Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb: Starting Two Quarterbacks

Michael Vick has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, along with a team option for a second year.

Initial reactions from NFL analysts was that of shock, as many thought of the signing as a threat to Donovan McNabb. McNabb has told the media, however, that he lobbied to get Vick and that there is no threat.

So that got me thinking about how the Eagles could use Vick.

Now, what I'm about to suggest is admittedly far-fetched, but give it a chance. Imagine Vick and McNabb on the field together, at the same time, as quarterbacks. Throw in the running back, Brian Westbrook, and you have a very scary backfield.

The notion of starting two quarterbacks is a fairly new one, but it has been done.

A high school coach in California, last year, instituted such an offense calling it the A-11 offense. In this offense, two quarterbacks lined up in the shotgun, on either side of the center.

There have been many reports of other high schools and even colleges planning to adopt the idea.

In the NFL, however, rules do not allow for the kinds of formations used in the A-11 offense.

The NFL does, however, allow direct snaps. You could have two "quarterbacks" (and an additional running back) in the backfield, with one quarterback lined up behind the center. You would then have the option of snapping to either quarterback.

This idea has been a popular one in the NFL, lately.

Miami, for example, used the direct snap frequently in its offense last season in the Wildcat Formation. Ronnie Brown would often take a direct snap and run with the ball. There has been talk of using Pat White this season to take the direct snaps, adding the dynamic of having the ability to throw the ball.

With McNabb, Vick, and Westbrook in the backfield, the pressure would be on the defense. The offensive coordinator has the option of snapping to either quarterback. Both have the ability to throw and run. Once the ball is snapped, the other quarterback can either run a route as a receiver, take a hand-off, or wait for a lateral (which he could then chose to throw).

Imagine, as a defense, trying to keep this contained. Especially considering the other weapons on the Eagles' offense that we haven't even mentioned.

Sounds pretty interesting.

I admit, chances are that Vick will just serve as a backup, coming in for potential injury or maybe even to spell McNabb for a series. But wouldn't it be interesting to see the Eagles start both of these dynamic quarterbacks?