Michael Vick recently restructured his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to make it more cap-friendly, and early indications are that he will have yet another chance to resurrect his career now that Chip Kelly is running the show. As we know, Kelly’s spread offense at Oregon relied on having a mobile quarterback. If he is looking to recreate that approach at the NFL level, Vick could be a valuable asset in Philly.
How valuable? In an appearance on “Mike and Mike in the Morning” on Tuesday, Vick said he will be looking to regain his status as one of the “elite” quarterbacks in the league when the 2013 season begins. And he’s setting his sights high.
“In 2006, I ran for 1,000 yards — and it wasn’t hard,” Vick said, via Pro Football Talk. “I feel like I still can do that … Once you start trying not to get hurt, that’s when you get hurt. I think I have to go out, play lights-out football, and not worry about getting hurt.”
Health will obviously be the biggest concern, as usual. Kelly insists that Vick and second-year quarterback Nick Foles will have an open competition for the starting job during training camp, but Vick is owed a base salary of $7 million in 2013 with his new deal. That’s the type of money a starter earns — not a backup. Assuming he does win the job, Vick feels as though he and Kelly will be effective together.
“I could tell that he was innovative, and that’s what it’s all about in this league,” Vick said of Kelly. “You have to be able to change up from week to week and I think Chip will be able to do that. I think I can handle that.”
The question is can his body handle it. That 2006 season with the Atlanta Falcons that Vick referenced is the only time in his career he has played in all 16 games. However, you could argue that Kelly’s run-and-gun offense will help protect Vick from taking some of the hits he took last year while standing in the pocket. Spread offenses can mask poor offensive line play and leave quarterbacks less susceptible to big hits. The prospect of Kelly and Vick paired together is exciting, even if history isn’t on Vick’s side.
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