subject: Philadelphia Eagles Tickets - Vick Named Starting Quarterback [print this page] In an apparent change of heart, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid has named Michael Vick the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles moving forward. Reid initially assured media members that season-opening starter Kevin Kolb would get the job back as soon as he recovered from his concussion, but now that he's cleared to play that doesn't appear to be the case. Kolb was knocked out of the game in the Eagles' Week 1 matchup with the Green Bay Packers and was unable to play in Week 2 due to a concussion. Vick played extremely well in both contests, prompting a quarterback controversy and ultimately a change at the position.
Most people didn't purchase Philadelphia Eagles tickets thinking they were going to see Michael Vick under center this season, but the buzz around Philadelphia seems to signal that the former number one pick is the preferential candidate among Eagles fans. Vick is certainly the more exciting player, actually an electric one now that he appears to have his speed back, but is he the better option as far as winning football games goes? The answer, for now, is yes. Vick has always had the ability to create opportunities on the field with his legs, but what has been most impressive about his play in 2010 has been his passing. Vick has completed 64 percent of his passes this season and has thrown three touchdowns to no interceptions.
The difference in Vick this season is his willingness to stay in the pocket and look to make throw down the field. In Atlanta, Vick was quick to tuck the ball and run with it if the pocket showed any sign of collapsing. It seems as though Vick is learning to use his mobility to move around the pocket and make plays with his arm. Opposing defenders are extremely concerned with Vick, especially if he makes any kind of move toward the line of scrimmage, which inevitably opens things up downfield as long as Vick is willing to look for it. With a deep threat like DeSean Jackson, Vick could put together some huge pass plays on this team.
Starting Vick is the right move, for now, but at 30 years old he might not be the long-term answer in the City of Brotherly Love. Kevin Kolb is four years Vick's junior, and had the Eagles' coaching staff excited enough for the organization to trade longtime starter Donovan McNabb in the offseason. Kolb looked shaky against Green Bay, but a player can't be evaluated in 10 pass attempts. It would not be at all surprising to see the Eagles let Vick hit free agency after this season and revert back to the Kolb plan. However, a lot will depend on just how good Vick is over the course of the season and how far he's able to take the Eagles. Teams have reportedly been calling about potentially trading for Kolb, but the Eagles would be wise to hold onto the young signal caller at least for the rest of the season.
