Philadelphia Eagles: Andy Reid Changes His Mind, Names Michael Vick the Starter

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid abruptly changed his mind late yesterday.  After consistently stating that Kevin Kolb is his No. 1 quarterback he abruptly changed his tune by handing Michael Vick the keys to the car by naming him the starter.

Reid suggests the decision has nothing to do with Kolb’s health.  It is simply a matter of how Vick is playing right now.  After reviewing the film the coaching staff came to the conclusion Vick is playing to well to be second fiddle to Kolb.  Reid stated. "When someone is playing at the level Michael Vick is playing, you have to give him an opportunity," He continued. "This isn't about Kevin Kolb's play. You're talking about Michael Vick as one the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now."

What a difference a day makes.

Everything fell in place for Vick but he was prepared.  When opportunity called he prevailed. 

After Vick played very well after the Green Bay game he suggested if he were in the game he felt they would have won.  He added he feels he can be a starter in NFL again.  

Reid agrees as he asserted, “An ex-superstar has regained his ability.”

Vick exuded confidence in his post-game interview after the Green Bay but was more contrite after the Detroit Lions game.  I think this helped the Eagles make their decision easier.  Vick stated he was fine being the back-up and referred to Kolb as the leader.  He also suggested gladly step in when needed. 

Had Vick came out voiced displeasure about the decision to start Kolb things may have been different.  Instead, Vick exercised a level of maturity in saying the right things at the right time. Taking the high road on this occasion afforded Vick the opportunity to back in the saddle again.

This opportunity has come about because of Vick’s play.  He’s paid his societal debt by being incarcerated for 18 months.  He’s paid his debt by being subject to consistent ridicule from the press and fans across the country.  Despite the latter Vick stayed focus on honing skills and now he’s once again a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Not to be lost here is the Philadelphia Eagles organization.  They provided Vick an opportunity when few others would last year.  They allowed Vick to regain a sense of belonging to a team and an opportunity to get his life together.  The decision by owner Jeffery Lurie, President Joe Banner, and Reid to bring Vick aboard is paying dividends.

As I have consistently stated its crystal clear Vick gives the Eagles the best chance to win.  It does not make sense to play a quarterback in Kolb because you committed to him after you foolishly released Donovan McNabb.  Obviously things have changed.  Any intelligent coach would know you owe it your team to put the best players on the field and Kolb isn’t one of their best option to win.

Reid surprised a lot of people.  He typically sticks to his guns but Vick’s play made it next to impossible for him stand by a quarterback that doesn’t give his team the best chance to win.  As head coach he owes it to the organization to put his best team on the field instead of honoring a commitment that no longer made sense.

Reid echoed the latter by stating, "It's my obligation to make the proper decision."

It is good that Reid finally came to his senses. 

What a difference a day makes.

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