A new twist in the Eagle's tale

In the 2007-08 college season, Oregon looked like the team to beat. They were dynamic, powerful and the most exciting team in the PAC-10, if not the entire NCAA. They were number one in the AP and coaches' polls, and looked like a lock to play in the National Championship game. But, in a bittersweet win against Arizona State, Dixon tore his ACL and changed the dynamic team in Oregon. They went on to get destroyed in their bowl game and Dixon went on to get drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While Dixon hasn't made much of a splash in the NFL (being a backing QB for Big Ben, and most recently playing on the Raven’s practice squad) he hasn't had much of an opportunity either. This week, with the Eagles in the rebuilding process, former Oregon coach turned professional Chip Kelly offered a two-year contract to his former stand out quarterback. While the Eagles also issued a contract to Michael Vick and have Nick Foles and Trent Edwards on the roster, Dixon fans have something to get excited about.

While Dixon is 28 now, in his final season at Oregon, he threw for 2,136 yards with 20 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also completed 67.7 percent of his passes in the 10 games he played. On top of that, he rushed for 583 yards.

While Dixon isn’t coming in with the best credentials (only four games played in the NFL) fans of him, Oregon and Chip Kelly have to be excited at the prospect of Dixon really getting a shot in the NFL through playing under his former coach. The competition is steep, with Vick and Foles having some solid track records in the NFL (Foles played well enough to dethrone Vick last season), but Dixon is a competitor. Can this be the shot that will elevate Dixon to a starting NFL job?

Photo courtesy of Oregon Live