Many of you who are criticizing Andy Reid for sticking to his promise to start Kevin Kolb, must remember that it was Reid who broke all those rules to bring Vick here in the first place. Then he broke the rules by getting Vick on the field, last year and this year, despite starting somebody else.
I think Reid has known how special Vick was all along. Why would he stick his neck out so far to bring him here? Everybody wondered why he would bring in a guy who was radioactive at the time. Now maybe we know.
I was told by an NFL source this weekend that “nobody knows how much Andy Reid loves Michael Vick”. I was told that the big guy has been in love with Vick for a while.
The truth of the matter is that Reid saw the special abilities of Vick before any of the rest of us did. I was told he was looking at video of Vick years ago when the Eagles were facing him in the playoffs and fantasizing of fixing his flaws and making him a complete quarterback.
You can’t spend the last year criticizing Reid for bringing Vick here, then when he stays with his plan for the time being of starting Kolb, you chew him up. Remember that Reid is the reason Vick is here. If it was up to 80% of Eagles fans, Vick wouldn’t be here.
Reid didn’t beg the Eagles fans to fall in love with Michael Vick, all he and his coaches did was work with Vick, straighten out his thinking and techniques, then let him play. Now the fan base is begging for Vick. Now explain to me again, how Andy Reid is so stupid.
I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I predict that Vick will be the starting quarterback for the Eagles in the not too distant future. There’s no way Kolb can survive the season behind the Eagles offensive line. At some point, the action on the field will allow Reid to put Vick in the line up.
I’ve only seen one quarterback in my history of watching the NFL that could have done what Vick did on Sunday and that was Randall Cunningham. Still as great an athlete as Cunningham was, he might not have been able to do everything that Vick accomplished on Sunday.
Vick is the embodiment of what we always wanted to see with Cunningham, a phenomenal athlete who is taught an offensive system, which he runs in a disciplined fashion until he is forced to adlib. It’s like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant running Phil Jackson’s triangle offense until the 24 second clock is running out and he must take things into his own hands.
It’s reminiscent of Steve Young when he was running the San Francisco 49ers. Young stayed in the pocket and ran the offense until the rush was closing in on him and there was nobody open. He would then tuck the ball under his arm and make something happen, like he did on that phenomenal touchdown run he made against the Minnesota Vikings.
Vick is the best of both worlds. He’s got a strong rifle arm, which allows him to float the ball deep to DeSean Jackson despite not being able to step into the throw because of the pass rush. There were times on Sunday when the Eagles offensive line turned two defensive players loose on him, but Vick found a way to beat them and make a play any way.
In just six quarters, Vick has put together enough highlights for a season. Like some of the other great athletes of our times, he’s a walking and talking highlight film.
After watching the highlights again and taking close looks at Vick, there’s no way in the world Andy Reid can put Vick back on the bench. Yes he can send Kevin Kolb back out there next week, but he’s got to find a way to get Vick back into the starting lineup.
Reid is stubborn but he’s not stupid. He has one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the league on his bench and he’s taught him to run his system, so he’s got to get him on the field and let him do his thing.
Though I was going to reserve my comments until Sunday, I had to chime in on this one. AR knows he has found his man in Vick, but slipped by not allowing an open competition, and giving Kolb the job outright. Either way, Kolb wont last two quarters before Vick is put back in as the starter and Kolb will have to outplay him to get his job back.
G….?To say Vick can run this offense after one game against the Lions is as foolish as the people that declared Kolb the savior after his two games last year. Obviously we know what Vick can bring to the table but let’s see him against some better defenses before we get too carried away. On the flip side, Kolb has had 1/2 a game against a very good D, he has his chance to redeem himself this week.
