Late Thursday afternoon on Aug. 13, the Philadelphia Eagles lay to rest all questions about where recently reinstated quarterback Michael Vick would play this season. Originally they were one of the 26 teams expressing no interest in the sullied QB, but by the end of the day, Michael Vick was an Eagle. He signed a one-year deal for $1.6 million with a second year option valued at $5.2 million and can earn up to $3 million more in incentives. That’s a lot of money to you and me but chump change to a man who was once the highest paid player in football. Still, I’m sure Vick was more than happy to come to terms with Philly. Prior to his signing, there was some speculation that he might land here in Chi-City with the Bears. Vick was seen arriving at O’Hare on Wednesday, feeding the rumor mills with the possibility he was on his way to the Bears’ training camp in Bourbonnais. Sadly this wasn’t the case—we could have used him as a more viable back-up to Jay Cutler. On the flip side, he was here making a personal appearance for the Human Society.
Vick can report to camp immediately and depending on his level of conditioning, may be game ready in a week or two. Once the regular season starts, he’ll be able to participate in all team activities but must sit out the first six games as part of his conditional reinstatement. By then he’ll have a grip on the Eagles’ playbook and should be close to regaining his form. At the minimum, Vick’s readiness will be similar to that of a highly touted second round draft pick or a career back-up getting his first shot at the show. Either way he’ll be tuned up just in time to face the Bears on November 22 in Soldier Field. As much as I love the Bears, I hope McNabb and Vick come out blazin’ like Columbians after Tony Montana.
If you still think this story is about an ex-con that shouldn’t be allowed to return to the NFL you’re either naive to the business side of professional sports or just a hater. The focus now shifts to how well Vick will play and what his role will be on a team that already has one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Chicago native Donovan McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and a Superbowl over the last 8 years. The Eagles were in the hunt for a championship again last season and rewarded their signal caller with a new contract worth $24.5 million over the next two seasons. So the question is: Why sign Vick? Why bring in another quarterback when you have a Pro Bowl caliber player in McNabb and a solid backup in A.J. Freely? What’s the angle? Why roll the dice? I’ll tell you why—because though Vick may be a gamble now, he’s going to be a solid bet in the future. Vick is an outstanding athlete and the versatility he brings to the position is a coveted quality most QBs lack. Vick isn’t being signed to challenge McNabb as the Eagles’ starter nor will he be expected to play the traditional back-up roll. Vick is an insurance policy and adds another lethal weapon to Philly’s cache.
He’s like a stealth bomber, ready to scramble at a moment’s notice. He can run, he can pass and if necessary he could be sensible receiving option, even if only as a safety valve. Vick is the only NFL quarterback to have rushed for more than 1000 yards in a season. He’ll be used in the “wildcat” formation made popular by Miami and several other teams last season. In this set-up, the center can snap the ball to the quarterback or directly to a halfback or wide-out lined up in the backfield. Either player receiving the ball can choose to run or pass it downfield to another target. This formation gives the offense countless options and can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. To some, the “wildcat” formation is an exciting innovation and a welcomed addition to any playbook. It is exciting, but it really isn’t all that new. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the Bears used it with Walter Payton when the starting QB went down and they had little confidence in their back-ups. It’s also a sandlot staple and when used efficiently can be extremely effective.
By signing Vick, the Eagles instantly became a better team and are poised to get back to the NFC Championship game again this season. Bringing Vick into the fold may be the spark they need to go back to the Superbowl and get that elusive victory. This deal is good for Philly, it’s good for Vick and it’s good for the game. However, there are those with too much time on their hands that will protest the move. The anti-human crybaby committee, I mean PETA, has already chimed in. PETA spokesman, Dan Shannon in a statement to AP said he wondered what sort of message Vick’s signing will send to young fans. The message it sends is that there are consequences for your actions and if you pay for what you’ve done, you deserve a second chance. People make mistakes and move on.
Where were they when Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks and his cousin allegedly assaulted a cabbie in Buffalo? Why don’t they come out against teams that intentionally bean batters in Major League Baseball? Why aren’t they outside arenas when pugilists take to the ring, at UFC events or WWE contests? Why aren’t they protesting Bengals’ receiver Dante Stallworth’s bid to come back after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter? Where are the graphic signs at the World Bass Fishing Championships? Dog fighting is deplorable, but it’s ok for two or more men to beat each other to a pulp? What’s that you say? The dogs don’t have a choice because they lack cognition? Well, arguably, neither do some boxers, pitcher, fighters or wrestlers.
Shannon and the rest of PETA must have been with Waldo last week when the Kane incident went down or sipping soy lattes with Jimmy Hoffa. Let it go, man! Vick paid the price and is doing what’s necessary to make amends. I’m excited for Vick, the Eagles and the NFL, and I can’t wait see him back on the field.
Bombs away baby, let the games begin!
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In photo: Michael Vick is along with seen Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid during a news conference in Philadelphia, Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. Vick is back in the NFL, landing a job with the Philadelphia Eagles. Looking to add a new dimension to their offense, the Philadelphia Eagles gave Vick a one-year deal with an option for a second year. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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