Birds to push tempo, going no-huddle may jolt offense

Andy Reid may just need to tell his struggling quarterback two words this weekend: Hurry up! As Mike Vick attempts to improve his decision-making and fix his ball security issues, maybe speeding the game up will help.

The Eagles broke out their version of a hurry-up, or no-huddle, offense on several series last week in Pittsburgh, including their opening possession. While they didn’t score a touchdown, Vick seemed more in control with the up-tempo style. In it, he doesn’t have extra time to over-think anything. It’s get to the line and go.

“I think we look forward to having that up-tempo offense,” LeSean McCoy said Thursday. “Keep movin’, keep the chains movin’, keep the pressure on the defense.”

The Eagles have flashed the no-huddle look on several key drives so far this season, including the game-winning ones against Cleveland and Baltimore. In fact, they have run it 23.8-percent of the time, near the top of the NFL.

The coaches say the biggest benefit is the burden it puts on the defense.

“The main thing is pressure,” said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, “Constant pressure on your opponent.”

Of course, that applies when it works. When it doesn’t, then it just gasses your own offensive line and defense.

“There’s no point to it if you take three shots and then you’re off the field,” said right tackle Todd Herremans. “It actually speeds up the rest time for your defense.”

That doesn’t mean Herremans is opposed to it. He pointed out that the Eagles run more of a hybrid version of it, where they are huddling up briefly and staying close to the line. The main advantage is the fast tempo.

“Plus, it gives us more time on the play clock, since we’re already up at the line,” Herremans said.

Vick owns dog, wants to ‘break cycle’

Mike Vick has a dog. Whatever emotion that line stirs in you, it doesn’t matter because now it’s fact.

The quarterback put out a statement confirming what everbody already knew thanks to a photo he posted on Twitter last weekend. That photo was quickly deleted and replaced.

Vick, who declined comment on the matter Wednesday, said he wanted his children to have a pet, one they could love and form a bond with.

“I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family’s decision to care for a pet,” Vick said. “As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals. Our pet is well cared for and loved as a member of our family. This is an opportunity to break the cycle.”