I thought former Eagles head coach Andy Reid pampered his quarterbacks during his final years with the Birds. He didn’t demand that Donovan McNabb focus on his faltering fundamentals as his accuracy worsened. Numerous times Reid told people that he felt he would lose McNabb if he got tough with him. I thought that was a major mistake.
The same was true of Reid’s treatment of Michael Vick when he took over as the starting quarterback. Vick was handled him with kid gloves, as his decision-making went south. Reid protected his players in public most of the time, but he protected his quarterbacks all the time. I thought it contributed to the increased poor quarterback play.
This is one of the reasons, I was pleased that Eagles new head coach Chip Kelly challenged Vick by having the quarterbacks compete for the starting signal caller spot. I thought it would bring out the best in him and provide an environment similar to what he experienced in 2010 when he played the best football of his NFL career.
Vick admitted yesterday that he needed the pressure from the quarterback competition to raise his level of performance.
“There were times when I questioned the situation, but I just felt like there was a greater purpose, and that purpose was to get the most out of me . . . That’s why I stand before you humbled, because I was able to find something within my game and within my character and my personality that I haven’t felt in a long time, and that means a lot. I thank coach Kelly for that.”
Usually players don’t admit it, but pressure from competition or a tough, demanding coach is exactly what is needed at times to get the player to perform at his best.
I wrote about this during the off season when Vick complained that Chip Kelly was taking too much time in naming a starting quarterback. When the Birds finished the mini-camps during the summer, Vick told a reporter he wanted Kelly to name a starting quarterback ASAP. The quarterback came clean yesterday and admitted he was letting the pressure get to him.
“I should have never came out and said that. I just was having a moment,” said Vick. “But I appreciate having to put in the hard work, having all summer to think about what type of mindset I had to come back with. Preparing throughout the summer as if I was fighting for a job. And I was.”
Quarterbacks have to learn to thrive in pressure situations. It was great practice for both Vick and Nick Foles to come out to practice every day and know that each throw they made was going to be charted by the coaches and the media. Every decision had pressure attached to it, which is the way it is during the games.
Vick admitted in a roundabout way that he might need more pressure to keep his play at that level. He was reminded about the way he played in 2010 when he was backing up Kevin Kolb and took over the starting spot after Kolb went down with an injury.
“You’re at your best when your best is required . . . Sometimes you need to be motivated, you need to be pushed”, Vick said yesterday.
I think it’s going to be very important that Kelly keeps the pressure on Vick so that he keep the pedal down for the rest of the season. Vick needs the coaching staff to pressure him to stay away from taking foolish chances with the football. He must continue to be conservative with his decisions, while knowing that turnovers means losing in the NFL.
One of Kelly’s strongest attributes will be his ability to communicate with his players. Kelly’s relationship with his players was always commended during his tenure with the Oregon Ducks. Kelly’s family is his “football family.” His daily, weekly and monthly relationships will be with his players and coaches. Chip comes into Vick’s life at a great football time in addition to a personal time. Vick is at a very good place, mental, emotionally and spiritually. Kelly does not have to commit time to ensuring Vick stays on the right path like coaches have had to take on in the past. Vick’s focus now is to stay the quarterbacks of this football team. This includes staying healthy, and if Kelly commits to the run, if Vick commits to “listening” and not “reverting” to his old style of reckless endangerment of his body, he has the potential of doing some big things ‘leading” the football team. Vick is the quarterback, a leader, but what Kelly will show him is that he can’t win the game by himself. Kelly preaches “team effort,” Every roster spot is crucial for the team to succeed.
Chip’s coaching will not allow Vick to revert back to his bad habits.
Running the ball minimizes the chances of bad things happening.
Now, Vick going in head first to end a run could be to his own demise and if he don’t learn to get down without contact that will eventually bring this feel good story to an end….fast.
If Vick can’t learn to slide the least he can do is sit down after a run or run out of bounds.
He can thank Chip Kelly by staying healthy.
