The Vick Saga Comes to Philly

Michael Vick signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. His unconditional suspension by Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to be lifted after 3-4 regular season games. Vick is expected to be ready to play by the time the third and final Eagles preseason season game rolls around on Setpember third against the Panthers.



That is the press conference held by the Eagles to officially introduce Michael Vick to the squad. I don’t know what it is about it, but I have the gut feeling that Vick understands his wrongdoing and how it is affected his career. I think we’ve seen the end of Vick’s off-field troubles, and he will be able to begin again in the NFL, and work his way into a starting role somewhere. I have to say, I appreciate how Vick has handled himself throughout his ordeal. He has kept his cool and has remained calm, suave even, as he tries to not agitate any of the intense emotions felt by Americans nation-wide. He will be on 60 Minutes tonight to hold his first televised interview since 2007 when he confessed to torturing and killing dogs as part of his dogfighting ring. This could be the be-all or end-all for Vick, as he makes one last push to sway the nation.

Notoriously unforgiving PETA still questions Vick’s sincerity and is skeptical as to the genuineness of his remorse, or if he only out to repair his image. Instead of trying to futilely work with PETA, who is still contemplating organized protests wherever Vick plays football, the ex-Falcon is cooperating with the Humane Society to appease those middle-ground Americans: there are overly-righteous animal lovers who will never forgive Vick for his role in dogfighting, there are those who believe he has paid his debt to society and deserves a second chance no matter how he conducts himself from here on out, and there are those who are withholding their judgment until they can determine whether the quarterback is genuinely sorry for his actions. It is this last group whom Vick is attempting to sway. So far, I’d say he’s done a fine job.

Based on reports from Eagles training camp, Vick’s athleticism has not been overstated—he’s indeed a superathlete who can throw a football in his sleep. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Philadelphia coaching staff will utilize Vick. McNabb is the undisputed starter for the Eagles, who have him locked up until his 12-year deal ends in 2013. Vick’s two-year contract with the Eagles is worth $1.6 million, and we’ll soon see if Vick can become the dual-threat QB he once was, or if he’ll be used exclusively in the wildcat formation, maybe even as a wide receiver. But when 2011 rolls around, we’ll see if his role with the Eagles has shown he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Here's the NFL Network's report from Eagles' training camp:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-training-camps/09000d5d811ebe87/Vick-practices-with-Eagles