Michael Vick: Quick Feet to ?

MICHAEL VICK

Anyone else see an extra burst of speed in the step of Michael Vick? He looked similar to the Vick of old with his elusive ability to avoid the rush and more importantly his effectiveness in turning the corner to move the ball up the field. You just don't get the sense that an agile DE will be able to drag him down from behind, in a disappointing display of what used to be a dynamic, game changing athlete.

While we should not get the feeling that he is an every down answer at QB, it provides a calming sense of security in knowing that we do have a backup that can, in certain situations, play a a very high level. This is a valuable asset as we all remind ourselves that Kevin Kolb has started all but two NFL football games.

This could be especially vital as mounting questions arise as to the makeup and stability of the offensive line. Kevin Kolb, though he does possess a quick release and has proven in situations to be very accurate in this offense, does not have significant escape ability. Vick has always been able to scramble in avoidance of trouble and is well known to have a knack for producing positive yardage when things break down up front. And with the QB hunting mentality in the NFC East from the likes of DE Demarcus Ware and company, it may be the Birds best opportunity to avoid a summons of the injury cart to the turf.

Vick obviously has starting QB experience and more to the point of interest has seen some form of playoff action. What coaches and fans would most like to see now is a firm grasp of the offensive system, a demonstrated commitment to take care of the football, as to avoid inopportune turnovers and a manifestation of leadership qualities that would stabilize this young squad. But whatever the role, it is essential that Vick prepares himself, as a professional, for an increased workload in offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's game plan.

In reality, our concerns have now moved from questioning what Vick has left in the tank as a football player. Now we wonder if he has the maturity, common sense, and good judgement, to avoid setting his career back further. He must continue to surround himself with positive influences while proceeding, in good faith, with his penance for the deplorable dog fighting incident. Any development of future legal trouble would spell disaster and I think it goes without saying that we are aware of the difficulty of improving a 40 yard dash time in a dark 8 X 10.

I am both a football lover and a dog lover at the same time. I have found it in my heart to move on from the past horror and sickness of Vick. I am rooting for him to succeed, both as a super charged burst to the Eagle's offense and as a person in the community. I just wish that Tony Dungy, in addition to mentoring Vick, would co-sign a lease with him. Now that is what I define as real security for the Eagle's investment.