I like what I have seen from Kelly from his coaching philosophy, to many of his asst. coaching choices, up-tempo gameplan style, to his manner with the media……but why does Chip Kelly posess the skills to , in your words, “revert back to his bad habits”? Reeves couldn’t do it….Mora couldn’t do it…..Reid couldn’t do it…..why at this stage in Mike Vick’s career would this new coach get different results? We can all wish that he does….I really hope that he does, and I really hope that Vick finally puts it all together and reaches his full potential as a QB that we all see glimpes of….but why should we expect different results when we have a body of work for 10 years in the NFL that would say differently?
by running the ball. That limit the bad habits. He can’t make mistakes with the ball in the running backs hands.
If I remember correctly, Atlanta had Warrick Dunn for much of Vick’s time there. I think that they led the league in rushing….and still they were generally a middle of the road team (8-8 type team). You can’t lay that all on Mike, but I believe that he has been with teams that have had strong running games….I know, it’s a team game…hell, you could question some of those defenses down in ATL too….but in general he has been an average 80.6 QB rating over his career…I don’t see why we should expect that Kelly will get a different result than Reeves, Mora or Reid….who were all fired while Mike Vick was their starting QB.
This isn’t to say that Kelly’s decision isn’t the correct one..it is. Foles is a second year player who went 1-5 as a starter his rookie season. He still has alot to prove, and to date, he was beaten out by Vick in the preseason.
Let’s see how it goes…I will absolutely be rooting for Vick and the Eagles….but will understand when the performance from MV starts to revert to his historical performance….Kelly is not a miricle worker, and a lepord (sp) does not change his spots.
What do you mean what Reeves couldnt do? My god in heaven Eagles fans are so f’ing stupid and racist. Does it hurt you that bad to have a black qb? really?
Vick was only with Reeves for like 2 years i know I LIVE IN ATL, Reeves wasnt fired because of Vick. Vick played well under him taking them to the playoffs and winning during Vicks first season as a starter. Reeves was fired because the Falcons had got a new owner(Arthur Blank) And he wanted to start fresh with his new young qb.
Jim Mora Sr went on national TV and called Vick a coach killer which got his son FIRED! Idiots! Thats where this stupid notion that Vick is a coach killer came from. Mora has his dad to blame for that. Mora also was not a very good HC and would often just tell Vick to run. Mora also failed as a HC in Seattle for the record.
Reid was his own undoing the moment he hired Castillo and Mudd, and his refusal to adjust is why teams started slowing us down in 2010. The didnt figure out Vick and some of the IDIOTIC eagles fans would like to think. They figured out Andy has NEVER been good at making in game adjustments even with Mcnabb. 2011 was NOT Vick’s fault at all alot of you idiots just want to blame him. The defense game up five 4th quarter leads,those were 5 games we couldve won, take that n add it to the 4 game winning streak Vick lead us on at the end of 2011 and we make the playoffs.
2012 was Andy Reids fault for making Vick throw 50+ times a game with no rushing attack or Oline. It was doomed to fail from the start. Smh Eagles fans have so many bigots its not even funny all i can do is laugh at these stupid post.
When you are unable to argue facts call the guy a racist….we know the play book …..and it is getting old. Face it, if Vick were no longer QB, you would not be an Eagles fan…..if you are an Eagles fan at all. I have said it before, and I will say it again here….I could care less who the players are on this team….I am an Eagles fan and want the Eagles to be successful, exciting, hard-hitting and above all win….but I could care less who the players are. I root for the Eagles, and the Eagles players….I root for the name on the front of the jersey, not the players name on the back.
GO BIRDS!!
Green fan, you’re too kind to these mfers, they need to be exposed
You must be the most stupid,racist troll on gcobb, to state it hurts us to have a black qb, clue yourself in you,the eagles have had a black qb since the mid 80s, Cunningham, was the first, he was good, very good, and few if any talked about his race, but fast forward to today, when the opportunity for blacks has never been better yet you still cry racism, you are one sorry ass American
Mike Vick is extremely lucky Chip Kelly has only seen Vick in 2 quarters of contact football because he doesn’t understand that translucent rib cage of his has only a 20 quarter max shelf life.
You would never hear such a quote from a QB like Brady, Montana, P. Manning or any of the dozen HOF QB’s. They are internally driven to be the best. You wouldn’t need some gimmick of competition…those guys put in the extra work and demand it of those around them. Like Ray Lewis did with his defense in Baltimore.
