That's One Small Win for the Philadelphia Eagles, One Giant Vick-tory for No. 7

When the Philadelphia Eagles signed quarterback Michael Vick to a two-year contract in August, the one game that stuck out was Dec. 6–a Week 13 matchup at the Georgia Dome against the Atlanta Falcons, his former team.

At first, it seemed this trip would consist of a hostile environment as Vick returned to play on the same field where he began his career before facing dog fighting charges. Many expected a stadium full of boos from fans who felt betrayed and abandoned.

Turns out, this was far from the case.

There were mixed emotions on Sunday that consisted of cheers and boos as Vick made his way out of the tunnel for the first time. Eagles head coach Andy Reid even designated him as one of the captains for the game and let him lead the team on the field out of the tunnel.

When he made his way on to the field in the first quarter, he was greeted with the same mixed emotions he heard after running out from the tunnel, only this time there seemed to be more cheers.

As the cameras glanced across the stadium, there were a handful of fans supporting Vick with their No. 7 jersey, both Falcons and Eagles, showing their support for his first play at the Georgia Dome since 2006. His first play may have just been a short three-yard run, but it was a play Vick will remember for the rest of his career.

While his first play against his former team was meaningful, no two plays meant more to Vick than his two touchdowns that came in the second half.

The Eagles received the ball at the beginning of the third quarter, holding onto a 13-0 lead. After marching down the field into Atlanta territory, Philadelphia found themselves facing a 3rd-and-1 on the Falcons' five. Reid called upon Vick for the wildcat formation in hopes of gaining just a first down.

Not only did he pick up the first down for the Eagles, but Vick found his way to the end zone for the first time since 2006. While the touchdown increased Philadelphia’s lead to 20-0, the Eagles’ sideline erupted with excitement as if they had just scored the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl.

All of the Eagles players could not have been happier for a player who has worked so hard the last three months to try and work his way back up to the type of player he was a few years ago. He was welcomed by smiles and hugs from the coaches and players, along with cheers from the handful of fans wearing his jersey in the stands.

Football fans—especially Eagles—had waited 12 weeks to see Vick score his first touchdown since his reinstatement into the league. Each time he would line up at quarterback, fans held their breath wondering if this was the play he would break loose and run down the field like he did a few years ago.

He may have done wrong in the past, but no matter how fans feel about what he did, they can’t help but feel happy for the irony behind his first touchdown of the season coming against his former team.

As exciting as his first touchdown was, there was just as much excitement behind his first passing touchdown of the season, when he found tight end Brent Celek for a five-yard touchdown on the Eagles next drive. On the day, he finished 2-of-2 for 48 yards and ran for 17 yards to go along with his two touchdowns.

Vick knew his return to Atlanta would be special for him, his former teammates, and the fans in the Georgia Dome—who still love him for what he did in his six years with the Falcons. What made Sunday’s win even more special for him was the fact he played a major role in the victory.

Vick has said all along that his main goal was to do whatever it takes to help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl and Sunday’s game against his former team showed. From the fans in Philadelphia, congratulations Mike for your amazing performance against the Falcons. While the victory alone felt great to keep the Eagles alive as strong playoff contenders in the NFC, it felt even better to see No. 7 find the end zone not once, but twice.

Dan Parzych Is the Eagles Fan Voice for NFLTouchdown.com

He is also the founder of the new NFCEastFootball.com