With McNabb Injured Its Vick Time

The Eagles proved to the Panthers and everyone else the amount of talent they have. Donovan McNabb was just so-so before he injured a rib. But the Eagles' defense got seven turnovers, including a fumble for a touchdown, while DeSean Jackson had a punt return for a touchdown. They showed against Carolina that they are going to be a dangerous team all season because there is a tremendous amount of talent in Philadelphia.

Generally, when I talk about the Eagles having success, I am talking about McNabb and Brian Westbrook. But, really, it has been some of the other players that were pivotal to their big win Sunday. I love Jackson. I think he's a pure talent. The concern is McNabb now. If the Eagles are going to make a run at the championship, they need a healthy McNabb. When McNabb is healthy and feeling good, he makes so many plays when he is moving around in the pocket either throwing or running. That's when he is most dangerous. If he's not healthy, he's not going to be able to run around to find the open receivers.

I would be concerned if McNabb is out an extended period of time. We've already heard he will probably miss next Sunday's big game against the Saints. Yes, they have Kevin Kolb and they will probably bring back A.J. Feeley, but I think Michael Vick is a long way away from being very effective. After watching him in preseason, my prediction was Vick would not make a major contribution until midseason or later.

But if McNabb is not healthy, I think coach Andy Reid should put Vick on the 53-man roster this week. Even though he is not eligible to play next week, I would start practicing him. Vick needs to get ready, and he's not going to get ready watching from the sidelines. If Andy doesn't want to do that, I think he should consider bringing back Jeff Garcia if McNabb is going to be out for an extended period of time.