Black Ball Sports

It’s been forever since I posted, had a lot of thoughts, but never got around to writing them.  Little shock it is the NFL and the Eagles which have brought me back to writing.

In all that has been written about Michael Vick since the Eagles signed him recently, what always seems overlooked is that he’s just a man trying to right his wrongs and continue his life.  Vick screwed up, big time.  He made a bad decision to get involved with dog fighting and then before he knew it, it snowballed and sent him to jail.  Does anyone really believe that he doesn’t deserve this opportunity?  Would you rather have him on the streets?  Everyone knows his greatest strengths and talents are tailor made for professional football.  Do you think he’s suddenly going to become an accountant?  Football presents his best opportunity to become a productive citizen again.  For those who feel the NFL should ban him for life, remember he’s lost over 2 years of his life, and tens of millions of dollars.   Really isn’t that enough?  If you were drinking and driving and caused an accident for example, would you feel it appropriate for you to lose your right to earn an income in your best career path?

Back to the field…The Eagles made the bold move, and while some are saying it’s a threat to Donovan McNabb, I think that is the last thing on the Eagles mind.  Here’s my take on their plans for Vick:

1. An insurance policy for a McNabb injury.  The Eagles clearly think they are on the verge of a title shot.  They have weapons all over the offense.  Granted beyond McNabb and Westbrook their prime players Brent Celek, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy are mostly untested and unproven, but it’s clear they have the talent.  If McNabb is hurt, the Eagles know that neither Kevin Kolb nor AJ Feeley is likely to put them over the top.  Vick isn’t a McNabb replacement, just look at his career history.  But he does have a lot of talent, and with a great QB coach like Andy Reid he could perhaps be a really good fit as a fill-in for McNabb on a win now team….which leads me to point 2.
2. The Eagles are ready to win.  They have an excellent defense, and a well rounded, versatile and deep offense.  The one major offensive flaw has been the ability to finish drives.  For all the talent that guys like Jackson, Maclin and Westbrook have they are best used in space, which is naturally limited within the red zone.  How does Vick help this?  Only if they are able to use him as both a decoy and option in this zone.  He has a great arm, and great improvision skills… which leads me to point 3.
3. The obvious “wildcat” plays.  Vick might not even get to play until several weeks into the season, but consider the options and threats the Eagles will have out there with McNabb, Vick, Jackson, Maclin, Celek and Westbrook on the field at the same time.  That represents four guys who can catch, five who can run, and two who can pass.  In other words, a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.  Most wildcat plays run in the NFL have had the ball in the hands of a running back who maybe is good for tops a good 20 yard pass.  Well Vick can make every throw…which leads me to point 4.
4. Vick develops a bit as QB, making him a viable trade candidate.  This I think is the most overlooked part of the signing.  Simply put, a year of quality coaching, learning from a true NFL QB (in terms of leadership, winning, ability and work ethic), and keeping himself free of trouble, makes him a big time trade chip.  Especially if he’s able to be successful passing and running in an offense with wildcat plays.  Rumors were the Patriots and Steelers had interest in Vick.  If true more than likely it was this scenario they were considering.

The Eagles are a team which for a decade has been one of the NFLs most successful franchises.  They can afford this gamble, at this time.  They only lose if Vick blows up, and he’s never had the kind of personality which would lead one to call him TO like, and I for one believe his past is behind him.