The NFL Network recently released a portion of its Top 100 Players of 2012 list, and you know what that means — absolutely nothing. The list is merely a topic for fans, analysts and bloggers like us to analyze and interpret. For players, it can serve as either a pat on the back or a motivational tool.
After being ranked No. 70 on this year’s list, Michael Vick will be using for the latter.
“Yeah, that’s a joke,” Vick said when asked about the list during an interview with 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. “I won’t say where I need to be, I’ll let my peers and everybody else decide on that. It was voted on by the peers, but I just disagree. … Thank you, because they’ve motivated me to become a better player this year, so I’ll have that in the back of my mind as I go out and play this year as well.”
The fans voted Vick No. 43, so obviously he gets a bit more respect there. If the list is based on last season’s performance, Vick’s position is tough to argue. However, Peyton Manning is ranked 50th so clearly that isn’t the case. The top 30 have yet to be revealed, but he’s already behind quarterbacks Eli Manning, Cam Newton, Matthew Stafford, Peyton Manning, and Philip Rivers. It’s safe to assume he’ll be looking up at Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger as well when the list is completed.
Is Michael Vick only the 11th-best quarterback in the NFL? Based on athletic ability you could say Vick is one of the best players in the league. When taking his injury history and streaky play into consideration, I’d keep the 10 guys who are ranked ahead of him right where they are.
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