Jaws: Vick poses threat for McNabb
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Jaws: Vick poses threat for McNabb
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
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.
Could it be that Jaws just doesn't want Vick wearing #7?— P Even- JAWS is right. He understands the passion this city has for its football team. This isnt a laid back sports city that can gather around a fallen guy like Vick and pick him up if hes successful. I think so many people including myself are going to have a hard time enjoying success with Vick a part of it. This will raise negative emotions we dont need after all the injuries and BDAWK leaving...atleast we still have the phillies— MTust24
- The race for Tebow has started and the Birds are closing in on Detroit. We all know what pressure does to 5. This season had all of the earmarks of a rebuilding year (the skill position roster after 5 and 36 looks like a nursery) before Vick, now anything above 8-8 is going to be gravy.— Joe Funk
- Ray Didinger said the same thing Jaws said last night... that he had Vick about 32nd on the list of teams he would go to— 93phils
- If Vick produces, then Eagles fans will carry him under their wing (pun intended) and rally behind him, regardless of his past.— Left-handed Larceny
- Jaws is wrong. Passion or laid back isn't the issue. Everybody knows Kolb or even Feeley can run the Eagles offense better than Vick ever will. Get real! Vick played in a west coast offense for Atlanta, and the experts fell all over themselves talking about how it was the WRONG offense for a QB like Vick. Doesn't anyone remember that? Vick is potentially the best "wildcat" player on the planet. If he pans out, we can keep him or trade him for a 5th rounder. If he doesn't, we lose $1.6M, which is chump change for the Eagles payroll. The only real downside is the reaction of fans who are upset over the hiring of a convicted felon who did repulsive things, but he paid his debt to society and now has the right to pursue his profession, just as every citizen has the right to protest his appearances and call him a terrible, wicked person. The key is Andy Reid. After what he's been through with his sons, he believes in giving people a chance at redemption, and having Tony Dungy as Vick's mentor makes it all palatable. Lurie signed off on it. They'll deal with the protests. We install a package of "wildcat" plays that might actually help the offense. End of story.— Richard S
- Jaws probably doesn't want to see Vick be the 3rd down qb, like Randall was when Jaws was in his last year(s). Btw, I love Jaws and Randall. Why no news about the health of Kolb? Which position suffers a hit of one spot on the roster? These are the important things to report about!!!!
- It doesn't matter whether Vick is here or not...McNabb will still have critics and fans after him to be replaced if he has a bad game...it's been that way for 10 years here and won't be any different whether Vick is here or not. Look at the Phils, Hamels was the post-season hero and led the team to a World Series title and he's got a large group of fans calling for his head because he's had a so-so, up and down season. Many Philly fans are much more loyal to the team than they are to the players...a lot of fans have a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately attitude and that won't change whether Vick is here or not. The Eagles already ran the Wildcat last year so why not put Vick back there to run it instead of Jackson. They can line Vick up at WR in the slot or in the backfield, bring him in for short yardage situations, goal line situations, 2 point conversions. Reid and Marty will get creative and find a place to use him..even if he isn't used much, the mere threat of having him out there possibly in many situations and formations will take preparation time away from our opponents because they are going to have to practice and gameplan for facing Vick.— JimG
- Posted by Joe Funk 02:31 PM, 08/14/2009 The race for Tebow has started and the Birds are closing in on Detroit. Quite possibly the dumbest comment ever written on philly.com. You're a moron.— kdaly19
- McNabb has a terrible and too-silly attitude for a grown man who is supposed to lead a football team. He will shut me up when he stops choking and wins a Super Bowl. As for Vick as a position player, instead of trading for a top wide receiver, the Eagles signed Vick as a wildcat runner/passer. It's not a bad risk. Just don't let Vick and Ray Emery out together! WHO'd MY DAWG!— MichaelZoe
- Give Mike a chance he did his time! HE who is without sin throw the first stone!!!— TEEBEES
- kdaly: I agree with you completely. Joe Funk, please don't make ignorant comments. If you think the Birds are in rebuilding you are sorely mistaken my friend. We are projected to be one of the top teams in the league, even predicted to win the super bowl by some. Get a new hobby, clearly being a football fan isn't your cup of tea.— Muldooner
- kdaly - I've read your stuff...don't understimate yourself— Joe Funk
Comment removed.- "Nothing personal, just business:..If Hitler could throw or catch a ball, he would have been signed for $ 11.6 M.....— bobodell
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