Vick hurt again, can Eagles survive?

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.