Michael Vick: Is the Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Better Than Ever?

Last night Mike Vick absolutely embarrassed the Washington Redskins on national television in their own stadium, as old Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb looked on from the sidelines.

The Redskins looked to put their troubles behind them with a win that could erase memories of the Mike Shanahan and McNabb dispute, but Vick reminded the NFL of what they missed out on.

After last night's performance, it is obvious that Vick is back, but is he better than he's ever been before?

It's almost hard to remember Vick in a Falcons jersey at this point, with a prison sentence and two years on the Eagles separating the past from the present.

In the past, Vick was one of the most exciting players in the league to watch. He could elude any defender that went after him, and do it with a finesse that was revolutionary to the NFL.

Defenders knew that Vick's legs were his primary weapon, and they still couldn't stop him from using them.

Vick was good enough throwing the ball to stay a quarterback, but he never struck fear into defenders with his arm. He never surpassed the 3,000-yard mark in a single season, with 2,936 in 2002 being his highest total.

This season he has played in five full games, amassing 1,301 passing yards for a 260 yard per game average. He has never averaged more than 200 yards in any season up to this point.

Along with passing yards, Vick is smashing his career marks for completion percentage, yards per completion and quarterback rating.

If Vick keeps up his torrid pace, he will round out the season with his most touchdown passes ever, fewest interceptions and pass the 3,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career, in only 12 full games played!

The impressive thing about Vick, though, is that he is still a threat to run the ball.

Vick's 7.8 yards per carry are still above his career average. His four rushing touchdowns are good for third-most in a season in his career, and his pace sets him up to run for 46 first downs.

His ability to run the ball has forced defenses to keep an eye on him and spread itself out more, and his vast improvement throwing the ball has forced defenses to cover receivers more tightly, giving him room to run.

They're damned if they do, and damned if they don't.

What's more, Vick has taken on a leadership role with Philadelphia that Donovan McNabb was never able to fulfill.

The young Eagles seem to see Vick as a survivor, and an ultimate comeback story. They would likely follow him in battle in any situation.

On a team where Vick is the most tenured offensive player on the team, the Eagles seem to respect his recovery from the brink of disaster in a few short years, and hang on his every word.

When all is said and done, and the Eagles are knocking on the door to the playoffs at the end of this season, Michael Vick will have to be in the MVP talks one way or another.

Maybe prison was good for Vick.