I think naming Michael Vick the starting QB for the Eagles was the right move. Most people think he was named the starting QB just because he had a very strong performance against the Packers and followed that up with another great performance against the Lions. While Vick’s play in both of those games was phenomenal and was definitely a factor in the Eagles decision, I think there’s more to this decision than what meets the eye.
There are three additional factors that I think contributed to this decision.
First, the Eagles offensive line. The Eagles offensive line has been riddled with injuries this season. Not only have the Eagles lost their starting fullback Leonard Weaver and center Jamaal Jackson, but Jason Peters, Nick Cole, and Todd Herremans are all playing banged up. Green Bay was able to bring pressure on virtually every down whether they were bringing just 4 men or 6 men. Andy Reid knows that with all the injuries to his offensive line, he needs a mobile quarterback so his team doesn’t give up 5-6 sacks per game. Michael Vick’s ability to avoid a 10 yards loss and pick up a 10 yard gain is uncanny. He does it multiple times in a game. I think it’s quite clear that the Eagles offensive line was the #1 motivating factor for this move.
Kevin Kolb is/was supposed to be the Eagles franchise quarterback. I don’t think they would just bench him for just one poor half of football unless there were other factors present. Another reason for the move is DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin standing behind Vick and voicing their wishes to Andy Reid that they want Vick as their QB. I don’t know if anyone else picked this up, but both Maclin and Jackson gave their TD balls to Vick after they scored in the Lions game.
Lastly, Andy Reid took a lot of heat for keeping Stewart Bradley in the Packers game after he suffered a concussion. Andy can now say that he’s making this move to protect his players.
What do you think were the motives behind the decision?
The Eagles roster has been set. A.J. Feeley was released this morning. Fenuki Tupouhas been placed on IR.
The loss of Stewart Bradley now becomes glaring on the depth chart with a few new names at the LB position. Here’s a good read on rookie LB Moise Fokuo, Fokou who? Word is also going around that Macho Harris may have the starting FS role over Quintin Demps.
It’s also good to know that Danny Amendola and Jack Ikegwuonu have been added to the practice squad. The practice squad also includes guards Paul Fanaika and Mike Gibson.
Quarterbacks (3) – Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick
Running Backs (3) – Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Eldra Buckley
Fullback (1) – Leonard Weaver
Wide Receivers (7) – DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, Jeremy Maclin, Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Brandon Gibson
Tight Ends (2) - Brent Celek, Tony Curtis
Offensive Lineman (10) - Jason Peters, Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Stacy Andrews, Shawn Andrews, Nick Cole, Max Jean-Gilles, Winston Justice, Mike McGlynn, King Dunlap
Defensive Lineman (9) – Trent Cole, Brodrick Bunkley, Mike Patterson, Victor Abiamiri, Chris Clemons, Juqau Parker, Jason Babin, Darren Howard, Trevor Laws
Linebackers (6) – Chris Gocong, Omar Gaither, Akeem Jordan, Joe Mays, Moise Fokou, Tracy White
The Eagles axed 4 players from the 2008 draft: Bryan Smith (DE), Jack Ikegqwuono (CB), Lorenzo Booker (RB), and Mike Gibson (OG). Jason Babin, who is a former 1st-round pick, is essentially replacing Bryan Smith. You can say that Jack was bumped by the acquisition of Ellis Hobbs. Lorenzo Booker has been replaced by Eldra Buckley. I hate to see 3 draft picks wasted, especially the 3rd-rounder used on Bryan Smith, but the players the Eagles kept are much better than the players cut.
Danny Amendola (WR) was unfortunately cut, but he might stand a chance to make the practice squad if he can make it through waivers. The Eagles have thus far kept 7 wide receivers and Brandon Gibson has not been cut, which indicates he’ll likely make the final roster, which means that Hank Baskett or Reggie Brown will be the odd man out since the Eagles will need to get down to 6 WRs. Neither Baskett or Brown has been formally cut as of yet. The Eagles have DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, Brandon Gibson, Hank Basket, and Reggie Brown on the roster. Not so thin at receiver anymore, right?
Matt Schobel (TE), Dan Klecko (DT), and Kyle Eckel (FB) are other mentionable cuts.
As of now, A.J. Feeley is still on the Eagles roster since Michael Vick is exempted from the 53 man roster until he is eligible to play in week 3. It’s safe to assume that the Eagles are likely talking to the Patriots about sending Feeley to the Patriots for draft considerations. Since Matt Cassel was traded to the Chiefs, the Patriots are without a quality backup for Brady.