Difference between Vick and Young Gcobb is Vick has a 54 career passing % and young’s is 64%. Young’s highest year was when he went to SB 71%. That 10% more completed passes add up(more first downs I would take Montana’s, Young’s, Big Ben, Manning, Brady’s 64% passing effeciency over any qb under 60%(yes, some qb with low % in recent history sneek in there but not many and even then it’s there highest % yr) Any one here who watched the Eagles lose to Raiders in SB will remember Eagles D and o-line was good and Jaws had 3 int and a 53% passing perc.
What’s Vick’s passing pct. while being an Eagle? I’m glad you defended Reid G..This could be great for our franchise..Vick will start but first Reid will let things play out on the field..hopefully it wont take longer than a quarter!
Mr. Cobb. I accept that cold slap in the face. Andy Greed gets on my last nerve when he won’t run the football or can’t get 1 yard for a first down. But I have not given him credit for getting Vick when not only the Eagle fans did not want him, but nobody else in the league did either. I grew up and played HS football in Philadelphia, but I raised my sons in Hampton VA and coached against Warwick HS in the Penisula District were Vick came from. He was not even the best QB in the district. A kid from Hampton HS was all-american and led his team to VA state football and basketball title, went to NC as a QB got drafted by the Raiders as a WR.
Side note to Philly Fans. Allen Iverson also played in the Peninsula district and was all-state QB, DB and KR. In addition to all-state basketball. Led his HS team (Bethel) to the state title in Basketball and Football.
PS – Warwick HS removed all of Vicks awards and name from their thophy case. He has suffered enough for his crime. He has paid his debt to society and does not owe Angelo Cataldi, Rea Huges or any body else in the media anything.
I completely believe Andy likes Mike more than he does cheeseburgers. Vick is our old Qback but blazing fast, and I will not be stunned if he is starting here again by year’s end. We do not have a D to go anywhere this year, that’s cold hard fact. This season is about determining who is going to be the Eagles Qback going forward as this team matures. Vick knows his best shot to lose the “freak athlete” label is here with Andy and Marty. Here he has an opportunity to be Randall + coaching + work ethic. If Kolb is not the 2nd coming of Drew Brees in the next few weeks, he may be an Oak Ridge boy mighty quick.
BTW, The Morning Show at WIP is the worst thing going. Call the sponsors of the show, tell them you will never buy anything from them as long as they are advertising with Angelo and that fat pig, shrew Rhea. We have go to force them out, they must go.
It will be interesting to see how the added pressure of Vick’s good performance effects Kevin Kolb on Sunday. I expect our defense to play a lot better with Stewart Bradley back on the field, and that may buy Kolb some more time, but he still will need to go out there and complete passes, stay in the pocket, and most of all, not turnover the football, which is something that he has had a very hard time doing.
J-mac…he’s at least at 62-63%…he was 62% gainst the Lions(oh yeah 108p.r…wow) and was solid gainst thePack.After seeing what he did i don’t know how you don’t go with Mike if Kolb struggles in the 1st half. If Kolb relaxes andmakes the reads and throws we need then just step up Vick’s reps in 3rd down. Kolb’s gotta know we need wins not his confidence level too stay even. And have his game flow goign. He has had enough reps that he should be able too perform regardless. When Vick gets in the game its like running the ball.Take a seat…The Ninja needs reps.
wip morning show is the worst but it was funny hearing angelo yesterday chew out that crazy eagles fan sean young & banning him from wip.
Reid and the Eagles waited all the way until, I believe it was the end of the preseason or the first game of the regular season, to sign Vick. I remember the announcement being made either right before a game, during a game or something like that. My point is that had Reid designed a Master plan that included Vick knowing Vick had conditioning and system mechanic issues Vick would have been brought in the moment he was available and that was well before any NFL training camps started. I’m not saying that Reid doesn’t like Vick, but to say he provided the catalyst in bringing Vick here just doesn’t correspond with reality.
As I recall it was very clear that Donovan McNabb brought the idea to the table, both McNabb and Vick have made public comments verifying this. What seems closer to the truth is that McNabb essentially worked Reid over during the summer camp period pushing his guilt buttons knowing about his situation with his sons and Reid couldn’t deny the logic of the move given what he believed to be a secure QB personnel line-up. Make no mistake had McNabb not campaigned for him Vick would not be here.
