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Dawk surprised by Vick signing

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51 comments

Dawk surprised by Vick signing

POSTED: Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 1:40 PM

Former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins was surprised that the Eagles signed Michael Vick, but he was not surprised that Donovan McNabb supported the move.

In an interview with Peter King of Sports Illustrated, Dawkins talks extensively about the Birds' decision to add Vick. He said he remembers McNabb talking to Vick on the phone in the past, adding that McNabb often tries to help young quarterbacks in the league, particularly young African-American quarterbacks.

Dawkins was also asked how McNabb will respond if he's slumping and Eagles fans are clamoring for Vick to get a shot.

"I'll just say that if there's anyone who's been through the fire as a quarterback, it's Donovan," Dawkins said. "The crowd in Philadelphia has chanted for A.J. Feeley, for Koy Detmer, for Kevin Kolb. Donovan stood strong. This is no different. But I honestly think having someone pressing him will be good for Donovan, if it happens. At the end of the day, let's be honest: Eventually Michael will want Donovan's job."

The last part sentence is particularly interesting, and it's true. The question is: When will that time come? When will Vick get an itch to be on the field more, to be a starter? Will it be as soon as he tastes a little bit of success? Will it be later in the year if McNabb struggles? Will it be next year in training camp?

Actually, I'm jumping the gun here like everyone else. First, I want to see how the 2009 Vick compares to the 2006 Vick. But if he's retained his athleticism, and is working hard with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg, the questions are valid.

Dawkins also said Vick's performance could help push McNabb.

"Signing Michael means Donovan will make sure his game stays tight," Dawkins said.

So that's his take. Honest and insightful as always. And keep in mind, Dawkins has had McNabb's back from the start. He knows how he's wired, what motivates him and what makes him uneasy.

***

As you're probably already aware of by now, the Eagles cut safety Rashad Baker and added defensive back Brandon Harrison.

Unless you're a college football junkie, you probably know next to nothing about Harrison. I called on a friend, who is a Michigan man through and through to give me a short description of Harrison.

He e-mailed moments ago:

He’s small, jacked and a hard worker, but I’d be stunned if he made an NFL roster.

So there you have it.

Earlier, we offered some thoughts on Panthers-Giants from last night and the Jason Peters-Osi Umenyiora matchup.

And as for that QB now in Minnesota, well MTC is choosing to formally ignore the story. I have a feeling you might get your fill of it elsewhere.

51 comments
Comments  (51)
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:55 PM, 08/18/2009
    Dawk confirms what I have felt from the beginning, that Lurie signed Vick because it was a chance to get a younger, faster, healthier experienced QB at a bargain price and have all year to work on his passing gakme before he replaces the aging slower injured QB who costs Lurie more. Dawk knows all about Eagle "loyalty" when age and money are involved! Lurie saw a deal for the future and signed on while covering up greed with his facade of good intentions.
    atp2007
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:11 PM, 08/18/2009
    I wonder if 1.6 this year and 5.2 next year would have kept Dawkins an Eagle..If so I'd rather have him than Vick. Clubhouse chemistry, Banner doesn't believe in it.
    Bex
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:14 PM, 08/18/2009
    Dawk's comments are kind of concerning. I have season tickets, and I don't even remember the crowd chanting for Detmer, Feeley, or Kolb. That's just not true. The crowd has booed McNabb, but a lot of times that's just out of frustration for the entire offense. They've never booed him in starting introductions. The whole "Eagles fans vs. McNabb" thing is merely a fabrication. Yes, there are those who are against McNabb and think he's nothing but a choker, but the majority of the fan base still stands behind him.
    phillyfan412
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:19 PM, 08/18/2009
    phillyfan412, I concure.
    Richard Saunders
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:38 PM, 08/18/2009
    mainlinephan-you are correct. Arrogant Lurie, Banner and Reid have alienated at least 50% of the fan base unnecessarily. Ike Reese is correct, some of them will never be back. I'm one of them until Vick, Reid, Banner and Lurie are long gone.
    Dr. Michael
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:39 PM, 08/18/2009
    atp2007 is sooooo right
    RationAl
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:44 PM, 08/18/2009
    Uh,'scuse me Dr.Michael, but Vick is still on the team. Why are you still here?
    Richard Saunders
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:45 PM, 08/18/2009
    Agree with you BDAWK!! We miss you!!
    cote32
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:46 PM, 08/18/2009
    phillyfan412 - in 2003 the Eagles lost a horrible game to the Patriots at home in week 2 and some fans were chanting for Feeley at the end of that game. I clearly remember the "we want A.J." chants. But yeah, NO ONE has ever chanted for Kolb or Koy Detmer!
    ChazzLCamino
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:46 PM, 08/18/2009
    Thank you for ignoring the Minnesota story. Seriously.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:00 PM, 08/18/2009
    message to big red:draft an afro american QB next time..
    jack russell
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:16 PM, 08/18/2009
    I wonder how long it will take Vick to scope out a crip in North or West Philly with a sound proof basement so that he can start up another dog fighting ring. He could run a good business in those neighborhoods. That could really supplement the income of his one year contract in case things don't work out on the field. That way he could stick with what he's really good at. Maybe he could even get Ray Emery from the Flyers to room with him. They'd make a cute couple.
    Stinger


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