Does Vick Still Rock his Khakis with a Cuff and a Crease?
I don’t know that I’ve ever been more surprised about a move a Philadelphia team has made. Bringing in Michael Vick doesn’t seem like an Eagles move, an Andy Reid move, it just doesn’t really fit. Vick’s signing will probably drive a stake through the heart of the fan base. In a couple hours I’ve heard cries of outrage from many Eagles fans. They’re in disbelief, they’re angry, and some have even threatened to start rooting for another team. That, of course, would be ridiculous. Let’s take a look at this:
Anyone who has known me for more than five minutes is probably aware of the fact that I like dogs more than I like most people. Dogs are pure. They’re all heart, and the thought of running a dog fighting ring or syndicate, or whatever the bleep it is called…is sickening to me. All that being said, though, if the Eagles bring someone in, it is almost impossible for me to root against them. I don’t think Mike Vick is a good person, I don’t look up to him, he’s not a role model, but I’m an Eagles fan. If it comes down to it, and we need a play that Mike Vick can provide…I’m on board.
What the guy did was terrible. No one is arguing that, but it’s not my place to sentence him, or determine whether or not he should be able to play in the NFL. That’s not my job. He served his time in prison. A relatively long sentence…think about Donte Stallworth doing a few weeks for killing a man with his car. Vick didn’t get off scot free. Again, it’s not about condoning his actions, but it’s about football.
Another thing I’ve heard a million times already in the last couple hours are the T.O. comparisons. I feel like there is no comparison. T.O. was a proven bad teammate. A trouble maker, a selfish guy who created problems, drew attention to himself…etc. He also happens to be the best receiver the Eagles have had in decades, but that’s besides the point for now. Vick has never been called a bad teammate. What he does off the field may be appaling, but I don’t think he’s coming in here to make waves. This guy is on his last chance. If he doesn’t toe the line, and become a team guy his career is going to be over before it gets started again. There is no T.O comparison, so just stop it.
The Eagles take virtually no risk here. The money is minimal. Basically a little over a million for this year, and next season is a team option. They’re not on the hook for anything. Are we worried about what Don thinks? Well, Don can get over it. He got his extension. If he’s worried about a guy behind him who has been in jail for a couple years, then we have a whole other set of problems. The Eagles are a good enough team, and have a good enough leadership structure in place to handle Vick’s arrival. If Don is going to make a problem out of it, then that’s an issue with Don, and not Vick.
Vick may never score a touchdown in an Eagles uniform. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but like I said if Donovan went down with an injury late in the season do you want Kevin Kolb coming in? And, just stop with A.J. Feeley. That guy is awful, you know it, I know it…he’s a backup’s backup. At least Vick is someone you have to gameplan for. The gameplan against Kolb would be sit back in a zone, and wait for him to throw picks.
You don’t have to go out and buy a Vick jersey or anything like that, but maybe the guy deserves a shot. You’re telling me it wouldn’t be interesting to see Vick get 6-8 touches a game? The Eagles have some pretty creative offensive minds. I think they can find a way to use him. What defense in the league could handle some crazy formation with Westbrook, Maclin, Jackson, Curtis and Vick? That’s a king’s ransom worth of speed and shiftiness.
So, I’m not letting Mike Vick pet sit for me, and I’m not shaking his hand if we run into each other, but this is football…not life. Maybe it’ll work out, and everyone who is spitting the hate, I don’t want to hear you coming around if Vick helps the Birds. You’ve made your opinion clear. And, if you want to go become a Giants fan or go root the Broncos because they have B-Dawk…you go right ahead. Believe me, you won’t be missed.
In actual football, the Birds dropped a close one to the Pats in preseason action Thursday night. Akers missed a field goal late that would have locked up a win…not that it really matters. I was probably most impressed with the play of LeSean McCoy, who I think will be a real contributor right out of the gate. Maclin showed some bursts, this RB Buckley looks like a tough kid, and other than that…we need some work on kick coverage, and what can you tell really from one preseason game. No one broke their leg. Good times.