AND WHO ELSE WANT SOME OF OUR BASEBALL TEAM!!!DOC TONIGHT!!! East on lock!!
I agree there is no way Kolb survives behind that line and neither will Vick
What did he have 6 sacks Sunday and how many fumbles
I am surprised he got up after that one sideline hit
You can’t keep that up for long
Eagles better get a 4th QB for the practice squad
As far as the morning show I quit listening over a year ago
I hate their liberal politics and in addition can’t stand Cataldis’ Jerry Springer Lite Act
Its funny, this article sounds a lot like my post a few days ago. But everyone slammed me for trying to give Reid credit for Vick…. I guess it’s clear that people were slamming me, not my content. Oh well.
I believe Reid likes Vick but I think he has to convince Laurie that he should be starting over Kolb
That is why Kolb is still the starting QB
Laurie wasn’t overly happy at signing Vick but he wants to win and if Kolb keeps playing poorly or gets hurt again he will accept Vick
Cry me a river andy. Andy also was in love with Kolb! Thats the reason he is here! Andy then needs to make the right decision, as Herm Edwards would say: You play to win the game!…well not in philly i guess. BTW a Pro Reid article frorm G , maybe they threatened to take his press credentials away.
Yeah the morning show is the worst ever. I actually like the weekend shows more because it’s more about the actual sport and related issues and not agendas and gimmicks to get people to listen.
Vick could very well be a better Randall and this team would be fools to let him go. I think sometime this year he will become the starter whether injury or Kolb just really stinkin up the joint. And that could ultimately lead him to being our QB for the next 3-5 years. I know a couple of us talked about Vick possibly being our starting QB and a lot of people dismissed it. It doesn’t seem like so much a stretch now. Vick has given Andy new life. Vick right now could be the combination of Randall and McNabb: a guy with extreme athleticism + a guy that can run the offense and be a passer. I don’t care what anyone says, that’s a deadly combo. Randall had the athleticism but really couldn’t play QB and McNabb could play QB but by the time he became a good pocket passer, he didn’t have his athleticism like when he came into the league. Think about that guys. We could have a hybrid of the best QB in our franchise history with probably the most revered QB in our history. I’d much rather take that chance for the next few years than Kolb.
While I will give Reid for credit for helping to further Vicks skills lets not go over board. His self determination. His humbleness of being locked up. His naturalborn God given talent is a plus. I have said it once. I will say it until I lose my voice. ONE POSITION DOESN’T WILL NEVER WIN A SUPERBOWL. This team has way too many flaws that never seems to get addressed. With all the attention that Kolb vs. Vick gets. The D was horrible! These are the Lions with there second string QB! Remember the speech from last year. This team won’t miss a beat!
Reid does get credit for taking a chance on Vick but he will only get full credit if Vick becomes the starter and a winning QB. I mean what credit does he deserve for making Vick better and then letting him walk to another team to make them better? In my opinion, letting him walk would be about as dumb as it was smart for signing Vick. Right now, the play of Vick has created controversy and division amongst fans and I’m sure a lot of players want Vick to play. So if all you get is controversy this year and Vick leaves then he gets no praises. I do however, commend him for taking a chance on Vick as a person and lets you know the kind of human being Andy is but like I said if it all amounts to Vick making another team better next year, then it was almost useless drama for our team.
i agree scorpiodsu, the gimmicks on wip shows are the worst a la play day. 610 should put G Cobb & Ray Diddy together sometimes on sat from 10-1. that would be good radio
G, are you going to have an open thread for the games? We need one. I don’t like going to the other sites to see eagles fans discuss the game. I’d much rather do that with the schmucks on this site.
