FanPost

Mike Vick (pocket passer?)

In the last few days I have watched and read all of the media pundits create a QB controversy between Vick and Foles. And then I have witnessed, even die hard Eagle fans (some, not all) on this site, among others, complain about Vick and his change of style. Many fans have argued that his pocket passing is not as successful as it would be if Andy would just "turn him loose" and let him do his thing. While I agree, I love watching him play and make something out of nothing, Andy Reid's scheme has provided Vick much more than Jim Mora's old idea of dropping him back, take one read, and having him take off. The comments regarding him being worse off as a pocket passer are ludicrous.

Why do I believe this, reasons after the jump.

The last two seasons in Philadelphia (not including 2009) have been the best in his career in many categories. His completion percentage of 62.6% and 59.8% are the best in his career. His passing yards, both over 3,000 yards (3,018 and 3,303) are the best in his career. Furthermore, his overall QB ratings, again, are the best he has ever accomplished (100.2, 84.9) since he entered the league in 2001. Last but not least, his average yards passing per game rose over 50 yards a game in 2010 and 2011 with 251.5 YPG and 254.1 YPG.

These are only a few stats to document that being under the wing of AR has definitively had a positive and productive impact on Vick's career. Let's be realistic during the preseason. Yes, he has played 12 snaps and has thrown for 11 yards. He has had a stretch of bad luck the last two weeks and here's hoping that it does not continue.

Listen I like Foles and I see a burgeoning starter and possible All-Pro, but the same reason we say he is the best thing since sliced bread are the same reasons Vick is playing so poorly, "It's the preseason."