National Football League

Philadelphia Eagles eager to play games that count

Published Sep. 7, 2011 11:34 p.m. ET

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For all the hype surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Vick and his teammates know they haven't done anything yet.

The defending NFC East champions were the talk of the NFL after a wild free-agent spending spree that brought several big-name players to Philadelphia and raised expectations to super proportions.

Now is the time to prove it on the field.

''We know we have a lot of talented guys,'' wide receiver Jeremy Maclin said Wednesday. ''We know if we do what we're capable of and play to our abilities, then we can achieve what we want to achieve. But we have to go out there and do it.''

The Eagles open at St. Louis on Sunday.

Vick already has said that winning a Super Bowl and ending the team's 51-year championship drought is his only goal. Coming off his best all-around season in which he set several career highs, was the starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl and The Associated Press Comeback player of the Year, Vick still sees room for improvement.

''I think I've grown tremendously over the last three or four months as far as football is concerned,'' Vick said. ''I had a lot of time to think about the mistakes that I've made, a lot of time to look over everything that needed to be corrected. You know, it all remains to be seen. Experience is the best teacher like I've always said and we have to go out this week and show improvement. So, can't dwell on the past, can't dwell on what happened last year.

''It's all about moving forward.''

The Rams are a tough matchup, an upstart team that barely missed the playoffs last year. Considering all their new additions, a few rookie starters and several positional coaching changes, it's difficult to expect the Eagles to be clicking on all cylinders right away.

''I think, as the year goes on, every team will get better,'' Maclin said.

The newcomers include several players with impressive resumes. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was the prize of the free-agent class. He teams with cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who was acquired in the trade that sent quarterback Kevin Kolb to Arizona, and four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel to form probably the best trio in the league.

Defensive end Jason Babin and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins strengthen the line. Wide receiver Steve Smith, running back Ronnie Brown and quarterback Vince Young are veterans that provide depth on offense.

''We're excited to get the season started,'' coach Andy Reid said. ''I think everybody's fired up and I would say that about both teams. I think both teams will be fired up and ready to go.''

The Eagles are planning to start four rookies: Center Jason Kelce, middle linebacker Casey Matthews, kicker Alex Henery and punter Chas Henry. A fifth rookie - first-round pick Danny Watkins - was expected to start at right guard.

But he's been demoted in place of newly signed Kyle DeVan. Reid wouldn't say Watkins isn't his starter, and the 26-year-old former firefighter said he wasn't allowed to talk about it. Reid, though, gave it away with his reluctance to name a starter and other comments.

''Sometimes,'' Reid said, ''it's good to take a small step back to take a big step forward.''

Since Reid arrived in 1999, the Eagles have been perennial contenders. They've made nine playoff appearances, won six division titles and played in five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl in 12 years. But they're still seeking that elusive Vince Lombardi Trophy.

''Our expectations are to win a championship and I'd be lying if I told you anything else,'' Vick said. ''Other than that, I have no more personal goals. You know, as far as the team, I want this team to excel, I want the best for this organization, and I think every man in this locker room would tell you the same thing that I just told you.

''So it's all about the team and what we're trying to accomplish. We want to win it all.''

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