Mike Vick: Pity or Increased Role

Mike Vick: Pity or Increased Role

On Sunday in Atlanta Michael Vick went 2/2 throwing for 48 yards and 1 touchdown while putting in another score on the ground with 4 carries for 17 yards. Based on what we all saw out of Michael Vick on Sunday, is one supposed to believe that Vick will have an increased role going forth in the Eagles offense, or was he simply getting pity touches in his former pantheon of brilliance?

The short answer is “pity”. If you didn’t happen to catch the game, Vick’s first pass, and subsequent next play that led to his rushing score came while the Eagles had a very comfortable margin of victory (13-0 with 9:44 to go in the third). The margin of victory was so comfortable, that Falcons fans seemed not to care that their team was losing; the fans were cheering feverously for Vick, so Eagles head coach Andy Reid obliged the fans request and sent number 7 out onto the field. Later on Sheldon Brown took a pick to the house and the birds were up 20-0, and sure enough in the 4th Vick came back out onto the field, this time hooking up with budding star tight end Brent Celek for a 5 yard score.

Vick was put into the game because they were up comfortably and more importantly because they were in his former home. However seeing him in this role had to have intrigued the coaching staff for the Eagles. We shouldn’t expect to see Vick taking snaps too often, but I do think it’s logical to say that his role should increase…..somewhat; I mean if the guy is averaging one carry per game, 2 or 3 is an increase right?

All jokes aside, those 1 or 2 extra carries per game aren’t as meaningless as you would think. Andy Reid and offensive co-ordinator Marty Morninwheg have used Vick primarily to hand off the ball or take a direct snap. This has led to opposing defenses crowding the line anytime he lines up in the backfield, which as we saw on Sunday opens up tremendous throwing lanes for Vick, (also in Oakland Desean Jackson dropped a nice gain from Vick on the exact same play). Obviously defenses will be more aware now when Vick comes to the line, but they still have to play almost exclusively to the run. As the season progresses, and maybe even into the playoffs, don’t be surprised to see Vick get a couple extra snaps although still temper your expectations.

Michael Vick is still as dangerous as ever with the ball in his hands, but he is a quite different player today. Evidence of this is his willingness to take on contact all season long, rather than trying to evade or shy out of bounds (I guess prison does make you harder). On Sunday in Atlanta Vick had a brief performance reminiscent of his former glory and you could tell the fans in Atlanta were loving it as not too many seemed quite concerned about the score. And in the shot I happened to catch of Arthur Blank (owner of the Falcons) he funnily enough didn’t seem too pleased. As for Sunday, the time put in was pity, pure pity, but he took great advantage of the pity he was given and converted said pity into touchdowns. Regardless of the outcome of the season for Michael Vick (or Ron Mexico) I think it’s safe to say he’s earned himself a job next season, the only question is with whom will it be?

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