Vick has strong leadership characteristics, at least he has a personal charisma that attracts those around him on his team, but a general laid back style when it comes to practice and preparation, will keep this guy from ever getting to a level of these elite QB’s.
The question is, how long will Kelly be able to keep Vick’s attention and performance at a high level and keep him from returning to the poor habits (self admitted poor habits) he has exhibited throughout his entire football career?
Suppose they make it to they playoffs, win the division, etc. what then will people have to say about Mike Vic. Chip Kelly picked him as the starter, for a reason. Lets see what he can do. Lets see what they team as a whole can do. I’ve never heard so much scrutiny about a QB. I do t hear anyone talking about Romo, Ryan, Palmer, etc. oh wait when Mcnabb played everyone was crying out for KC to be put in as the starter, where is he now. Let the coach, coach, and the fans, be a fan. They can’t talk about Vic being too short anymore, why?! Wilson is doing just fine. Can’t talk about his run game, why bc Colin, Robert, and Russell are doing just fine.
Vick is in unbelievable shape this year..
The whole team is. They look good, can’t wait or the season to begin. If they win and do well everyone will backpedal.
I think Vick will play well until defenses figure out Chip Kelly’s offense. I don’t think it will be any different now than it has always been. When Vick sees something from the defense that he’s not ready for, his first instinct will be to run. That’s when the problems start. Hopefully everybody stays healthy this year, and Vick gets rid of the ball.
I think Chip Kelly will adapt and make the right adjustments when the defense starts to key in on certain things..with a consistent running game and O Line protection, it won’t matter what the defense does..
How would you think the offense under Foles would do after defenses figured out Chip Kelly’s offense?
Wold it be different if Foles was named the starter?
Foles has shown a talent for getting rid of the ball. I’m sure you have been among those who have been critical of Foles for checking-down to RBs and secondary receivers.
That is the primary difference between Foles and Vick – Foles checks-down when guys are covered…. Vick’s problem throughout his career has been that he sees himself as the check-down… When guys are covered he runs with the ball.
That doesn’t mean the offense would be better with Foles – but it would sure be different.
Kelly thinks the offense will be better with Vick – I’m willing to wait and see.
I’m not going to complain about Vick anymore until he does something to complain about. He is the Eagles QB – I have to root for him…..
so why Chip Kelly is not seeing what you see?
What?
See this is where you are making the mistake Irish…Kelly gave Vick and Foles a clean slate when he came to town…he said he can’t evaluate players when they did certain things because he doesn’t know what the coaches asked of the players….So being Kelly gave Vick a clean slate, he’s noticed that Vick has checked down when people are coverage while completing 93% of his passes (if you take away the hail mary pass) I think what Kelly things holds more weight than you…as Kelly at least knows what he expects from Vick and the offense…Kelly knows what he is going to do, what plays he is going to call….something you nor I have any idea about…
That’s great – let’s hope Kelly is correct and he can get Vick to do things that no other coach has ever managed to get Vick to do…
I will agree that Vick is off to a good start. Since he got the “clean slate” he has completing a whopping 13 of 15 passes (86.7%) in practice games.
I’m glad you have confidence in Kelly’s judgment. Taking into account that Kelly has yet to win an NFL game, I’m sure you can understand why some people might not be as confident that of made the correct choice.
Of course, since I am a season ticket holder, and I don’t enjoy paying money to watch Vick play the way he has over the last 2 seasons, I’ll be rooting for Kelly and Vick. And I’ll be on this site too – so I’ll complement you on your insight if Vick continues to play well when the games count.
actually this off season throughout training camp there were numerous reports that Vick was getting the ball out quicker than Foles…Different things happen in a different offensive system…
Well that’s what we hope happens RealTalk. We can enjoy watching the Eagles offense play even if the defense takes more time to fix.
Not so fast my Friends..
Eagles reportedly invite the recently Released QB Seneca Wallace to the NovaCare Center for a Workout.. Apparently his Agent/Lawyer are also on Luries Private Plane, so a signing/announcement could be imminent..
Stay Tuned…
and the reporter is? paulman?
Joe Banner Texted me..
