In a press conference earlier this morning, Eagles coach Andy Reid made two statements that together don’t make sense. First off, when questioned about what position Michael Vick will play, Andy Reid carefully stated, “Mike is a quarterback. He’s always been a quarterback.” Okay, so he’s a quarterback. Check. So will he be Philly’s backup to Donovan McNabb?
Reid’s answer? No. “Kevin Kolb is still our #2 quarterback.” Do what? You paid Michael Vick $1 million plus to play 3rd string?
Not so fast.
Reid was careful not to say exactly what he had in mind, but it’s obvious Vick is getting paid to have some playing time. All he WOULD say is that Vick would likely fit into their wildcat packages. Duh.
But I’ve got a feelin’ about this one. You know how Westbrook is a hybrid running back / receiver? Vick could play hybrid quarterback / running back, giving Philly some crazy options. Imagine Vick and Westbrook in the backfield. McNabb hikes the ball, and pitches right to Vick. Vick sweeps out to the right and then either runs or options for the pass downfield to a wide out, tight end, or heck, even a quick dump to Westbrook.
Opposing defenses would face a double threat that’s hard to prepare for. Just like in the NBA when you have a solid three point shooter who can also drive to the hole. You can’t play him too tight to guard the 3 or he’ll breeze right by you for the easy layup. Same principle applies here. If McNabb pitches out to Vick, the tight ends and safeties will be caught having to make a decision: either rush Vick and risk the pass or hang back and give up at least a few easy yards to defend the pass.
Sounds like a pretty solid plan. One which Andy Reid hasn’t come out and acknowledged, but a team with a #1 and #2 QB in place is looking for some sort of hybrid when it comes to Vick. It makes more sense to play him as an option QB/RB than to ask him to only play wildcat running back.
