Storyline: Give Michael Vick a chance to succeed with the Steelers. He deserves a fresh start, not unbridled criticism.
Unfair criticism of Michael Vick is reaching new heights in 2015. I think it’s attributed to his years in Philadelphia, more so than his stint in Atlanta.
Courtesy: phillysportsmuse.com
I can still recall Vick’s Monday Night performance against the Washington Redskins. He had a game for the ages. But ensuing years would disclose many problems with the franchise and Vick seemed to carry the burden of a failed Eagles team. The Philadelphia offensive line couldn’t stop a nose bleed. Receivers were too small. There wasn’t any fear of the defense. There wasn’t an effective short-yardage conversion method. Philadelphia with Andy Reid had run its course.
Now the Eagles are pre-season Super Bowl favorites. Andy Reid is in his 3rd year in Kansas City. But Michael Vick is still being criticized for bad stats during that period.
“There are ten backup quarterbacks I can think of that would be better suited to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers than Michael Vick,” said Mike Greenberg on ESPN’s Mike & Mike. Mike, you couldn’t think of 10 starting quarterbacks doing any better? We have this sick imagination of QB play: we believe there are many good arms when, in reality, there maybe only about ten.
Courtesy: eurweb.com
How did the Bears look without Jay Cutler? How are the Browns performing with Manziel or McCown? Did Houston win with Mallet? How many games have the Redskins won with Cousins? Are you following the 49ers with Kapernick?
The NFL has about 15 great arms, 10 really good starting QBs, and about 5 “franchise” QBs. Bashing Vick seems overdone, but it’s not unprecedented. Vick finds himself with a great opportunity to finish his career. He has great weapons in Pittsburgh and–very importantly–a coach who believes in him.
He has to play well. But the vitriol and disrespect being tossed his way–even at the start–is uncalled for.
