A Welcomed Return

I realize that every major sports outlet is talking about this but it has been made into a big topic. Michael Vick returned to action Thursday nigh in his first preseason game. No on could foresee Vick coming out on the second play of the game but with 15 seconds gone in the first quarter he trotted onto the field. Knowing how Philadelphia fans are I was expecting to hear some cheers and a lot of boos but to my surprise most of the crowd cheered him on as if he has been in that Eagles jersey for his whole career. Coach Andy Reid did a very smart thing getting him in early for a few reasons. One to get it over with and not having everyone wondering when he would play and also getting him some work with the first team offense. He also chose good plays for Vick to run nothing that would overwhelm him, he was in for 6 plays all in the first half they consisted of 4 passes which were all completed for 19 yards, a run for 1 yard and also lined him up as a slot receiver. Naturally SportsCenter showed all 6 plays and I find the formation when he or Donovan McNabb is in the slot because you have two players who can throw so you can’t count out a lateral to one and a bomb down the field.

As Vick gets more comfortable with the offense and gets back into football shape I’m sure we will start to see his speed and explosiveness come back. When he left the game 2 years ago he was the most dynamic QB to ever play the game and I’m sure he will regain that title. The only QB I see who can have the same effect on defensive is Pat White of the Miami Dolphins. Wouldn’t it be great to see those two teams playing each other, Vick the ultimate Wildcat threat and Miami the team that made the Wildcat so popular last year with Ronnie Brown running the show. Now after using a second round pick on White (who showed everyone with his last game at West Virginia and the combine that he can pass as well as run) they are an even more potent Wildcat team.

If you happened to catch the post game press conference it sure doesn’t seem that McNabb is too happy with the way they are integrating Vick into the lineup. This from the man who supposedly lobbied for Vick to come to Philadelphia and now he realizes that the more Vick is on the field the less snaps and play that McNabb will have. Even though Vick was out there for only 6 plays McNabb stated that it was hard for him to get in a comfort zone with his lineman, backs and receivers. If this is an extended thing how do you feel the Eagles are going to hold up the rest of the season. This will be an interesting dilemma to watch as Vick gets back into shape and gets even more plays under his belt.