How Michael Vick Is Holding Back the Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick, the Philadelphia Eagles' most valuable asset, can sometimes be their biggest liability.

He's the most athletic quarterback to ever play in the NFL. The way he can launch a 65-yard bomb with the flick of his wrist is awe-inspiring, and his scrambling talents were once thought to only be capable on Madden.

All of his exceptional physical tools allow him to be, when in sync with his coaches and offensive weapons, the most electric and versatile quarterback in the league. 

But much of what makes Vick a special player—his impulse to never give up on a play and self awareness of the excitement he can make when improvising—is actually holding back his Eagles team. 

Vick will often reverse fields to elude pass-rushers to buy time to deliver the football or scramble for major yardage when things break down in the pocket. 

While all the athletic creativity frequently leads to an almost unimaginable gain for the Eagles' offense, it's the one play where Vick distinctly opens himself up to a major hit that stings the most. 

At 6'0'', 215 pounds with an injury-filled past, Vick simply cannot look to make long open-field runs that end in him being tackled by larger defender. 

Stepping out of bounds isn't cowardly. 

It's smart.

Vick doesn't need to be spectacular with his legs to be a competent winning quarterback. He's become a much more athletic guy under center and has matured as a player, setting career highs in completion percentage and passing yards during his two years as the Eagles' starter. 

The Eagles' organization has surrounded Vick with an explosive collection of playmakers on offense and has continued to bolster the defense. They've formulated a team ready to emerge as one of the league's elite, one that can get there by way of Vick's arm—not his legs.

What would Eagles fans rather have, a Mike Vick who doesn't scramble as much or extend as many plays, or no Mike Vick at all?

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