Philadelphia Eagles: Can Michael Vick Be a Pocket Quarterback?

Ron Jaworski ranked Michael Vick as the 12th-best quarterback in the NFL, ahead of Matthew Stafford, Matt Schaub, Cam Newton and Andy Dalton. After a bad season for the Eagles signal-caller, one would think that it’s a fair rating.

Jaworski also added that Vick’s weakness is that he is willing to run more often than he should and that his throwing skills should allow him to be a top-five quarterback (via Philly.com)—all he has to do is be more disciplined and create plays more often from inside the pocket.

Michael Vick’s playing style is anything but typical for a quarterback. That’s what makes him an electrifying player and gives plenty of highlights to the fans.

But really, does it help his team win?

I’ve been through this discussion many times, and after the 2011 NFL season, I realized one thing about Vick: You can’t force him to be something that he’s not.

Last year, Vick had a bad season, both statistically and as a leader. He threw 14 interceptions (a career-high) and had a completion percentage of 59.8—better than his Falcons era numbers, but still far from the league’s top passers.

In 2010, Vick was picked off only six times, while throwing 21 passing touchdowns with a completion percentage of 62.8.

What really changed last year?

In my eyes, only two things: The Eagles’ offensive line had two rookies starting and a new coach, and Philadelphia tried to make Vick a pocket passer.

Of course, Vick can make throws from the pocket. He scans the field very well and has great arm strength and satisfying accuracy. What makes him miss throws are his attempts to make the play from the pocket when his instinct tells him to run or to try to get out of the pocket to release the ball.

When Vick gets out of the pocket, all defenses can do is guess. Will he scramble? Will he find space and throw the ball?

In 2010, teams were completely unprepared for Vick. Last year, they had pass-rushing packages designed for him—and they worked. But honestly, I think the Eagles made it a lot easier for their opponents when they tried to make Vick a pocket passer.

As Bob Ford of The Philadelphia Inquirer notes, head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Morhinweg "want Vick to play a less-risky game to keep him on the field."

With most teams throwing in a four and five-man rush, the Eagles offensive line must form a wall to protect him.

But Vick should still be free to make decisions.

He has been effective and hard to get in the past while playing his natural game. He should work to get better in the pocket and under pressure, but if he feels he has to take off, then he should go for it.

Jaworski’s point of view, though, is not wrong. The opposing defenses will try to contain Vick and that’s why he must improve his overall game. He knows that, too, and hopefully, he is already working on it.

Ultimately, the Eagles’ success in the upcoming season is not solely on No. 7’s shoulders. The defense should be better (and we expect it to be) and the receivers should work on dropped balls.

As long as the team gets in sync in the first two or three weeks, there is room for optimism.