Eagles Notebook: Vick heads list of five Eagles selected for Pro Bowl

Michael Vick's amazing resurgence reached a significant milestone last night, before the Eagles' quarterback even had a chance to throw a pass against the Minnesota Vikings.

Vick, 30, was named the NFC's starting quarterback for next month's Pro Bowl. He was joined by left tackle Jason Peters, cornerback Asante Samuel and kicker David Akers as starters, and by wideout DeSean Jackson, as a reserve.

Running back LeSean McCoy showed how much he indeed does resemble Brian Westbrook; McCoy might have as strong a claim to a Pro Bowl berth as any Eagle after Vick, but he is a first alternate, behind Atlanta's Michael Turner, the Vikings' Adrian Peterson and the Rams' Steven Jackson. McCoy, whose 70 receptions led NFL backs going into the weekend, has more yards from scrimmage (1,587) than any of the backs chosen ahead of him.

Westbrook made the Pro Bowl only twice in his 8-year Eagles career, in the Super Bowl season of 2004 and his amazing 2007 season, when there was no way to keep him off the team. Generally, workhorse backs get the honor ahead of multipurpose runner-receivers.

Also first alternates are defensive end Trent Cole, a two-time Pro Bowler, and left guard Todd Herremans, the Birds' most reliable, consistent offensive lineman. Fullback Owen Schmitt and strong safety Quintin Mikell are second alternates.

Vick has been to the Pro Bowl three times, all when he played for the Atlanta Falcons, before he went to prison for dogfighting. His most recent berth came in 2005.

Peters, dominant since October knee surgery, inconsistent before that, made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time, the second as an Eagle. Samuel also made it for the fourth time, the third time as an Eagle. Jackson made his Pro Bowl debut last year, becoming the first player selected as a wideout and a returner in the same year. He took a lesser role in returning this year.

The NFC-leading Falcons led the league with seven selections, which are made by fans, players and coaches. AFC-leading New England had six. The Eagles, Ravens, Packers and Cowboys all had five.

Vick entered last night's game with a having completed 63.2 percent of his passes, with 20 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 103.6 passer rating, along with 613 rushing yards on 92 carries.

Defensive end Derrick Burgess was active for the first time since his return to the team two weeks ago; rookie defensive tackle Jeff Owens for the first time in his career . . . Vikings QB Brett Favre (concussion) was inactive, as were the Vikes' two ex-Eagles wideouts, Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis . . . The Vikes did activate ex-Eagles running back Lorenzo Booker . . . Eagles linebacker Keenan Clayton (hamstring) was inactive. *

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