Stop the presses — there’s a quarterback controversy in the City of Brotherly Love, but this time it doesn’t involve Donovan McNabb.
The latest debate raging in Philadelphia involves Kevin Kolb, who began the season as the Eagles’ No. 1 passer before suffering an injury, and former superstar Michael Vick, who has played well in Kolb’s absence.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid attempted to squash any talk of a controversy after the Eagles’ 35-32 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, stating that Kolb will start Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But with Vick excelling in his limited time with the Eagles offense, why fix what’s not broken?
It’s true that when the Eagles dealt McNabb to the division rival Washington Redskins last season, they did so with the intention of handing Kolb the keys to the franchise. It’s also true that Kolb has done nothing to lose his job, as he had a solid preseason before sustaining a concussion just ten passes deep into his start against the Packers in Week 1.
But Vick has shined in Kolb’s absence and his unique talents were on full display in his performance against the Lions defense on Sunday. Starting his first NFL game since 2006, Vick threw for 284 yards, completed 21 of his 34 pass attempts and threw two touchdowns with no interceptions. More importantly, he looked to be in complete command of the offense. Vick rushed for 37 yards as well, and appears to have shaken off much of the rust he accumulated during his two-season suspension from professional football.
Even when he was the league’s most recognizable name and the starter for the Atlanta Falcons earlier this decade, there were always questions about Vick’s ability to play quarterback. His detractors called him a running back playing the wrong position, and in his younger days, Vick often struggled with deciding when to run and when to throw.
Vick has always had amazing physical skills. His rocket arm, his elusiveness and pocket presence give him the potential to be an elite quarterback. If he’s learned to be more selective with the football, he could be the best duel-threat quarterback the league has ever seen.
Kolb has a big-time arm and is known as an accurate passer. There are several teams that would be better off with Kolb as their starting quarterback, and he has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL.
He can’t match Vick’s potential though. Few players can.
Who do you think the Eagles should stick with at quarterback? Does Vick deserve another chance to be an NFL starter? Share your opinions below.
