Michael Vick Injury: Eagles Need Vick to Take Field in Week 3

It is imperative Michael Vick returns from his concussion to play for the Philadelphia Eagles Week 3.

It is looking likely, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Although Michael Vick will first have to pass his concussion tests before being officially cleared, the Eagles believe he should be able to play Sunday against the New York Giants,” reports ESPN’s Staff.

Still, Andy Reid needs to declare him the starter as soon as Vick passes his tests, which is expected.

The Eagles host a highly-motivated, undermanned New York Giants squad. One would think this would be a blowout, considering how terrible New York has been to open the season, but the Giants will be looking for blood after blowing their 2010 season during the Miracle at the New Meadowlands.

Why then is it so important for Vick to suit up?

He hasn’t impressed to start the season and is one of the reasons Philly isn’t undefeated right now. He coughed up the rock twice and threw a pick against Atlanta. He started slow against St. Louis, who put the pressure on him early and often.

One could argue one of the last teams Vick wants to see following a concussion is the Giants. They have the pass rush to rattle him and they are yearning for him to take the field.

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The Giants are hoping Vick plays, safety Antrel Rolle said on Tuesday.

"I want the best of the best," he said on his weekly radio spot with WFAN, "And he is the best. I hope Michael Vick plays, because at the end of the day, I don't want any excuses when we go down to Philly and put it to them the way we will," Rolle said.

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New York’s daunting pass rush, featuring Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and perhaps Osi Umenyiora (knee) will provide Vick a great test, but one that will benefit him down the road.

Last year, Vick crumbled down the stretch of the season due to increased pressure from opposing defensive fronts. He needs to become familiar with this type of pressure in order to accelerate his progression and lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

New York laid the blue print last November on how to stop Vick. They will use that speed blitz pressure to contain him this year. It is important Vick learns now how to overcome this.

More importantly, New York’s hobbled secondary will allow Vick to gain a much-needed rhythm with his receivers. DeSean Jackson disappeared in Week 2 while Jeremy Maclin underwhelmed in Week 1.

This is the week Vick can get both men involved in the offense to gain chemistry and momentum going forward.

Psychologically, Philly needs Vick to take the field.

Mike Kafka was fairly impressive Week 2 and may have beaten Atlanta if Maclin caught a fourth-down pass that hit him right in the numbers.

There’s no doubt in my mind Philly can beat New York with Kafka, but Vick is the catalyst for the Eagles’ 2011 campaign. He is the reason free agents flocked to this team and why they have Super Bowl aspirations.

Considering how motivated New York will be, the Eagles can’t go into this game with any doubt that their signal-caller won’t get the job done.

Is Kafka ready for New York’s pass-rush? Doubtful.

With Vick, Philly always has a chance to win each game, as evident by last year’s miraculous comeback victory.

No. 7 is far too important to lose this early. He argued to come back into the game against ATL and needs to take the field to get the entire team back on the right track.