Friday, August 14, 2009

Holy Vick !!



Count me in the "this is a great move" camp. Even if it doesn't work, it's worth the shot. Vick's paid his due to society. However horrible what he did was, he's done more time than most do for this kind of crime. So, I don't really care what animal rights activists have to say. If he got off like say Donte Stallworth, then their beef would be legit.

In terms of football, this is the kind of move that we desperately needed. West, who I think should have his jersey retired when it's said and done, is turning 30 this year. We should know that we'd be lucky if he's got even one year left as an elite running back. And, he's coming off yet another injury. Even if we've got his replacement lined up, it doesn't account for the game changing ability being lost by West becoming a mere mortal. There's no one that makes us dangerous if he's not in top form. Donovan isn't that dude anymore. So now we've got a guy who changes all that. In theory, anyway.

The O-line still has to get healthy for us to have a shot. And the defense doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence right now. The pass rush looks weak, and losing Stewart Bradley was BIG. All that being said, getting Vick is a step towards being hellified at least on one side of the ball. And, if the unthinkable were to happen and Donovan got hurt, we've got a legit starter ready to take his place.

Obviously, Vick needs some time to get his game back, but time is something he's got in this current situation. If Donovan starts to feel heat on his neck, then he's gonna have to step up or step aside. At this point, Vick's either gonna make us better, or he's gonna make us realize we ain't there yet.

1 comment:

Greg Ippolito said...

"...Vick's either gonna make us better, or he's gonna make us realize we ain't there yet."

Let me answer in advance: We ain't there yet.

The two biggest problems I saw with this team before the Vick signing were a) the O line is weak, and b) Reid has waaay overstayed his welcome as head coach. Signing Vick helps on both accounts. It gives us a QB who can scramble and run if need be. And Reid being the one guy who was willing to give Vick a chance makes him a hero in the locker room.

Still. Seems like the front office should've beefed up the O line and hired a new head coach. This feels like a band aid. And it might wind up being a dirty, infection-causing one. 'Cause we all know what a ninny Donovan can be. He may be supporting this publically, but who knows how he REALLY feels. And Birds fans are rough. One INT and the crowd is gonna be chanting Vick's name. Will Donovan let that roll off his back? Has he ever let anything ever roll off his back?

This could wind up being a minor improvement (but nowhere near enough), or it could end up going really, really badly.

Go Phils!

-G