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Its amazing how Romo who has done FAR less than Vick in his career and is OLDER than Vick get a 100 mill contract and cowboy fans arent saying that he’s not the future or saying he needs to compete. So much racism comes into play with black qbs and the funny thing is Romo in his career had far better talent to play with than Vick (T.O Witten,etc) and a good defense to help him.
Eagles fans are so retarded.
please explain what FAR less means.
from what i see romo has played a full season 2 out of 7 times, vick 1 out of 10 times.
romo has a 64.7 completion %, vick 56.3%
romo has a 2.08-1 td to int ratio vick 1.35 – 1
romo has beat vicks CAREER HIGHS in TD passes in 5 out of 7 years (1 of which was romos sophomore season and the other a season he played 6 games)
Romo beat vicks CAREER HIGHS in passing yards in 5 out of 7 years.
and although you say romo is older they really are the same age yet vick has been in the league for 4 more years than romo
godgotvick you are idiot dude. ur talk of racism is ignorant and unfounded and you thinking vick has done FAR more than romo is retarded
So let me get this straight…. If you compare Vick to any white QB and you show that statistically the other QB has performed better than Vick, then you are a racist?
That makes sense.
I am not saying that Romo is better, because neither one has really accomplished much in their careers.
Playoff Records
Vick 2-3
Romo 1-3
Vick Weighing 220 now
Michael Vick worked harder this offseason in the weight room than he ever had in the past, and his efforts did not go unnoticed by his teammates and the Eagles’ new coaching staff. In fact, according to head coach Chip Kelly, the strength and conditioning staff ranked Vick ranked first among all players in the offseason training program. After the Eagles struggled through a terribly disappointing past two seasons that mimicked Murphy’s Law at every turn and culminated in a coaching change, Vick’s contract was restructured to a one-year, essentially “prove it” deal. Instead of pouting, he responded positively by accepting Kelly’s challenge and rededicating himself to getting back into the best shape possible in order to maximize his ability.
“It’s just a credit to wanting to be better, wanting to get better,” Vick said. “Knowing how things ended up last year, I wanted to make it right. One thing I do know is that if you train hard and you put in the hard work, you’ll get the results out of it, and I didn’t want to leave any stone unturned.”
Vick “never felt like” he was out of shape in 2012, but he was “underweight and could’ve been a lot stronger.” Now at 220 pounds, he believes the training program Kelly’s staff has installed is “on a different level.” Vick’s initial leadership moment for the 2013 season came back in the spring when players were skeptical of the new training regimen. Not everyone bought in at first, but Vick urged his teammates to be open-minded and give it a try. Lo and behold, it did not take long for players to achieve immediate results and fully embrace the program.
Larrwd,
It was the same story last year. Maybe you don’t remember but Vick rededicated his self last off-season as well.
May 14, 2012
Andy Reid pointed out something specific about the four final teams left standing in the NFL playoffs last year; all had starting quarterbacks that didn’t miss a start. He thinks his often-injured quarterback took notice, and did something about it.
“There’s nobody, there’s absolutely nobody that’s worked harder than him this off-season”, said Reid.
“This guy’s driven. He’s been here every day. When your quarterback does that, it sets a certain level for your football team. There’s a reason everybody’s been here, and it starts with that guy. His leadership, his want-to to get better, all the intangible things, he’s completely taken control of that, and that’s been fun to watch,” Reid said.
It’s the same bullshit with a different coaching staff. Excuse me if I have my doubts.
I’m sure when he rededicated himself before last season, the statement was made before 4 of his offensive linemen went down with season ending injuries. If you ask him now if the team would win without an offensive line he’d probably say no….even though he is rededicating himself.
exactly…That was asked before any regular season games were played….Every player talks about hard work during the off season. Because you put in the hard work, doesn’t mean that it will pay off, when things around you are broken…(IE O Line, defense)
Have some optimism one in a while. And it hasnt been like this.. He is vibrant in health and appearance.
I’ve been one of Vick’s harshest Critics of the last 2 years but I have out those negative thoughts away for it’s a new era, new Coaches who will run a balanced up tempo attack.. I am excited for the first time since 2004 about this Team and it’s Offensive Capabilities led by yes, Mike Vick..
