Michael Vick: If He Keeps This Up, Could He Make NFL Hall of Fame?
Michael Vick produced a performance for the ages Monday night, cementing his place in NFL immortality with a six-touchdown outburst against the Redskins.
On the heels of last night's epic effort, it seems only natural to forecast where exactly Vick's career will end up.
Could his renaissance movement be enough to earn him a spot in Canton?
For all of his dazzling plays, it's difficult to forget the shortcomings as a passer that have personified his legacy.
It's also difficult to overlook the events that led to his career being put on hold.
In an effort to determine if Vick will have a chance to make the Hall of Fame, let's play a little devil's advocate.
Here's a look at why Vick does and does not deserve to be enshrined alongside the NFL's best.
5 Yes: Vick Has Led His Teams to Considerable Success
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If you don't have the numbers or the longevity to make the Hall of Fame, you had better have plenty of wins under your belt.
During his career in Atlanta, Vick produced a 38-28-1 record as the starting quarterback.
Vick has yet to play in the Super Bowl. But he did lead his undermanned Falcons teams to a pair of playoff appearances.
His heroics helped Atlanta upset the Packers as the Wild Card team in 2003. He won his second playoff game two years later over the St. Louis Rams.
With the 2010 Eagles poised for success, don't be surprised if Vick returns to the postseason.
5 No: What Has Vick Really Won?
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Although Vick has tasted some success in the regular season and the playoffs, he is still lacking a true signature win in a marquee game.
Furthermore, the three-time Pro Bowler has never won an MVP award.
Until Vick captures an MVP or wins more than one playoff game, his career statistics will remain the biggest determining factor in his Hall of Fame fate.
4 Yes: Vick Has Changed The Game
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Michael Vick boasts two of the five highest single-game rushing performances in NFL history.
He is also within striking distance of Randall Cunningham's all-time rushing record for quarterbacks.
Like Cunningham, Vick boasts a rocket arm and remarkable running ability.
His physical gifts separate him from arguably any player to ever play quarterback in the NFL.
The days of pure pocket-passers dotting the football landscape are over, thanks in large part to Vick's influence.
There is no question he is one of the most transcendent figures to ever step onto the gridiron.
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4 No: Vick Doesn't Have Enough Numbers
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Vick's rushing stats are impressive.
But his passing numbers are extremely underwhelming.
During his eight year career, Vick has never thrown for 3,000 yards or more than 20 touchdowns in a single season.
From a statistical perspective, he was one of the least effective passing quarterbacks in the NFL during his time in Atlanta.
Even if he continues to demonstrate improvement as a passer while putting up great numbers in Philly, his overall statistical body of work isn't worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.
3 Yes: Vick Will Go Down as Best Running Quarterback Ever
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There's a reason most Michael Vick highlight reels are filled with fabulous runs.
Simply put, he is the most dangerous running quarterback to ever play in the NFL.
Assuming he stays healthy, he should be able to break Cunningham's all-time rushing record.
Owning a statistical category would go a long way in improving Vick's Hall of Fame chances.
3 No: Vick's Uncertain Future
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Vick should really think about learning to slide.
In order for him to maximize his potential, he absolutely needs to stay on the field.
He also needs to stay in Philadelphia.
A free agent following the season, Vick will command huge money. Even in the unsettled labor climate.
Instead of being lured elsewhere, he should do everything he can to remain in the stable Eagles' organization.
In order to make a serious Hall of Fame push, he needs talented receivers like DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin around him.
His injury history and looming free agency makes it difficult to envision his bust ending up in Canton.
2 Yes: Vick's Stunning Improvement as a Passer
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Listening to Jon Gruden drool while talking about Vick's improvement as a passer gets annoying.
But there is no debating the object of Chucky's affection has gotten much better at throwing the ball.
Vick no longer looks jittery in the pocket, and he is finally putting his big arm to consistent use.
With a number of weapons around him for the first time, Vick could be in line for his most productive season ever as a passer.
2 No: Vick's Tainted Past
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You can't ignore Vick's transgressions when considering his Hall of Fame candidacy.
When he should have been the prime of his NFL career, he was instead spending time behind bars.
For the moment, Vick's performance has helped his actions slide to the back of people's minds.
In the end, Bad Newz Kennels will always be a part of Vick's legacy.
1 Yes: Vick's Career is Far from Over
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As Kurt Warner and Brett Favre have demonstrated in recent years, it's possible for today's quarterbacks to play well even in their late '30s.
At age 30, Vick still has plenty of years left to show what he can do.
His time away from football should add a couple seasons on the tail end of his career, allowing him the chance to pile up impressive numbers.
If he stays healthy and keeps improving as a passer, Vick should have at least five good years of football left.
1 No: Vick Doesn't Have Enough Time to Boost Body of Work
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Even if Vick has five more solid seasons, he overall numbers alone wouldn't be good enough to warrant serious Hall of Fame consideration.
Instead, he will need to win a couple Most Valuable Player awards and find success in the playoffs.
Given the uncertain nature of NFL stars, that seems like too much to expect.
The Conclusion: Does Vick Have a Chance at the Hall of Fame?
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Now that several arguments had been laid out, it's time to arrive at the verdict.
Vick has a long way to go before we can crown him as a Hall of Fame candidate.
Despite his impressive rushing totals, the precedent for quarterbacks in Canton would necessitate three MVP-caliber seasons.
It might also take a Super Bowl win.
Without knowing where Vick will take his talents in the future, it's not a safe bet to expect to see him enshrined.
Ironically, Vick's lost years could be both a blessing and a curse on his NFL career.
As history has reminded us time and time again, a player doesn't have to make the Hall of Fame to be considered among the all-time greats.
That's where Michael Vick likely will end up.
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