Showcase Showdown

Can Michael Vick Lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the Playoffs?

By Ryan Frisco and Caleb Musselman

For those not glued to all of the Philadelphia sports breaking news, you may not have heard that new coach Chip Kelly of the Philadelphia Eagles has restructured Michael Vick’s contract, keeping him on the team for the 2013 season.  It was believed that with the ousting of Andy Reid, Vick was 100% guaranteed to follow on out the door.  So, naturally, this decision brings surprise, and controversy.  The question is: Do the Eagles stand a chance at the playoffs with Michael Vick at quarterback?

Photo Cred www.bleacherreport.com

Ryan – Most definitely YES!

Caleb – Not in my house!

Ryan – Some people say I’m not a realist.  So be it.  The fact that Michael Vick is a great quarterback lost in circumstance still rings true to me.  I’ve seen him do special things.  I’ve seen him do great things.  That guy is no different from the one we saw last year.  Did he make more mistakes last year?  Yeah.  So what.  Even Tom Brady threw 8 interceptions last year, and had a six year stretch where he threw at least 12!  It’s gonna happen.  Vick, just like Brady or Brees, needs A line in front of him.  With Kelce, Peters and Herramans back to full health this year, the sky’s the limit!

Photo Cred www.philly.com

Caleb - Michael Vick is in fact a pretty great quarterback lost in circumstance. He still could legitimately have two good years left in his career. The problem is that this coming season, Vick will again be a pretty good quarterback lost in circumstance. With a brand new coach, a completely new offensive scheme, and new coaches at nearly every position, the Eagles are looking at a “getting used to things” kind of season. Do I have my doubts about Chip Kelly and the staff that he’s bringing in? Yes (specifically at Defensive Coordinator). Do I still believe that Chip could be a highly successful NFL coach? Yes. But the simple fact is that his first year will be a frustrating one. Even with all of the starters back on the O-line, this Eagles first line of offense is slow and incapable of keeping up in the Oregon-style offense. Again, Vick is a pretty great QB lost in circumstance.

Photo Cred www.nj.com

Ryan – Yes, there are some questionable calls in the assistant coaching decisions, I’ll go along with that.  But there is one that stands out as genius that directly affects the slow, laziness of the team.  That is the new Sports Science coach, who happens to be an ex Navy Seal.  You tell me he can’t get that team whipped into Chip Kelly Offense shape and I’ve got a few Seal buddies who’ll knock some sense into you.  This team will be in shape if nothing else for the season.  Vick has the skill sets to run an offense, and finally the coach to get it done.  Is Michael the best passer?  No.  But we have one of the best running backs, and an excellent backup.  Chip Kelly likes to run the ball, unlike his predecessor.  Mixing in two great runners will free up the receivers enough for Michael to be a serious threat in the passing game again.  Any disagreements there?

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Caleb - Yes I do have a few disagreements. First, every team in the NFL is in shape. This is a professional sport. Being in great shape doesn’t guarantee better athletic ability. Our O-line is full of players who are average. Being in great shape doesn’t change the skill set of an individual player. Second, the “Oregon” offense requires a quarterback that can run the ball. Can Michael run the ball? Yes. Can he do it without getting hurt in the first few weeks of the season? No. Just like RGIII, Vick played with reckless abandon in his first years in the league. Now his body is showing its age. He simply can’t take the hits he used to, and I can’t see him getting through even half of a season in Kelly’s offensive system. Even if the Eagles offense is successful, the Defense will continue to hold them back. You’re up.

Photo Cred www.bleacherreport.com

Ryan - Alright, alright.  Yes, I know my argument may depend on different variables (Vick’s health and the defense), but I’m confident this year for one reason: Chip Kelly.  All Eagles fans adored him when he took the job, and most fans jumped ship when Vick stuck around.  For me, the honeymoon’s not over yet. I believe in Chip Kelly.  He doesn’t believe in a rebuilding year or two.  He said it himself, he wants to come here to win and win right away.  He’s done some awesome things in Oregon (by the way, who were the Ducks before Kelly?!), and I’m sticking by my man until results prove me wrong.  If Kelly thinks Vick is the solution in 2013 to win, then by golly all my Chips are in!

Photo Cred www.cnn.com

Caleb - I love your optimism. Sadly I can’t agree with it. I think at their best the Eagles are a 9-7 team and even that probably won’t get them the Wild Card spot. I certainly hope Kelly is the answer for the Eagles, but I believe it will take 2 years of figuring things out. In college, a coach can create a culture and convince young college kids to buy into just about anything. Young and formidable, college kids are Kelly’s specialty. The NFL is a business. It is just different from the college game. I hope with all my heart that the Eagles will buy into his system, but I think they will make him prove himself first. With Vick at QB the Eagles can’t hope to outgun teams and win 45-44 every game. We shall see what the season brings, but I won’t keep my hopes up. I’m hoping to trade up and get Johnny Football in 2014. There is a man who could run Kelly’s offense in the NFL. Until then....we shall see.

So, what are you thinking?  Are you a realist who thinks Vick has no realistic shot? Or are you a dreamer like Ryan, unable to see anything but optimism?  Vote on the poll and let us here your feedback!