sign for what is yet to come from the Eagles, and the silky smooth, left handed, hurler from Virgina...Michael Vick.

Action Jackson

Success

"She like listen Jigga man, I don't care if you rap...you better R-E-S-P-E-C-T me..."

Jay-Z - Girls, Girls, Girls

The Philadelphia Eagles are getting the acclaim that was missing during most of the season...so I find it interesting that rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson is on the cover of Sports Illustrated...however I'd rather see the Birds get national recognition, better late than never.

Growing Pains

Pop quiz...who was the 49th pick of the 2008 NFL Draft...if you said DeSean Jackson, then you are not only correct...you are more than likely an Eagles fan. Born December 1, 1986, and standing at a mere 5'10"...the speedy wide out has made a name for himself this season. As a top selection in the draft, the eyes were on him, especially in Philadelphia, and playing within the Andy Reid west coast offense along with Brian Westbrook, and Donovan McNabb, he has had more than his fair share of opportunities to contribute to the team. 

He is most known for his superb play against the rival Dallas Cowboys early in the season, in which he purposely dropped a touchdown pass in error, celebrating prematurely. It's a long season, and Jackson has not only matured, he has grown as an athlete, as he and his teammates will travel north on I-95 this weekend, to square off against the New York Football Giants. 

Is this cover a sign of good things to come for DeSean Jackson and company...only time will tell.

Photo: Sports Illustrated/www.si.com