Vick: NFL Network ranking 'a joke'
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Vick: NFL Network ranking 'a joke'
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
There are two things Michael Vick has never lacked: confidence and the respect of his peers.
But in the NFL Network's Top 100 rankings, Vick came in at No. 70, which was way too low if you ask him.
"It's a joke," he told Mike Missanelli of 97.5 The Fanatic. "I won't say where I need to be. I'll let my peers and everybody else just decide on that. Maybe it was voted on by the peers, but I just disagree. I know how good I am and what I bring to the table for my football team. The things that I can do on the football field sometimes can be uncanny, but I give a lot of credit to my coaches and the people around me."
So far, eight quarterbacks have made the list. Tim Tebow came in at No. 95; Tony Romo at 91; Philip Rivers at 61; Peyton Manning at 50; Matthew Stafford at 41; Cam Newton at 40; and Eli Manning at 31.
Several high-profile quarterbacks, like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger have yet to be named.
In 2011, Vick ranked 19th in completion percentage (59.8 percent) and tied for 10th in yards per attempt (7.8). He threw 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
"They got me ranked 70. I think the thing right now to do is just go prove why I feel like I should be even higher," Vick said. "So if that's what they felt based on what happened last year, then I've got to deal with it. It's motivation, so thank you, because they've motivated me to become a better player this year, so I'll have that in the back of my mind as I go out and play this year as well."
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Huh. Seems to me his motivation should be 1) winning for his teammates, coaches and fans and 2) earning his contract. I guess if this is added motivation, so be it. But, he should have worded it such so he doesn't come across as someone who is only motivated by peers.— Commish- I wasn’t in agreement with the Eagles in acquiring Vick, and after trying the Wildcat package, I was even more convinced that Vick was a QB with great skills, but the inability to harness that potential.
After he replaced Kolb, however, Vick was spectacular, especially considering that was playing behind an offense which had prepared for a right handed QB in Kolb. Toward the end of the season however, Vick reverted to his reliance on athleticism.
In my opinion, Reid is responsible for at least some of that change. His play-calling leaned very heavily toward the deep pass, and teams began to blitz and deploy exotic defenses such as overloading on Vick’s left and forcing him to the right. Reid’s response was to go max protect, keeping Celek in to block. In my opinion, that was the wrong way to go. I believe he should have gone to the short passing game. As a matter of fact there was at least one game (I can’t recall the opponent) where Vick just ate them alive with the short pass. Again, Andy was in love with the Vick/Jackson deep connection, called those types of plays and Vick, like any other QB, after taking a serious beating, ran for his life.
Last year, of course, Vick still hadn’t had a full off-season as a starter, but he looked even worse. I’m not sure why.
As far as I’m concerned, the jury’s still out. I’m encouraged by his hard work and by the fact that just one year ago, Eli Manning led the league with 25 interceptions. However, I’m discouraged by Vick’s lack of understanding that he needs to protect himself. Further, I haven’t seen evidence that he can recognize the blitz and adjust appropriately. This is his year to make a definitive statement. Either he’s learned enough or he hasn’t.
If I had my dithers, we would have gone all in for RG III.
RG III + Dream Team II = Superbowl Win I. - How can we take your post even remotely serious when you prefer a rookie who hasn't taken a regular season game snap over a proven NFL QB? Proven as in has thrown and run for REAL NFL scores, not NCAA. Proven as in went to the NFL Playoffs, proven as in played more than ONE NFL season? RGIII is just a nickname for a ROOKIE, can he play an entire season before we anoint him the QB to beat in the NFC East?
Back to Vick's appraisal of himself - turn the ball over and win some playoff games, that will get your "ranking" higher, otherwise it is a joke until you win a SB regardless.— xlGmanlx - I don't think dithers means what you think it does. — bc3030
- Of course he's motivated to win for his teammates, coaches, and fans. He was being asked about the rankings so he was talking about the motivation the rankings could provide. Must we try to find the negativity in everything?— mx55
- Vick is an idiot. Why should he care about some stupid list. Eli Manning didn’t even make the list last year and ended up winning the Superbowl. This kind of thing only makes Vick sound like a selfish, me-first player.— GJK3161
- Why should you care what it sounds like rather than how Vick plays?
It sounds like you need a dose of your own medicine.
— bc3030 - Hey there Mr Wonderful, you finished first in another poll. America's most beloved athlete.— 4in5out7gone
- Well now this comes from a person who knows from experience what it feels like to finish first on a poll PWT most beloved PWT LOL LOL LOL, keep trying loser, you'll get there one day. — charmaine
- Mr. Vick, shouldn't you be worried about finishing off some wounded dogs via electrocution instead of these silly NFL network rankings?— Bobski5000
- There are a lot of reasons to criticize Vick - but the whole dogs thing is a bit tired at this point, ok? — proLogic
- Now Mister Vick you are good but" the things I can do on the football field sometimes can be uncanny" lmao stop it Mike ... you came up small in the play-offs vs GB and last year was bad so let me see some uncanny SB wins then u can be a super hero !!! No excuses this year !!!!
R— diehardeagle - I guess Joe Flacco isn't a QB. He was number 74 on top 100 and they didnt include him in the list of QBs already names. I guess he must be a running back or something— ravensSB47champs
Comment removed.- No actually Jeffrey Nalley was awarded #1, and if you don't know who Jeffrey Nalley is, then your concern for animals is as fake as it appears to be. — charmaine
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