Should Michael Vick Be The Starter?

Goodbye Donovan McNabb Era. Hello Quarterback controversy

I'm gonna start this article today with a story of when I was at training camp this summer. Kolb was throwing pretty well during practice. He looked far superior to both Vick and Kafka in the scrimmages. But then, as he threw a long bomb to Jeremy Maclin, he was picked off. A diehard elder Eagles fan in the back then yelled "PUT MCNABB IN!" and we all laughed with him.

Now, fast-fowarded a month into the season. It is a very similar situation. Only three things. 1) it's not practice anymore, it's a real game. 2) Kolb did not play remotely well. 3) Substitute McNabb for Michael Vick.

Kolb struggled to get anything done against Green Bay, while Vick almost led a brilliant comeback from a 20-3 hole.

Anyone who watched the game on Sunday will agree with me on this. Kevin Kolb was horrible. 5/10 for 24 yards are already lackluster stats, but somehow they don't capture the effect of his performance. If you watched the game you will know that he was wildly inaccurate, did not show up with any rhythm, and nearly threw many picks in the process.

As Donovan McNabb's biggest fan, I will hold back on the "told you so's." While we started the season 0-1, his Washington Redskins knocked off the arguably Super Bowl worthy Dallas Cowboys to start 1-0.

#5 is off to a 1-0 start, with plenty of reason to smile so far.

But I am now getting off topic. What was I saying...

Oh yeah, Kevin Kolb stunk up the place. Of course, one half of football is not enough to give up on him, but as he is still ailing from his concussion, Michael Vick will likely get the start against Detroit.

If Michael Vick is anything like he was against the Packers, I think we are in good shape. Vick is back. His old speed has been all-but completely rediscovered and I believe he is ready to return to his pre-convict ways.
And if Vick does indeed light it up against the Lions, then I, along with all of Philadelphia, will be calling for him to lead the team for the remainder of the season. Not only does Vick once again have the speed and elusiveness that made him one of the most exciting players in league history, but his passing abilities have improved drastically. He must have truly been putting in extra time with the coaching staff because he made some passes that had me astonished, thinking Donovan had been reincarnated.

If back to his Atlanta Falcons form, Vick can make us the most explosive offense in the league.

I know what you are thinking, he consistently threw behind his receivers. But we must also realize that Vick is still a backup. He does not practice with the starters nearly as much as Kolb does. I believe his accuracy can improve greatly if he is given time to develop chemistry with Jackson, Maclin, and Avant. Just look at the way the team rallied behind him after the 1st half. I believe that after a strong performance in week 2, the locker room will more than have his back. Players will follow QBs who make big plays in the long run.

Also, I believe Vick should start because as an Eagles fan I want us to contend now. I believe that Michael Vick can do that for us, as he was able to bring this offense to life just by stepping onto the field. Have we also forgotten that he revitalized the offense during the playoff game against Dallas last season scoring the lone touchdown of the 1st half? With Jamaal Jackson and Weaver out, we need a player with his legs who can escape pressure and at least extend plays, if not make big ones.

Andy Reid has a tough decision to make. Trading Donovan McNabb was not able to avoid a QB controversy.

The NFC East as of now does not look particularly strong. The Cowboys are still the inconsistent team they've been since the 2000's. McNabb's Redskins, while clearly improved, have offensive issues to deal with. The main force in the NFC East is the Giants, but I believe Philadelphia can contend for the title. With Vick, we will have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Vick will be able to make big plays with his legs. He can use his arm strength to take advantage of the speed we have in DeSean Jackson and Maclin. Combined with a once again stout defense (pending Bradley's return) and I honestly believe the Eagles can contend for the NFC East crown.

Of course, the decision is not up to me, but to Reid. Andy may be inclined to keep Kolb because of what he has invested with him. Still, I hope Reid makes the decision that is best for the team, and not for his reputation.