By: Joseph Landini
High Heat Network
http://highheatnet.blogspot.com/2012/08/vick-hurt-again-can-eagles-survive.html
After two preseason games the Philadelphia Eagles already have to worry about
their $100 million dollar injury prone Quarterback Michael Vick.
In week
one of the preseason, Vick had to leave after hitting his hand on his own
center's helmet following through on a pass. X-Rays were negative, he was able
to practice and be ready for a Monday night preseason showdown with the
Patriots. On Monday night, Vick was back in action for the Eagles continuing to
prep for what seems to be a promising season. The Eagles organization and fans
had to gasp for air again though, when Patriot Jermaine Cunningham made a hard
hit on Vick, and left him laying on the ground. Vick once again left the game,
leaving the Eagles with uncertainty.
Ever since last off-season, the
Eagles have been the main hype of the NFL, with their speedy talent and flashy
play. Unfortunately, that was all it was last year in an 8-8 no playoff year,
hype. Many analyst and experts have the Eagles slated to once again go deep into
the playoffs, but that will only happen if their main attraction under center is
healthy. Plain and simple, the Eagles will live and die on the legs and left arm
of Michael Vick.
Last season the Eagles started off slow and struggled
with consistency the entire year. Vick dealt with injuries, which seemed to come
almost every week. In Week 2 against the Falcons last season, Vick suffered a
helmet to helmet blow and had to sit the rest of the game with a concussion. He
followed up in Week 3 against the Giants by getting hit to the ground again,
this time suffering a hand injury. He did not finish that game either. A few
weeks later against the Redskins, Vick suffered another helmet to helmet.
Despite coming up wobbly and missing a few plays, Vick finished the game this
time. Week 10 against the Cardinals was not necessarily ideal, as Vick broke two
ribs on the second play of the game. Despite the injury, Vick fought through to
finish this contest as well.
With Vick coming on and off the field so
constantly last season, inconsistency from the Eagles was bound to occur. The
other trouble on the team, Desean Jackson, was directly affected by Vick's
constant injury play. Jackson was vocally upset about the team, the
organization, and his contract. With Vick, a vertical passer, out of the lineup,
Jackson's role was diminished for most the season. Days ago, Jackson came out
and said that did not give it his all last season, which of course is a major
red flag. After finally getting his contract (5 years, $51 million), the Eagles
need Jackson to be explosive on the field, which will also lie on the left arm
of Vick. If Vick is on the field, Jackson gets the ball and can use his speed.
If Vick is hurt, Jackson will again be minimized, and may once again become
vocally upset.
It has become apparent that the two issues with Vick's
health is that he does not protect himself, and that his offensive line has not
been able to keep the $100 million dollar investment
safe. If Vick can be knowledgeable enough to save himself pain on plays, it may
do wonders for the Eagles season. The offensive line will also have to block a
lot better despite the speed Vick can bring in the scramble game. If Vick does
get injured seriously, the lack of a back up battle tested Quarterback could
easily end the Eagles chances at the playoffs. With Vince Young now backing up
Ryan Fitzpatrick in Buffalo, Mike Kafka (4 career games) better be ready at any
moment.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a lot of talent in their prime, with
a lot of money invested in those players. A Super Bowl is absolutely in the
cards for this team if they can stay on the field and put the talent together.
The main trigger to this wheel though is Vick. If healthy and effective Vick is
the most dangerous QB in the game and the Eagles will be bound for at least the
post season. If not healthy though, the Eagles can expect another let down non
playoff season.
Vick's scheduled to have an MRI and CT scan on his ribs
today came back negative. The Eagles next preseason contest will be Friday
(8/24) against the Cleveland Browns. Michael Vick may sit out the rest of the
<strike><strike></strike></strike>preseason so he is
ready for Week 1.
