Michael Vick: 5 Reasons QB Is Still Franchise Cornerstone for Philadelphia

Michael Vick's career year in 2010 led many to believe his 2011 campaign would be even bigger. Unfortunately for Eagles fans, things have not gone according to plan due to multiple injuries to their star quarterback (concussion, hand, ribs) and a team that's struggled all season long to find its rhythm.   

Vick accounted for 30 touchdowns two seasons ago (21 passing, 9 rushing), while throwing for over 3,000 yards and rushing for 676 yards (6.8 yards per carry) in just 12 games.

With expectations through the roof entering the 2011 season, Eagles fans expected Vick to improve on his gaudy stats from 2010—assuming he would play a full season.

And that assumption is where things went wrong almost immediately.  Vick suffered a concussion at Atlanta in Week 2, a bruised right hand in Week 3 and missed three straight games after breaking two ribs in Week 10.  

Suddenly, the Eagles were 4-8 and faced with the dilemma of needing to win their final four games just to finish the season .500.  Not exactly what Eagles fans had in mind during the preseason when Vince Young infamously dubbed this group the "Dream Team." 

Whoops.

Yet despite all the injuries to Vick during this up-and-down season, it's certainly not out of the question that he can continue to be a franchise cornerstone for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Now let's take a look at why.

5. He Can Still Run

Vick carried the ball 100 times for 676 yards (6.8 yards per carry) in 2010, and with two games still left this season, he has run 72 times for 576 yards (eight yards per carry). 

He hasn't shown any signs of losing a step, evidenced by the increase in his yards per carry and the significant drop in sacks—34 sacks taken in 2010 to just 19 this year.

Vick's 5,206 career rushing yards are the most in NFL history for a quarterback, and his 7.2 career yards-per-carry average ranks first all-time by a wide margin.

As long as Vick can continue to make plays with his legs, he will remain one of the most dynamic players the league has ever seen.

4. He Still Has a Cannon for an Arm

It goes without saying that Vick's passing numbers have taken a step back this season.  Some of it can be attributed to injuries in the wide receiving corps, and some of it can be chalked up to poor decision making.

But make no mistake, this man still has an absolute cannon for an arm, and that's not going to change any time soon.

Vick hasn't been nearly as bad this season as many would lead you to believe; in reality, he's had a couple bad games and has simply struggled to stay on the field due to multiple injuries.

If Vick is indeed going to remain a franchise cornerstone, the Eagles are going to have to find a way to protect him better when he stays in the pocket.

3. The Fans Still Love Him

Despite having one of the most checkered pasts of any player in NFL history, Vick has managed to rebuild his reputation over the past two-and-a-half years.

In 2009, he was the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, an award given to a select group of NFL players who are viewed by their peers as role models of inspiration, sportsmanship and courage.

In 2010, Vick was voted as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and was awarded his fourth Pro Bowl selection.

As a result of his unique style of play at a level never before seen in the NFL, Vick will always remain a fan favorite in Philadelphia.

2. Finally Healthy, He Can Finish the Season Strong

Philadelphia has won two straight now, and with two games remaining against division rivals Dallas and Washington, Vick can still lead the Eagles to an 8-8 record while closing the season on a four-game win streak.

Not exactly what Eagles fans had envisioned prior to the season, but it will help build the confidence of a team that will undoubtedly be under enormous pressure to win in 2013.

Against the New York Jets last week, Vick went 15-of-22 for 274 yards (12.5 yards per attempt) with two touchdowns—one through the air and one on the ground (his first of the season).

His 107 QB rating for the game was his second highest of the season, and he appears to be fully healthy for the first time since Week 1.  

1. He Has to Be a Franchise Conerstone Because They Paid Him Like One

Before the start of the 2011 season, Vick and the Eagles agreed on a six-year, $100 million contract with nearly $40 million in guaranteed money.

With that kind of financial obligation, you can count on the Eagles doing everything possible to ensure Vick's success as the face of the Philadelphia Eagles.  

If he can manage to stay healthy, he will most likely be the starting quarterback in Philadelphia for the next five years while maintaining his status as a franchise cornerstone.