Instant reaction, random thoughts on Vick
I wish I were a good enough writer to cobble together some coherent thoughts after the stunning news that broke this evening about the Eagles signing Michael Vick.
Instant reaction, random thoughts on Vick
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
I wish I were a good enough writer to cobble together some coherent thoughts after the stunning news that broke this evening about the Eagles signing Michael Vick.
What you're going to get instead is pretty much a bunch of random thoughts going through my head...
** Let's start with the obvious. How will the fans react to the news? At 9: 03, I got the following text from my sister in Portland: Say it ain't so -- Michael Vick an Eagle? I have a feeling several thousand of you have the same feeling at this time. I've already received multiple angry e-mails from readers. It's tough to remember an athlete who was universally despised as much as Vick following the dogfighting scandal. Do others agree with Andy Reid and Tony Dungy that Vick has served his debt to society and deserves a second chance? This isn't exactly a forgiving fan base. But then again, if he does all the right things, plays well and helps the Eagles win, will it change peoples' opinions?
** On the field is interesting. Does this mean Kevin Kolb's injury is more serious than we were led to believe? Is Vick coming on board as a backup quarterback? Or is it the whole He's a football player. We'll find a way to use him mentality? We saw the Eagles use DeSean Jackson in the Wildcat during training camp and last year. Will Vick be used in that role?
** How does Donovan McNabb feel about the news? You have to think he OK'd the move. McNabb said during camp that he believed Vick deserved a second chance and shouldn't have to face any further punishment from the league. Let's be clear. Vick hasn't been on the field since the end of the 2006 season. There's no way he's anywhere near the quarterback McNabb is right now. But if No. 5 has a couple bad games in a row, don't think that some fans won't be calling for Vick to come in.
** The last game Vick played, ironically, was in Philadelphia at the end of the 2006 season. The Eagles won, 24-17. That was the Jeff Garcia year. The starters didn't play because they had already clinched a playoff berth. Vick split time with Matt Schaub and went 8-for-14 for 81 yards and a touchdown. He also carried three times for 17 yards. I remember being in my buddy Lemur's house as we watched that game on New Year's Eve.
** Let it never again be said that this organization does not take risks. T.O. a few years ago and now Vick. Two of the most controversial football players of this era. For two totally different reasons. And both will have put on the Eagles' uniform when all is said and done.
** I remember at training camp asking Les Bowen if this was the craziest training camp/preseason he'd ever seen. He told me the T.O. doing sit-ups year was a little crazier, but I have to think he might have a different answer tonight.
** My buddy C-Nast e-mailed last week and said if the Eagles signed Vick, he'd be one of the best-selling jerseys in the NFL. I disagreed. I guess this goes back to the first question, but just wondering if you'd ever think about wearing his name on your back.
** Shocked. Absolutely shocked. We were doing our live chat when someone sent a link from Bleacher Report. I thought nothing of it. Then friend and loyal MTC reader Bener texted me asking if I heard the rumors. He said he just read it on a message board, and I thought nothing of it. But as soon as it was reported on ESPN, the chatters started buzzing. Got the link to the online article. The DN confirmed it from Joe Banner. And people started going crazy on Twitter. I feel like I'll never go more than 10 seconds again without knowing when major sports news breaks.
** Below are some video highlights of Vick if you've forgotten what he was like as a player. Keep in mind, this was awhile ago. Vick turned 29 last month.
put him at RB— AllDawk_AllTheTime
Comment removed.
Well, he might be better than undrafted Temple QBs.— burholme- I think I'm going to be sick— Jennifer215
- Why bring this media circle to the locker room? The media will follow the team all year, asking players about vick. PETA and other groups will boycott games. Why bring all this attention to the team? How is that helpful, its not like vick is the missing piece. If Fat Andy wanted FAs he should have gotten a TE or LB, something to help the team, not distract them. He will never win a super bowl. Please end the Reid era, this is too much.— allen_jones
- he is a good football player they are getting for what, the 30th or so biggest salary slot on the team. Anybody think there are 900 better football players than vick in the nfl. and this is andy reid, so you know he has a plan. reid doesn't riff, doesn't vamp. he has a plan and an idea and we will see what it is. But just imagine a double-shotgun with vick and mcnabb or a screen from vick or mcnabb or how often desean or maclin or curtis will be double-teamed if vick is on the field— petedecour
- It makes sense, he is an athelete, knows the west coast offense and if he does well can be use later as trade bait. I beleieve he deserves a second chance, if ray lewis a convicted felon and steve howegot what 7 or 9 chancess, why not Vick. He paid his debt, he also did not kill a human being.— PHILLY76
- Comment removed.
- WOW... Never saw it comming— bolshevik
- He's going to be awesome once Big Red gets working on some wildcat formations!
- After the TO fiasco you would think this otherwise overly cautious team management wouldn't go near this one. Given all the potential negative vibes he brings with him and the fact that he hasn't played in years and will make McNabb looking behind him all the time, what was the point to this? Wonder how many dogs he can buy with this Eagles signing money? My Eagles shirt gets buried away for awhile, would be too embarassed to wear it in public outside of Philadelphia.— atp2007
- Comment removed.
- Desean, Westbrook, McNabb, Maclin...Vick. SOme big play dudes, I'll say that. Wildcat with Vick, Westbrook, Desean and Maclin? That's a pretty scary thing to have to prepare for every week. I think Reid sees this as a way to open up the offense and just keep defenses that much mor eoff balance. Maybe good for McNabb to shake things up.— Jim C.
- Great guy. I mean he did bad stuff, but paid his debt so all is forgiven, its like he never did it. Can't wait to root for him. I am glad the Eagles were the team that made him a millionaire again and maybe they will even fund his dogfighting rings in the future. Andy Reid is a genius.— allen_jones
- Hmmmmmmmmm...I haven't been able to completely, heck, even partially digest this. What's running around Kolb's brain/thoughts right now? Can it be that between Dungy, Goodell and maybe even certain players that Reid was convinced that - 'Heck, you've been through some truly rough terrain recently. Your own sons' continuing experience/drama and all the baggage - both media driven as well as internally - that has come and occasionally continues to come. You're strong Andy, you can handle this and maybe even help this "person." Even if the "person" is someone who has committed such a horrible act(s). Good luck to both.— dksurf
Follow
Sheil on Twitter. And become
a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds
coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Download it here.