People also have short memories regarding Tony Dungee’s heavy involvement in Vick being with the Eagles. Had Reid been the Mover and Shaker on the acquisition all these other people wouldn’t have been involved at all.
lol bsmvideo your talking about ronald curry lol
virginia had a million qb’s at that time ai curry vick arron brooks
angelo is funny anderson gotta get howard eskin outta here ike reese need to sack his ass
tydm, stop it with the completion percentage thing. Seriously. There has never been a QB with Vicks ability that could also pass. Maybe Vick will break that mold and be the one guy in history who has all the physical tools, but can also beat you strictly with his arm. If he can do that, then all those historical stats go out the window. You’re so focused on Vicks % as a falcon. What about as an Eagle? You do know that some players actually get better over time? 30 years old is in the prime of most QBs anyway. So stop it with the garbage stats.
Yeah Eskin is an ass too. He knows nothing but swears he does. I’m glad Ike is on there with him to balance out that show. Eskin was getting killed by Mike Miss on ESPN because he sucks.
The thing about Angelo is he knows he’s an idiot and everyone that works with him knows as well and he says what he says for ratings and to get people riled up. The problem is a lot of fans/callers like him and take on his views and are way over the top.
You do bring up a really good point, G. There’s gotta be SOME love behind it all. I know Don and Tony had their parts but Andy had to have the final say. Thanks for reminding me that i actually like Andy. Now if he would just run the ball and learn how a clock works we’d be all set!
tydm…are you reading the same article? The point “G” ‘s makng is not based on Vick’s years with Atlanta, so you can chuck your percentages…He’s basing his premise on an improved Vick that have picked up Reid’s coaching to improve his decisions, so the fair thing to do is look at Vck’s percentages under Reid the last couple games and compare those numbers to Steve Young Numbers….We’re talking about this year under a new coaching staff….Can you paste the percentages and ratings for this year?
I’ll bet money they mirror Young’s when he finally had a chance to flourish with god coaching.
Young had the skills and athletic ability with the Bucs…but flourished under good coaching once he got the opportunity with the 49ers.
Kolb don’t have the athletic skills to flourish behind this offensive line. He just don’t
Vick will survive behind this O line…stop making excuses throwing Vick in the same conversation with Kolb surviving behind this line….Kolb is a statue and the play is dead if someone is turned loose on a blitz…..a big play happens with Vick when a player is turned loose on a blitz.
Kolb will be killed behind this offensive line and that’s why I’m perplexed when people say Kolb need to play behind this line, and when Kolb folds like a tent ..the same people blames the line….This situation leaves Vick as the only real option and he will be the only option after the blitz package the Jags will put in this weekend…watch
1 half isn’t enough to bench Kolb (although I don’t think he should have been awarded the starting job without earning it) but consider this and pay even attention to the NFL: David Carr, Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Joey Harrington, Alex Smith, Matt Leinart, Rick Mirer, Tim Couch, Byron Leftwich, Kyle Boller and plenty more.Franchises can squander years waiting for mediocre or decent quarterbacks to become better.
So how long do you go before you pull the plug on Kolb if he really plays bad. Do you go a couple seasons trying to find out or a couple games? If you go a few games many will say it’s not enough time because QBs often need at least a full season to become a good QB. But if you give him an entire season and even let him stay the starter for next year, you could ruin the franchise for years if he really is bad. And then Andy will resign/get fired etc… and the fans will be left with crap. Not an easy decision. The decision to trade McNabb could haunt us for many years if this kid can’t play.
