Michael Vick: Why We Shouldn't Be Surprised by Eagles' Troubling Start

Michael Vick started at quarterback for five seasons in Atlanta. His rookie year (eight appearances with two starts) doesn't count.

During those five seasons, the Falcons made the playoffs only twice. Vick made it through only one full season (2006) and was injured for at least one game in each of the four others (he missed 11 games in 2003).

The most important thing to note here is consistency. Well, in Michael Vick's case, a lack of consistency.

The 10-year veteran might be the most physically gifted athlete ever to play the position, but that doesn't translate to wins on the football field.

Vick's 2010 Superman-esque season was statistically his best. He didn't turn the ball over, he made good decisions and he stayed on the field. His 100.2 quarterback rating was 20 points higher than his career average.

His 62 percent completion percentage was seven points higher than his career average. And his 21-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio was his best since going 16-8 in 2002.

So, through five games of the 2011 season, why is it surprising that Vick has eight touchdowns, seven interceptions, three lost fumbles, an 85 quarterback rating and a 1-4 record?

Did I miss a year in Vick's career where he played really well in back-to-back seasons? Is there back-to-back postseason berths that I completely missed?

No on both accounts.

The Eagles went out and pulled New York Yankees/Boston Red Sox moves all over the field to win the offseason. The only thing it has done since is earn them a heap of criticism for prematurely dubbing themselves the "Dream Team."

Add the fact that Vick has never been able to produce or win at a consistent level, and the Eagles have themselves a problem.

They are poorly coached right now. They don't execute. And they only have themselves to blame for thinking it was possible to win this way.

Vick has started every game this year but is far from healthy. He's being hit nearly every time he drops back and, to make matters worse, he's turning the ball over again.

His 10 total turnovers are already one more than last year, and we are only through five games.

Eagles fans may have been blinded by the money that was thrown around this summer, but the real blinders were put on by Michael Vick a year ago.

I am not blaming this all on Vick. The defense can't stop the run or tackle. The offensive line is a mess. Andy Reid is making poor decisions.

But we shouldn't be surprised at all by this turn of events. Vick has done this before, and he's doing it again.

I'd be surprised if he stays healthy all season. I'd be even more surprised if he puts the Eagles in the playoffs.