Michael Vick Injury: Why Eagles Should Have Gone with Mike Kafka from Onset

Michael Vick has had a season full of big hits in only two games. Despite those mounting hits, Vick started today's game against the New York Giants. Vick was questionable to play, due to a concussion he suffered against the Falcons. An argument could be made that the Eagles should have started Mike Kafka and sat Michael Vick.

The Eagles season and Super Bowl hopes rest on the shoulders of Michael Vick. He is an electric player that is always one play away from a touchdown. However, he has had a hard time avoiding injuries. 

Vick's success is tied to his ability to move in the pocket. However, this increases the possibility of an injury. Vick doesn't know how to play a different style of football, and asking him to change would impact his effectiveness. If the Eagles want to keep Vick healthy, he needs to be protected.

Today would have been a great opportunity to provide Vick with some extra rest. He was coming off of a concussion, while also nursing other minor injuries. I understand why the Eagles chose to start Vick, but they left him open for another injury.

Mike Kafka is the Eagles' backup quarterback, but has gotten a lot of praise from Andy Reid. He is a smart quarterback, with a strong arm and good athletic ability. He was very successful at Northwestern, leading them to several big time wins.

Andy Reid is on record saying that Kafka knows the playbook and is capable of running the gameplan. Reid also feels that Kafka is more than capable of winning football games. 

Vick is now out of the lineup with an apparent hand injury. The Giants put a ton of pressure on Vick, landing several big hits. If Vick suffered a long term injury, many will be questioning his presence in the lineup.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on Twitter @Jon_Dove42.