Michael Vick: Why Injury Should Worry Philadelphia Eagles Fans

We're three weeks deep into the NFL preseason, and Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles has already suffered two separate injuries. Consider Vick's medical history, and this season is already shaping up to be the same kind of bust that 2011 was for the Eagles.

Vick's second rib injury in as many years likely won't sideline him for the season opener Sunday, September 9 in Cleveland.

But it could be just the beginning of several headaches Vick causes Philly fans this year.

Let's take a look at some reasons why the Eagles faithful shouldn't be overconfident heading into 2012.

Potential Lack of Excitement

Let's face it, Mike Vick puts fans in seats.

His dual-threat style of play is exciting and fun to watch. He's the kind of player that doesn't just attract fans, he creates them.

Dating back to the Donovan McNabb era, the Eagles have maintained an exciting atmosphere around their games.

Since his return to the NFL, however, Vick has been unable to shake his "injury-prone" label. Despite his self-denial, the fact remains that Vick has seen missed time due to injuries in all seasons but one. 

Fans should be especially disappointed by Vick's current rib injury, regardless of how healthy he claims he is. Vick has battled two separate injuries in just three weeks—not a formula for perfect health. 

The Eagles faithful rely on Vick for not just Ws, but for "Oooohs" and "Aaaaahs." Without him, their team will see effects both on paper and in the Lincoln Financial Field stands.

Lack of Established Depth Behind Vick

In Michael Vick's nine professional seasons, he's started all 16 games just once (2006).

Last year, he broke his hand in an early-season divisional matchup vs. the Giants.

He was forced to leave that game early, placing the game in the hands of backup Mike Kafka. Kafka went 4-of-7 but threw two picks, gift-wrapping New York the 29-16 victory on September 25.

Later in 2011, Vick broke two ribs vs. Arizona. Vince Young took over as the Eagles quarterback for the next three games, two of which were losses. 

This preseason alone, Vick has suffered hand and rib injuries again. 

The quarterback depth in Philadelphia remains shaky in 2012. Nick Foles is currently second on the depth chart behind Vick and, despite solid showings in the preseason, is still a rookie.

Former Bills starter Trent Edwards is also on the roster, likely batting with Kafka for the third quarterback role. Kafka, though, injured his hand earlier this preseason, too.

If Vick goes down for an extended period of time in 2012, the Birds may not fare too well with rookie Nick Foles at the controls.

Questions Over Vick's Playing Style

A hot topic of debate around the football world the past few weeks has been if Michael Vick can change the way he plays quarterback.

For Eagles fans, this should be extraordinarily alarming. 

Vick has played his way to Pro Bowls and playoff appearances by playing his dual-threat game.

Injuries are injuries, but Vick would be doing his talents a disservice to eliminate his rushing ability from his arsenal.

It isn't as if his ground game directly affects his air attack, either. In Vick's 13 career games of at least 91 yards rushing, he's managed to keep his passer rating over 96 in seven of them. He's combined for just five interceptions in those games on 322 attempts.

It's not the style of football that's in question for Vick. The issue is his durability. What's definite is that Vick would cut his effectiveness in half if he were to switch over to more of a pro-style approach.

Tough Schedule Early on

Vick will need to be playing at 100 percent to be effective against the Eagles' opponents in the first six weeks. 

In the first quarter-season of 2012, Vick will be taking on the Ravens, Giants, Steelers and Lions—all with vaunted defenses.

It will be Vick's first head-to-head battle against Baltimore and Pittsburgh since 2006, his final season in Atlanta. 

The Lions have improved defensively since their last bout with Vick in September of 2010, and the Giants will have added Super Bowl swagger on their side to take on the 32-year-old.

If Vick isn't at 100 percent health—and playing with injury—Eagles fans should prepare for a world of hurt, as those early-season opponents will be sure to chew an ailing Vick up and spit him out on the sideline.