By: Stephen Patterson
This time there are no injuries involved. Eagles head coach Andy Reid named Michael Vick the starter for the remainder of the season yesterday, only days after saying Kevin Kolb would regain the job when he returned from the concussion he suffered in the first half of the Eagle's Week 1 loss against Green Bay. Vick has been hot in both games since taking over for Kolb, and he will look to continue the streak against a weak Jacksonville defense this weekend.
Vick made his first start since December 2006 against the Detroit Lions this past Sunday, and helped lead Philadelphia to a win. Against the Packers, Vick amassed over 100 yards passing and 100 yards rushing, bringing the Eagles within a touchdown of tying the game before falling just short. He has had a QB rating over 100 in both of his games this season (although he didn't start against the Packers).
Many in Philadelphia were surprised with the move, as Kolb was supposed to be the new face of the franchise after the team made the decision to deal Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins in the offseason. The team was high on Kolb after he came in and passed for over 300 yards in consecutive games last season in place of an injured McNabb. But in the first half against Green Bay and during much of the preseason, Kolb didn't resemble anything of that QB from last season. It appears the reaction to the move is overwhelmingly positive in Philadelphia, as well as around the country according to recent polls.
After the team suffered devastating season-ending injuries to Pro-Bowl fullback Leonard Weaver and starting center Jamaal Jackson, Reid felt the team would need a mobile QB moving forward this season, and Vick definitely fits that mold. Vick has always been known more for his speed and running capabilities than his arm, but he has shown better judgment and slightly improved accuracy this season after a full training camp with the team.
With Vick entering free agency after this season, it is truly now or never for him to prove he is capable of leading a football team and being a starter in the NFL again. With many teams having definite issues at QB that will need to be addressed in the offseason this year, there is a very good chance he could land a starting job somewhere if he plays at a high level this season. Although the Eagles made a long term commitment to Kolb, there have been rumors today the team is considering moving him to another team before the deadline. If for some reason they do move Kolb, expect the team to consider keeping Vick around.
