If there’s one thing we take pride in at ETSF, it’s that we make a statement and stick by it. Granted, some of the statements and articles are pretty bold, but we honestly believe we know what we’re saying, even when it may seem like we have no idea what the hell we’re talking about. With that said, I’ve tossed around some scenarios and facts in my head and came to this startling revelation:
Michael Vick is still an athletic monster, and he will revolutionize the quarterback position in the NFL.
(Before people get angry and send hate mail, I’m simply saying he will change the position, not become the best that’s ever lived. He’ll be able to change how it’s viewed, and add another dimension to it, okay? Thanks).
Now here is what we do know. Vick went through three different systems while he was in Atlanta, and that my friends, is no cop-out. If you’re constantly trying to learn a new offense and new terminology, there isn’t much room to get a hold of something and master it, because it’s always changing. Now I won’t completely take all responsibility off of Vick. By his own admission, he was lazy. We also know he was trifling, because he would be the last one in, but the first one out. Simply put, he survived on being a freak-of-nature athlete, which is something we have seen plenty of athletes guilty of. Now that he’s in Philadelphia, that will change, which brings me to my next reason, The Great Donovan McNabb.
When Donovan McNabb came into the league, he was applauded by many, but also was criticized for relying too much on his athletic ability, aka running too much. It took some time, but after Andy Reid and the Philly staff got him to calm down, he became one of the top quarterbacks in all of football, and still is. McNabb is a great athlete, but he’ll probably even admit he’s nowhere near the athlete Vick is. People don’t accuse Vick of not being able to throw; they accuse him of having poor decision-making. In the past, if his primary targets weren’t open, then he’d be off to the races. I honestly think that can be reigned in, especially in the right situation, which I happen to think he is in. Besides that, it makes more sense for Vick to be able to have an example of someone who was once him: a great athlete and a good quarterback, who put in the work to become a great quarterback who can also use his great athleticism, when the situation arises. Hell, some folks get mad at Donovan for not running enough anymore, but it’s a good luxury to have.
Here’s my point: after taking all of the factors into consideration, this is the best fit for him. I still don’t know how they are going to fully use Vick, but what I do know is the Philadelphia Eagles are going to develop a quarterback. On top of that, I’m tired of seeing great athletes get to a certain level, and all of a sudden, they “aren’t skilled and competent” enough to be a quarterback. We could go all the way back to the high school level, when coaches put the best athletes under center, and tell them to go win a game. In high school, it’s so commonplace that it’s damn near the norm to put your best athlete at quarterback, and that’s just in Texas. If the kid is good enough, then he’ll go to college, and if he so happens to be the best athlete at that level, then he may be asked to do the same again, if he’s not converted to a wide receiver, or a defensive back first (insert Eric Crouch, Antwan Randle El, or any other collegiate athletic monster here). If he’s good enough to do THAT, then he may make the league, but since he’s not “prototypical,” then he can forget about being a quarterback (see Missouri’s Brad Smith; Tim Tebow remains to be seen). Michael Vick is lucky enough to be that one freak-of-nature athlete that came along, and may still have a chance to change the game. He’s in the perfect scenario to do so, and if he’s willing to flip the script and not fall into the old adage of “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” then he will indeed revolutionize the position.
Be easy.
-K. Masenda
http://www.edthesportsfan.com/
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Comments
6 Responses to "Michael Vick Will Re-Revolutionize the Quarterback Position"I think he will be one standard deviation beyond Steve Young.
If he works on his decision making and does his homework, he will be a serious problem. A LB spy won't get the job done. Teams might have to start subbing a corner or playing with 3 safeties because the LB will be in no man's land.
If they start using a wildcat type system with Vick then it's going to be problems for the rest of the league, he's that raw.
I can admit that as a Cowboy's fan, he's just that raw.
I understand where you're coming from here Kenny, but I couldn't disagree with you more.
Vick is 29 years old and just lost two years of his career. He's a low-percentage passer, meaning he can throw, but not accurately. And learning to read a defense at 29 when you've never really worked on that skill puts him behind the times.
He won't play true quarterback in Philadelphia much if at all, so I don't see how he can possibly redefine the position. He was supposed to do that already by now, and he hasn't. At 29, I don't think he's going to develop all that much more.
Sure, his tutelage under McNabb and Reid will help, but the Eagles already have stated Kolb is their backup and future QB, so unless something out of the ordinary happens, Vick will only get one year to learn under Reid and McNabb. After that he'll be traded most likely, unless, again, Vick just goes bonkers when he's reinstated.
I just don't see it happening. I really don't. Though I hope he defies the odds and really helps this team. And we can't just assume all that athleticism is still completely there with two years away from the game, but I sure as hell hope it is.
I've been sitting here trying to think of an appropriate response for this article and I think Rev hit the nail on the head.
What Ken is saying is that he'll basically pull an "Ali" and redefine who he was as a player. My question is why should we give Vick THAT MUCH credit. When Vick was at his greatest, he had a great run game (Dunn and Duckett) reliable receivers, a great TE (Crumpler) and a very stout defense. However, even then I would've never considered Vick great, just that he had great talent. I think he's more X-Factor than Franchise player.
Either he's got to be in a great system or he's gonna be like the Iverson of the NFL. Yeah Kenny, I said it.
-Ed.
I think he will refocus his time and energy to the game. The one thing that Philly offers is veteran leadership and a dominate coach that won't let him do what he wants.
This time he'll be forced to perform up to his abilities.
@ The Rev
But see, that's the thing. I think he could read defenses fine; it was just about how he went about taking what the D gave him. He ran too soon, but it's hard to argue against his yards per carry when he did pull it down. I feel ya, though. I know I'm being extremely optimistic, even to the point of unreasonable, but it could happen. I'm witcha; we'll see how it plays out. As for Kolb, yes he is number two, but he also comes from the University of Houston, the home of your favorite Heisman winner, Andre Ware (just kidding). If that's any indication, then this will be even more interesting.
@ Ed
Watch this season, brother. Watch and see. Poor taste on the Iverson analogy, too.
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