The love for Michael Vick hasn’t stopped in the Tri-State area; in fact, it has swept across the nation. Vick has become the media darling this NFL season, and he can thank his stellar play along with his incredible comeback story as the main reason for his newfound “America’s hero” calling card.
One of the biggest things that Vick has brought to the table in 2010 is his ability to start games at a high-level.
He currently holds a quarterback rating of 141.1 in the first quarter. Not even the face of UGG, Tom Brady, has a rating that isn’t as high. Brady’s first quarter rating is 108.2.
Here’s a list of notable quarterbacks and their first quarter rating:
– Joe Flacco: 116.8
– Drew Brees: 112.5
– Matt Ryan: 93.2
– Josh Freeman: 77.6
– Donovan McNabb: 87.3
– Mark Sanchez: 66.9
Clearly, no other quarterback is on Vick’s level when it comes to starting off games – most are not even close in terms of rating, aside from Flacco and Breees.
Vick is 42-for-60 with 682 yards and six touchdowns. But the numbers don’t stop there. He has added 114 yards and two touchdowns on 22 rushing attempts, as well.
His overall rating (105.7) ranks him second in the league right behind Tom Brady (109.5).
Vick’s rating takes a slight hit when it comes time for the second and third quarters. He has a 89.3 rating in the second quarter and a 95.9 rating in the third quarter. His two interceptions this season came in these two quarters, as well.
However, he does finish strong with a 102.7 rating in the fourth quarter.
Brady, on the other hand, doesn’t see his rating drop below 103.0 in any of the four quarters. Oddly enough, his lowest rating is in the fourth quarter.
When the Eagles take the field Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, expect Vick to come out ready to go, especially against the team’s most hated divisional opponent.
An interesting side note on top of Vick’s first quarter success is how it coincides with DeSean Jackson’s success.
In the first quarter, Jackson has recorded all five of his touchdowns on the season, including 13 receptions (his highest total in a quarter) and an astounding 411 yards.
Is that a bad thing that Jackson starts off fast, but slowly declines when the game gets down to the wires?
Maybe not, because that’s when Jeremy Maclin steps up. 27 of his 56 receptions occur after the first half, and three of his eight touchdowns have been recorded in the second half. He also has 453 yards after halftime compared to 367 during the first quarter of play.
Tight end Brent Celek also excels in the second half, recording two touchdowns and 16 receptions in the second half. But the most important number for Celek is that 10 of his 16 receptions result in a first down, and we all know how important his most recent second half first down was last week against the Houston Texans.
Thats outstanding……. He needs to play that way every quater……..LMAO!!!!! Look we would be asking for too much if Vick performed like he has every game…….. This is a team game……. And if everyone contributes on offense in other words (being more balance) We should prevail in good fashion………. Dallas expects the same type game play we had last year…….. Pass Pass Pass…….. This should be different…… 10 days of preparation we should have a solid scheme against them in the 2 games we play them!!!
yeah jroc….10 days for this staff to game plan…like it!!
Funny thing about giving this staff extra time to gameplan, they have a perfect history after a bye. That is why I was really disappointed at the Green Bay game, 1st game of the season…we have the entire offseason to gameplan and script the first 15 plays…we came out and looked like sh**. I still do not understand that….but why bring it up now….GO BIRDS!!!! CRUSH THE COWGIRLS!!!
A big part of the credit must go to Reid and Mornigweigh for their scripted first 15 plays. The plays are always diversified and designed to keep the defense off-balance.
You know I have to say it. After the first 15, the play calling is often ridiculously predictable and too pass-heavy, which accounts for many of the shots Vick has taken. Reid and Mornigweigh are responsible for that as well.
greenfan – game planning is huge, but it isn’t everything. First game with a young defense, lots of rookies, unset O line, new era at QB and against a very very tough team…. not that surprising.
yeah shiller, would agree with the o-line…and we should also be familiar with Reids history, he has his teams playing their best ball at the end of the season (at least before the end of last season)…just something that has been bothering me for 13 weeks
A fast start by Vick and the Offense can bury this Cowboy team, who are missing 3-4 players on
a shaky Defense and will be coming off a somber week with the passing of fan/franchise favorite Don Meredith…
If Eagles can jump out early, quiet that crowd down, they could win big going away..