The Right Pick Is Vick... To Lead The Vikings

After watching the Eagles game on Thursday night, there is one glaring observation. Michael Vick, following a two year hiatus, remains a talented quarterback with tremendous upside. Further, having little preparation, Vick demonstrated tonight that those teams in need of a quarterback made a huge mistake in passing on him.

Despite the media's perception of risk, which had more to do with protests and distractions away from the field than his abilities on the field, Vick looks as good as ever. 

Yes, Vick needs more time. More time to round out his study of the offense. More time to gather his command of each nuance of the offense, to improve his footwork, and timing with the receivers. More time to adapt to the flow of the game.  Vick certainly has a long way to go. But, early indications conjur up some interesting scenarios that Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid will surely design into their offensive play book.

In watching a number of preseason games, it is apparent that the quarterback position in the NFL is thin across all 32 teams. Michael Vick is superior to every number two quarterback. I would venture to say that Vick would be an upgrade as the starting quarterback on probably one-half of NFL teams, but I'll only suggest a few: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Oakland Raiders. 

I know it's probably too early to solidly stand on the results of a shortened peformance in a preseason game. But, let's compare his performance to that of the legend and future Hall of Famer, Brett Favre.

Both returned to the NFL under controversy. Vick for having served time in jail for dogfighting et al and Favre for his neverending effort to get attention and carve it his own way.  Vick's signing with the Eagles came out of nowhere as he went to camp immediately. As it's been reported, Favre managed to conveniently extend his faux retirement until after camp was largely over.

There are a number of key elements in determining the success of a quarterback in today's NFL. I'm going to highlight the basics of four of those elements: overall statistics, command, presence, and execution.

Statistically speaking, Vick had the better outing, not even close. Vick was a perfect 4-4 for 19 yards in passing and had one rush attempt for one yard. While Favre was 1-4 for 4 yards and was sacked once.

Both Vick and Favre arrived in camp possessing some level of familiarity and command of their respective offenses. However, it was Vick who looked more confident behind center. Vick looked like he could still play the game at its current speed whereas, Favre looked his age. Is throwing to convicts a better training tool than high school athletes?

Interestingly, while I think Vick looked calm, cool and collected in the pocket, he definitely looked slightly uncomfortable positioned as a slot receiver.

Vick was tentative in his only run of the game, allowing defensive pursuit to catch him before he turned up field and only managed to squeak out a one yard gain on the play. Favre couldn't find his way out of the pocket, let alone make it to the sideline.

Timing between a quarterback and his receivers is key to an offense. Much like the bass guitar and drums set the rhythm in music, the same goes for timing in football. It set the rhythm of the offense. It is clear that Vick has acclimated himself into the Eagles offense much sooner than expected. Favre's incomplete passes highlighted the lack of communication that exists in the offense.

Perhaps, I'll eat my words this season, as there is considerably more pressure on Favre to perform than Vick and Favre is a sure bet first ballot entry into Canton. But, if I'm the GM of the Minnestoa Vikings, Vick is my choice to start at quarterback. 

Vick offers the mobility that Favre lacks. Vick can better adapt to the speed of today's game. Favre is vulnerable to a stunting speed rush defense as he cannot get out of the pocket and is too slow to react when the pocket collapses. You have little in the way of options if Favre is otherwise unable to get rid of the ball in three seconds following the snap.  Collapse the pocket and Favre is eating turf while Vick swiftly heads to an open area or up field. 

In short, the Minnesota Vikings picked the wrong quarterback. 

The Vikings chose to go with a quarterback who won't stretch their offense. Favre requires little in the way of defensive adjustments for the Vikings opponents. Furthermore, Favre can no longer work the magic that made him a legend with the Green Bay Packers. We love to reflect on the good old days, but the past has never gotten a team to the Super Bowl. 

No Super Bowl for the Vikings this year. Only pressure and unrealized expectations.

Although, perhaps I got it wrong and the pressure is at the foot of Donovan McNabb and not the Minnesota Vikings.