look i kind of agree with u guys with the coaching and all but i think we r going a lil overboard
mike vick may be playing a lil better than ever but i think alot of that has to with the weapons around him
i mean in atl he was throwing to michael jenkins (seriously) algae crumpler was like his only weapon and he’s slow
this is the 1st time since college he has speed around him and it works hand in hand
vick’s speed helps him extend plays run but mainly keep the defense spaced out and because they are worried about his threat to run this helps his wr’s. this used to help guys like jenkins but when u add a djax, speed of maclin, hands of celek and avant its really touhg to guard
so while andy and marty may have helped him im sure i still think the weapons around him are enabling him to play better
i think its a mixture of both
PW, I agree and that’s the point. A lot of people want to point to what Vick was in ATL. He was an entirely different player and person. He was undisciplined, had the owner pushing him around in a wheelchair and no one wanted to teach him anything and/or they were scared that if they pushed him too hard, they would be fired because of how the owner treated/loved Vick. Even Jim Mora Jr. said he went behind his offensive coordinators back and told Vick to run when he had the chance. Now what kind of coaching staff is that? He is now playing for one of the better organizations and coaches (even with his flaws) in the league, made humbled by losing everything and going to jail and surrounded by more talent than he ever has been surrounded by.
He has taken the instructions, followed McNabb’s work ethic and has weapons to get the ball to. This is a vastly different guy and it’s too bad that people can’t let go of the past. Now, I’m not saying Vick perfect. He still has a lot to work on, but you can clearly see he’s better than he was. And yes it was Detroit, but I’m not sure how many QBs could start their first game in almost 4 years and play that well against anyone. I mean he played the entire half against the Packers and played well after not getting significant time against 1st stringers.
And this isn’t a slight against Kolb. He is what he is and Vick is what he is. I mean think about how good Kolb must be to become a top QB in this league. That ish aint easy and he’s nowhere near that right now and Vick is a lot closer right now and more than likely for the next few years.
That’s true scorpio… he has changed to the best extent that he can. Interesting column by Chris Collinsworth who is a pretty smart dude… He advocated starting Vick, basically for the same reasons (scorpio) just mentioned.
I agree with him that after about the first incomplete Kolb pass, the pressure meter is gonna’ start to ping – and apparently he may be allergic to pressure. Good thing for him the next game is not in Philly or batteries might fly again
Does money play a factor in this decision? Doesn’t Vick get more money with some performance incentives if he starts or plays a certain amount of time?
Also, they signed Kolb to what $12 million? They are to full of themselves to have him sit on the bench, so the only way Vick becomes the starter for years to come would be if we traded Kevin Kolb….which at this point seems unlikely.
Both of these guys make to much money to be a back-up.
glad gcobb brought this up, but no credit to the source of all this…me!
ive been writing comments about reid loving vick, marty and desean do too
Schefter broke it down further, noting if Vick plays “at least 51 percent of the offensive plays in nine or more games,” he will collect an $850,000 bonus.
If that number goes to 11 games, tack on another $1.05 million
If that number hits 13 games, that’s another $850,000.
for those who are talking about the offensive line as an excuse for Kolb’s failure….Vick brought the team from behind against Green Bay and put up 35 points against the Lions with one drive going over 80 yards, with Mccoy rushing for over 100 yards, behind the same offensive line…Vick threw for over 280 yards with the same offensive line!
Kill the excuses….The numbers tells the story
Desean Jackson looked like his old self behind the same offensive line and when Kolb was in DJax didn’t get a reception!!!!!!!
Why?
Yeah Vick’s based is only 1 million less than Kolb’s base. So financially, they aren’t that much more committed to Kolb than Vick. If it were necessary they could easily trade Kolb to a team like the Browns who are looking for a young QB as they rebuild. We on the other hand shouldn’t be rebuilding and trying to win asap.
Songs, just ignore the people that want to make excuse. The entire country saw that Vick is the better QB right now. The ones that make the excuse for Kolb are the same ones who ignored those same reasons when McNabb played terrible. Now golden boy is in there, here come all the excuses. Just ignore them and we can only go with the facts. And right now, Vick resume is better, he’s played better and for all intents and purposes he will be better for the next few years.
Thanks PhillyWill. I can’t believe I could not remember Ronald Curry’s name. Phoebus HS QB all-american is starting now for VA tech. Beamer is the Andy Greed of College football. He’ll win every year but choke in the games that count.
scorp, I’m with you…just perplexed with people who would rather lose until Kolb gets close to the production we have at the position with Vick…..even if the talent is wasted and it takes another 2 years.