We’ll post the full 53 man roster once it’s finalized.
– Michael Vick is now able to play for the Eagles beginning in week 3. Vick was originally supposed to sit out of action until week 7, but after meeting with the commish and being a “model citizen” according to Joe Banner, his return date was adjusted.
– Eagles have to cut their roster down to 53 guys by today’s 6:00 p.m. deadline. WR is an interesting debate. Do they cut Reggie Brown and/or Hank Baskett to keep Brandon Gibson and Danny Amendola? I would prefer to keep the latter and cut the former based on their performance thus far.
– Eagles have reworked Jason Babin’s contract and he will make the 53 man roster. What an impressive preseason this guy had. He could easily be the Eagles best defensive lineman other than Trent Cole. So who is the odd man out?
– Eugene Bright, Willie Williams and Curtis Gatewood have been cut.
– Winston Justice was injured during the Jets game with a pectoral strain and he’ll have an MRI on it. This offensive line needs to get healthy in a hurry. It’s the one concern going into the season.
We saw a lot of Michael Vick last night. A lot of flashes from the past — some nice runs, some nice throws, but some sloppy plays (fumbles, trying to outrun everyone on the field and getting sacked for 20 yards).
I really hope Eldra Buckley, Brandon Gibson, and Danny Amendola all make the final roster. Lorenzo Booker and Reggie Brown can get the ax to make room for them. Jason Babin looked great, he had a very effective pass rush. TE replacement Tony Curtis also had a nice TD grab, as well as several nice catches.
This article is an interesting read. We obviously all thought of the wildcat formation when we first heard of the Vick signing, but we also wonder about what other role he could serve on the team. We even hoped that Vick could play a little TE after the injuries the Eagles have suffered. Here are some other ways the Eagles could use Vick:
Maybe a few snaps at RB or in the slot.
Surprisingly, I don’t ever recall Vick taking the snap as a placement holder for field goals. Add fake field goals into the list of possible ways to use Michael Vick. If teams see Vick coming out for a field goal, they’ll have to burn a timeout to adjust their package as well.
Look for more two-point conversions with Michael Vick. With Michael Vick, I’m sure you convert the majority, if not 90%, of your two-point attempts. Just two yards, are you kidding me? Do you know how much speed we have at QB, RB, and WR now?
Expect Vick to have an 8- to 10-play package. Every hour defense coordinators have to prepare for Vick, an hour less that they get to prepare for DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Westrbook, LeSean McCoy, Kevin Curtis, Donovan McNabb. You get the picture.
It is clear that Donovan McNabb lobbied for Michael Vick to join the Philadelphia Eagles and I don’t think the move would have been made without McNabb’s blessing. While I was listening to NFL Radio on Sirius XM, the radio hosts were saying how McNabb is just being an “organization man” by going through with the move and that he should be upset with the Vick signing. Those bozos should read McNabb’s latest blog where he talks about the Vick signing. They even said McNabb should be upset that Vick is taking 5 snaps away from him. Are you serious? You think McNabb will be upset that Vick is taking away 5 snaps if it gives his team a better chance to win? Do your homework you bush-leaguers.
Michael and I have known each other since the time I was asked to host him on his visit to Syracuse University. During that time, I had a chance to get to know Michael pretty well. And, although he decided to go to Virginia Tech, we kept in touch and remained friends.
I believe Michael is a changed person and that he deserves a chance at putting his life back together. In mid-July before training camp started, I asked Coach Reid if we would be interested in having Michael join the Eagles and explained why I thought it would be good for both Michael and the team.
I wanted Michael to come to Philadelphia and, in any way he can, help bring a Super Bowl championship to the City. There is no doubt he is a uniquely talented player that can add to our offensive weapons. I thank Andy for considering my suggestion.
There you have it, McNabb really did lobby for Michael Vick and I commend him for that. McNabb is a true friend and it really shows you the type of character he has. You can read the full blog here.
I think naming Michael Vick the starting QB for the Eagles was the right move. Most people think he was named the starting QB just because he had a very strong performance against the Packers and followed that up with another great performance against the Lions. While Vick’s play in both of those games was phenomenal and was definitely a factor in the Eagles decision, I think there’s more to this decision than what meets the eye.
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