Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps no NFL player has vacillated between universally scorned for his play and universally feared for the same reason quite like Michael Vick.
The Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback job is up for grabs once again in the post-McNabb era, and once again Vick has a shot at it. And that means he could once again become the terrifying dual-threat force he was in 2005 and 2010, each of those years spurring serious Most Valuable Player consideration.
Obviously, his accuracy and decision-making need to look nothing like the past two years and more like his preseason output against the New England Patriots on Friday, where Vick went 4-of-5 for 94 yards including a 47-yard bomb to DeSean Jackson, who beat Aqib Talib on the play. If these two can connect on a couple more deep shots — reminiscent of 2010 — the job could be Vick’s soon.
“It was ironic we talked about it on the bus getting that same look — it just goes to show when you’re on the same page with your teammates, good things can happen,” said Vick, via USA TODAY Sports. “I just felt my time was going to be limited to a possession or two. I just wanted to make the most of it. I’m just trying to bring my A game.”
However, Nick Foles also played well in going 5-of-6 for 43 yards so this battle is far from over. There’s also the issue that Vick has been perennially terrible against pressure, and defensive coordinators typically keep their cards up their sleeve in the preseason.
Chip Kelly had already stated prior to the Pats game that Foles would start the Week 2 preseason contest with Vick coming in next. The Eagles will face the Carolina Panthers Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
