Quarterback Michael Vick understands the opportunity that is in front of his team this weekend.
The Eagles' rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, come to Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. Both teams are struggling, each with a 3-5 record at the midway point of the season. Despite the Eagles' overall record, they are 1-0 in the NFC East with five games still to play in the division starting with Dallas. They are two games behind the first-place New York Giants in the loss column with another game against them as well as a win at hand.
However, if the Eagles are going to inch back into the playoff chase it must begin Sunday against the Cowboys.
"It's a big game. We're still 1-0 in the division. We still have a shot. We still have a shot," Vick said. "It's time to figure out what needs to be done to win this game and we're going to need everybody's participation in this one and it's going to be big."
The Eagles lost their fourth straight game on Monday night against New Orleans despite amassing 447 yards of total offense. However, the team's performance in the red zone (0-for-5 with two turnovers) stalled the offense.
Vick completed 22-of-47 pass attempts for 272 yards with a touchdown against an interception. However, Vick has to be lauded for remaining poised in the pocket despite being sacked a season-high seven times after right tackle Todd Herremans was lost for the game with an ankle injury. After Herremans' injury, left tackle King Dunlap and left guard Evan Mathis were the only remaining starters from Week 1 still on the field.
"It's part of the game. It's one of those seasons where you're nicked up and guys have to step up," Vick said. "Guys have to step up. Guys have to step up and play. We watch the film and we prepare. Coaches can only do so much. We've all got to put it all together."
On Tuesday, Vick toured the wreckage in Atlantic City left by Hurricane Sandy with Mayor Lorenzo Langford and soldiers from the charitable organization Got Your 6. It helped put in perspective that no matter what struggles the Eagles are going through; there are many others dealing with far worse at this time.
"It was something that I felt that I needed to do," Vick said. "I wanted to go down there and pay homage and show them that we are thinking of them."
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