Eagles Give Michael Vick Second Chance in NFL
Addition of Vick Makes NFC East More Interesting
Aug 13, 2009
On August 13, the ultra-competitive NFC East became much more intriguing. The signing of maligned QB Michael Vick by the Philadelphia Eagles will throw a monkey wrench into their opponents' gameplans for the upcoming NFL season. The Eagles have spent the past two offseasons stockpiling an array of speedy offensive weaponry and fortifying their offensive line to boot. It should make for a very potent offense, one that will be no easy task to stop, even in the stacked division.
Eagles Roster Receives Boost Through Draft and Free Agency
The addition of Vick gives the Eagles an unprecedented cast of elusive playmakers on offense. QB Donovan McNabb returns with a new contract and some new "toys" at his disposal. Alongside 2nd Year WR DeSean Jackson, who had an excellent rookie season, the Eagles drafted Jeremy Maclin out of Missouri. Jackson should continue to demonstrate his dazzling open-field running ability, and Maclin could play much the same role as Jackson did last year. Rounding out the receiving corps are steady possession receivers Kevin Curtis and Jason Avant.
RB Brian Westbrook is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. However, the oft-injured back has never played a full season in the NFL. The backfield lost 3rd-down back Correll Buckhalter in free agency, but upgraded the position with the selection of LeSean McCoy out of Pitt in the 2nd round of the draft. McCoy seems to be a perfect fit for the 3rd-down role with great hands out of the backfield and great vision and fluidity. He should help ease the load on Westbrook in hopes of keeping Westbrook on the field and healthy. It was only two seasons ago that Westbrook cleared 2,000 total yards from scrimmage.
This offseason, Philadelphia managed to secure significant upgrades at two offensive line positions. Jason Peters, a malcontented but supremely talented left tacke, bolted Buffalo for the opportunity to protect McNabb's blind side. Additionally, the Eagles added former Bengals guard Stacy Andrews. He will likely play right tackle to replace longtime stalwart Jon Runyan.
The Vick Effect
The wild card in this already scary unit is Vick. 23 months removed from the rigors of the pro football, it is difficult to project Vick's success this season. He will likely perform in spot duty, but with a creative coach like Andy Reid, the possibilities are endless. Recalling Reid's use of the Wildcat formation last year with McNabb and Jackson, coupled with the addition of Vick, is a scary proposition for the Eagles' NFC East competition. It remains to be seen whether Vick's speed and elusiveness are intact from his past life. Any NFC East fan knows, though, that if Vick is even close to his former self, some frustrating Sundays could be in store.
No Walk in the Park for Philadelphia; NFC East Retooled
The Eagles aside, the rest of the division made steps in the right direction this offseason. The NY Giants fortified their defensive line with several strong signings, and had a plus draft. Most importantly, Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora returns from a knee injury that cost him last season in its entirety. The Redskins signed Albert Haynesworth to a record-setting deal and added the pass-rushing prowess of Brian Orakpo to a unit that finished tied for 28th in the NFL in sacks. Finally, the Cowboys improved by subtraction, ridding themselves of Terrell Owens, Adam "Pacman" Jones, and Tank Johnson. Also, they get explosive HB/KR Felix Jones back after an injury prematurely concluded his 2008 campaign. All this should make for a very entertaining season!
