Michael Vick's Play on Field Puts QB Controversy to Rest

The controversy has ceased; the dust has settled on the battle field leaving the conqueror, the one man ready to lead his men into any battle: Michael Vick.

Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a performance of a lifetime after the Eagles dismantled the Washington Redskins with a 59-28 win in Washington on Monday night.

The first play of the game was a play action pass which resulted in an 88-yard touchdown to DeSean Jackson, and the Redskins could not recover from the early score.

Vick threw for 333 yards passing and four touchdowns, and ran for two score, setting multiple records in the process. He anchored an offense that looked flawless in all aspects.

The Redskins had no answers for the Eagles’ quick-scoring offense, as 28 of the Eagles’ 59 points came in the first quarter.

Kevin Kolb was supposed to be the quarterback of the future, but there is no possible way for critics to downplay how Vick is leading this Eagles offense this season, and after the masterpiece he painted in Washington, there are no longer any disputes on why he’s the starting quarterback.

When Kevin Kolb was given his opportunity to showcase his talent this season, he proved that he can be a successful NFL starting quarterback. He led the Eagles to two consecutive victories and one loss after an unfortunate debacle at the hands of Tennessee Titans Kevin Britt.

Nevertheless Kolb’s statistics for the season stand at 97-of-153 pass completions for 1,035 yards, six touchdowns and a QB rating of 85.3. But Vick's numbers do receive a slight nudge with 96-of-153 completions for 1,350 yards, 11 scores and a rating of 115.1.

Kolb has tallied admirable statistics for a backup quarterback to be considered a starter, but there’s one evident feature that Vick brings to the team that Kolb doesn’t: swagger.

When Vick is at the helm, the Eagles exude a sense of zeal, energy and confidence approaching the game, and most importantly a belief in Vick as the quarterback that will lead them to the promised land. There also seems to be resonating chemistry when Vick starts.

Alas, Kolb does not receive the same response and support that Vick receives primarily because at times Kolb seems bewildered and uneasy when facing the media and during games. The Eagles are firing on all cylinders with no sign of slowing down any time soon. Kolb will be a starter in the NFL, just not for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Vick is 30 years old and in the last year of his contract. Customarily, the Eagles are steadfast with their rule about relieving players of their duties after the age of 30, but this situation will culminate differently than ones in past years.

Vick missed two seasons, so while he is 30, his body isn’t. Vick can now compensate for the loss of two years after not having to endure any bodily harm or playing football during that time.

His versatility to escape damaging hits will also enable him to play for another five years at the highest level and consequently, the Eagles will sign him to at least a three-year deal, and Kevin Kolb will be free to join another team.

Vick’s name is being heard in conversations for “Comeback Player of the Year,” and most notably, “Most Valuable Player”—both deserving awards for the performance he is displaying this year.

(This was written before the Eagles faced the New York Giants.)