The Tower of Pisa was once in his way. He could divide by zero. He could “Connect Four” in his first move.
Last week, Chuck Norris had nothing on Michael Vick. The Eagles quarterback accounted for six touchdowns in a 59-28 rout of the Redskins. He passed for 333 yards and rushed for another 80. Then, he was anointed the best quarterback in the NFL, practically handed the MVP and labeled a “changed man.” He could do no wrong. Ironic for a man just two years removed from prison.
But on Sunday night against the Giants, Vick transformed back into his human form. The dynamic lefty still led the Eagles to a 27-17 victory to grab hold of the NFC East lead, but he did it in a much less dominating fashion. He failed to throw a touchdown pass, rushed for only 34 yards on 11 carries and committed his first turnover of the season.
Could the Giants have created a blueprint for stopping Vick?
New York played off receivers to take away the big play, had defensive ends contain the perimeter and blitzed from Vick’s left to force him to roll out to the right, where he’s more likely to run.
The Giants’ defense successfully contained Vick — and they did it in a losing effort.
That’s where 30-year-old’s maturity on the field shows. For the first time in his career, Vick’s arm is scarier than his legs. Defenses are actually game planning to force the most electrifying running quarterback in NFL history into running with the football.
On Sunday night, the Eagles had a dropped pass in the end zone and couldn’t connect on any of their deep throws. But instead of getting frustrated and forcing a pass down field, Vick took what the defense gave him and methodically moved the Eagles’ offense.
Vick traded his cape in for a hard hat on Sunday and proved that maybe the Eagles don’t need Superman under center.
