Jaws: Vick poses threat for McNabb
Earlier today, we rounded up some national opinion on the Eagles' signing of Michael Vick.
And one of the angles several people seemed to tackle was the effect this will have on Donovan McNabb.
McNabb, of course, spoke at length about the signing and said he lobbied Andy Reid to bring Vick aboard. Reid, Tony Dungy, Jeffrey Lurie and Vick himself all clearly stated that McNabb was instrumental in making this move possible.
Yet the question of how the addition will affect McNabb's psyche and playing time remains a point of legitimate interest.
Earlier today, former Eagles QB and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski, whose No. 7 will be worn by Vick, had some interesting things to say about the entire situation.
Most notably that he thinks Vick will pose a threat to McNabb.
"Ultimately, Michael Vick is a quarterback and a starting quarterback in the National Football League," Jaworski said during an interview on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike program. "I heard Donovan's comments that he's not threatened, he's the starting quarterback, but just think of this. The Eagles fall behind 10-0. Donovan's 1-for-6 in the first quarter, and the previous couple games Michael Vick has made a couple plays. I will guarantee you 65,000 people at Lincoln Financial Field will be cheering for Michael Vick to come on the field. It's just the nature of the fan base there. So I think Michael Vick will be a threat to Donovan McNabb."
I can definitely see that scenario playing out, although I disagree on the 65,000 people part. Having sat in the stands many times at the Linc when fans call for the backup, I find it's usually half that number at the most who clamor for McNabb to be replaced. But I've seen it with Kevin Kolb and even A.J. Feeley. So he's right. If Vick shows flashes, and McNabb struggles, well, that's how it's going to play out.
Jaws later speculated on how the Eagles might use Vick.
"Donovan McNabb is still the quarterback of the team, and I believe if you start replacing Donovan for 10 snaps a game, 15 snaps a game, I think you diminish his effectiveness in the game," Jaworski said. "I think you take away from his rhythm of the football game, which is so critical, so it's gonna be very interesting to see how this plays out."
It was clear during the interview that Jaws does not support the move. In fact, he said the Eagles are probably No. 32 on his list of teams where Vick would be a good fit.
"I believe of 32 cities where he could go, I think Philadelphia would be number 32," he said. "I mean it's a very tough, passionate town. He's not gonna be able to fly under the radar. Everywhere he goes, he's Michael Vick. He's a star. He's in a city that has incredible passion and enthusiasm for the game of football. I think he's really going to be under the microscope. Being in Philadelphia, I don't think is the right spot for Michael Vick."
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Meanwhile, commissioner Roger Goodell released the following statement:
I have said several times in recent weeks that I want Michael to be one of the NFL's success stories as an individual and as a football player. I believe he can accomplish both goals with the Eagles organization which has done an outstanding job in the community and on the field these last 15 years under the direction of owner Jeffrey Lurie. I know the Eagles will provide strong support but, ultimately, Michael's success is up to him and the decisions he makes.
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Earlier posts:
I thought Vick came across humbled and apologetic during his press conference.
And more national opinions about Vick and the Eagles.