Now, we finally have receivers and a starting QB that sucks….when will we put it together?
I guess that’s life as an Philadelphia Eagles fan…we must endure controversy based off of everything except play on the field. That’s like having Michael Jordan on the bench to see if victor barkowski can play can be a servicable player.
Where’s the controversy strictly based on game day play?
Not to totally stick up for Kolb but Reid set him up for failure in game 1.
His game plan was a joke for a young, inexperienced QB. He actually apologized to Kolb about it.
He also kept bringing Vick in and out of the game which throws off the rhythm of the offense.
Plus the Packers where playing nickel coverage the whole game because they know that the Eagles NEVER run the ball.
Most coaches would have taken advantage of this coverage by running the ball down their throats and taking the pressure off of his young QB.
But not Reid!!! He is smarter than all of us!!
I honestly find Vick way more exciting than Kolb but let’s give Kolb a chance Sunday and see what happens….
Hey, important not to forget in all of this is that the NFC appears to be as wide open as ever this season – heck, the Packers, who are far and away the greatest team ever (according to some media), only beat us by one score. The Cowboys, who are also heavy favorites to play in the Superbowl in their home stadium (again, according to some media) are already 0-2. And I’ve not been blown away or overly impressed by either showing of the Saints this year. In fact, the biggest surprise for me this season is that Jay Cutler seems to be running Mike Martz’s offense, and the Bears are off to a fast start and still learning that scheme.
I should add herein that I have no respect for any NFC West teams, not to say we’d be able to beat all of them, because at best right now we’re a confused team with some holes on both sides of the ball, and Bobby April can’t seem to teach his special teamers to simply avoid penalties on every other special teams play.
It’s looking to me like the AFC is the much better conference this year, and the NFC will have to put it’s best foot forward to have a shot at this year’s Bowl.
BUT – that means it’s any team’s year in the NFC, and as such, we should consider winning as many games as possible, and if that means whomever at QB so bet it – let’s face it, we’re gonna need both Kolb/Vick AND Kafka the way this O-Line is playing right now, since bruised ribs and concussions will likely become an every/every other week issue taking all those sacks and hard hits.
And as has already been stated, with this O-Line, the QB position favors a player with escapability, and Vick clearly has more of that in his pinky that Kolb has in his entire body.
(Let’s go Halladay!)
Phillywill…
Gotta agree with you wholeheartedly on Eskin must go. He’s such an egocentric, self-righteous sucker that Ike’s opinions/commentaries are dismissed as irrelevant. Never cared for Eskin’s constant domination of program, unending argumentation, disrespect for women & unwillingness to listen carefully to guys who played the game. Yup, Ike needs to either take him behind the shed or apply for another on-air partner.
Sorry but I really didn’t bother to read everyone elses posts but I re-watched the game last night. How come everyone was all over Kolb for “almost” (but not) throwing INT’s when last night I watched Vick “almost” throw 3 and no one here says boo about that? Also, to a point in G’s article. Statisticall speaking…Steve young was a more mobile QB than Cunningham was so to say Cunningham was to only one ever to do what Vick can do is a lark…yeah I said lark!
yeahyeahyeah, I fully agree and that’s why Reid needs Vick. Just like McNabb’s athleticism and big arm compensated for some of the coaching short comings and playcalling, Vick can do the same. Reid would totally get exposed with Kolb. I do agree Kolb needs to start but I’m not with letting him go out there and stink it up for the entire season. Give him a couple games and if he stinks, hand it over to Vick and trade Kolb, extend Vick.
Sorry, slap myself…G did mention Young…missed that paragraph while I got interrupted..mea culpa…
but Reid will never run the ball. He will not change the offense because they said kolb can run it just as effectively and even more efficiently that McNabb. If that’s the case, he is always set up for failure in this offense. We all know a young QBs best friend is a running game a good defense. We have neither right now.