Is Michael Vick Returning to His Old Ways a Bad Thing?

In an interview with NFL.com's Albert Breer, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick indicated that his new, safe style of play doesn't work for him.

“If the good Lord don’t want you out there, and you’re gonna sprain an ankle or tweak your thumb, that’s what’s gonna happen. Go out there and play lights out. That’s why we have backups,” Vick said.

He went on to say that he couldn't play like that.

Is this good news for the Eagles?

Probably. Whatever the Eagles tried to pull last week didn't work, evidenced by Vick’s four interceptions.

With the Ravens coming to town, the Eagles will be up against one of the NFL’s fiercest pass-rushes.

Last week against Cleveland, the Birds’ offensive line struggled mightily to protect Vick. He was rushed, constantly on the ground and by the second half he was panicked with every snap. The culmination of these things ultimately led to the poor decision-making and erratic play we saw.

The answer might be to let him play the way he is naturally tooled to.

After all, was the 2010 Michael Vick a calm, poised pocket quarterback or was he the exciting, dynamic quarterback who could make plays on a whim once things went wrong?

If the idea is to keep Vick safe, then maybe his old way of playing is the answer, especially against the Ravens.

Clearly, the offensive line will not be capable of protecting him. Vick will most likely be subjected to a great deal of punishment by the fearsome Ravens defense.

Seeing the old Michael Vick is an even better idea when you consider the fact that Andy Reid is, and always will be, a pass first coach, regardless of whether or not his running back is one of the most talented in the league.

On the flip side of that coin, the Eagles have fan favorite Nick Foles waiting for his opportunity. Vick said it himself, “that’s why we have backups.” So, if you’re a Foles advocate, maybe Vick playing the way he wants is good news.

Regardless, if the protection isn't going to be there from the offensive line, then retooling Michael Vick and trying to transform him into a pocket passer is not going to work. It’s not that he wasn't willing or he didn't try, it’s that his line couldn't give him the time he needed to make things work.

In the end, Vick was successful being himself. Perhaps the Eagles should let him continue to do so, especially considering the matchup this week, Nick Foles being on the bench, and the failure that has been the changing Michael Vick experiment so far.