So I am on board 100% with Coach Kelly’s decision to go with the most experienced and best QB that gives the Eagles their best chance to be successful and that’s Mike Vock.. As a long-time Fan,
I am going to Support Vick and this Eagles Team and new Coaching Staff,
What’s occurred the last few Seasons il under AR & MM
Is no longer relevant.. I have moved on as a Fan as of many Eagles Players,
Not sure why some-called Fans are continuing to harp on the past,
Coach Kelly has made his Decision at QB and now it’s time to rally around the Team … Go Eagles ..
Great pman. Thats what im talking bout. New era.. new coaches… no more bombs away im curious to see what he can do with this. If he throws 2 picks.. he sits.
Chip Kelly spews Mike Vick gives us the best chance to win, well playing a 4-3 also gives the Eagles the best chance to win. So drop the 3-4 LB and 5 technique DE deficient defense and return to a 4-3 or
play Foles to developer for the future along with the 3-4. or
play Vick for now with a 4-3 defense
Woooo… Paul, you sound like Dave Spadaro.
As for me – I’m going to bitch and moan all I want, right up until Vick shows me something different. All I hear from him is the same shit every year.
Before the 2011 season Vick dedicated himself through hours of study during the lockout to full sessions of blitz recognition and the necessary adjustments. But it didn’t seem to matter much when the season started 1-4 and Vick was throwing picks right and left (with one of the leagues best offensive lines).
Then in 2012 it was his great work ethic getting into shape and learning to protect himself. Another crock of shit.
Now he says -“I will be a threat, I’m going to have my opportunities to do the things I like to do within this offense and to run the football. That’s exciting.”
When ask about the pounding he will take – “We have an answer for that — 220 pounds standing right here, soaking wet,” Vick said with confidence. “Hopefully I’ll be able to maintain (taking) the hits. I’ve been taking my vitamins, taking calcium like never before, just doing things that will give me an edge.”
I this guy joking or what…..
He’s a joke Irish, but he’s Teflon, paulman playing the green chip and the black chip, as soon as Vick fails paulman will be back on the crusade to rid the eagles once and for all of this albatross of Vick.
Any person on this site that can’t find it in themselves to get on board with a new direction after 12 years of the same, after what we have seen so far this preseason out of a new regime bc of Vick are not real fans. New systems take time and a blind man can see the Eagles are ahead of where teams in their situation usually are at this point. Like it or not Vick is a main part of that. If you don’t like it then you are not a fan of the team flat out. To harp on the past negatively or positively as if it has any baring on the outcome this year shows that you don’t follow the NFL close enough. The Superbowl is up for grabs period and if we can be the St. Louis Rams I am all for it. Being a Debbie downer at this time of year over the starter who hasn’t shown any bad play this year is almost like rooting against the team. Some of you clowns now secretly some outright wish the team fails just bc Vick is the QB so you can feel validated in your hate. Open competition nobody can argue how Foles should be the starter bc of his play, its been all about Vick’s past of where you think the team could be 3 years from now if Foles plays this year. Foolish! Time is now
To jake, Irish … I’m with you… I’m suspect too, we’ve seen this before… Heard this before. I don’t want to hear him talk but…. I’m getting behind our qb.
I agree with you Rev. I am behind our QB, but fear we have all heard this talk before. The truth will be told on the field.
GO BIRDS!!
All we can do as Fans is have Hope and see how it Plays out..
To be negative and write off the Season, Team or certain players before tge Season even Starts is foolish and not being a true Fan..
We all have our reservations, but we all have more excitement and upside a out what Coach Kelly has done so far, and this is good enough for me at this time..
I am looking forward to see how OL Play’s Sat versus Jags with extending reps by the Starters (Peters in his first action)
I want to see Receivers Harbor, D Johnson, Cooper and whoever else step up and make Plays as well as the TE’s
I want to see Bryce Brown and James Casey contribute more
On Defense, I am looking at Front 7 and the Safeties..
Did anyone see Panthers LB Kuechley last evening versus the Ravens.. A 1 man wrecking crew who had his hand I. 2-3 Turnovers and was all over the field making plays..
I saw that Paul. Looked like there was 2 of him out there. Dude is a stud.