(Image via Business Insider)
Poor performance breeds drama. In addition to being disappointing, this has been an incredibly dramatic season for the Philadelphia Eagles. The multitude of storylines show no sign of slowing down, particularly not as they relate to the quarterback position.
Friday saw a report from ESPN’s Ed Werder stating that Mike Vick felt that the Birds were “playing politics” with his injury and using it as justification for starting rookie QB Nick Foles. Also out there was a report from Sports Radio WIP stating that Mike Vick’s concussion was getting worse.
Then came the damage control. Team trainer Rick Burkholder said that the issue was simple: protecting player safety.
“There’s no conspiracy here. As the gatekeeper of these guys, he’s not going to play until he gets past baseline, gets through the five phases.”
Vick then commented on the situation himself, issuing a statement via the Eagles:
“I want to thank my fans for the thousands of well wishes. I also appreciate the support of the entire Eagles organization. I feel strong and healthy. As a professional athlete, I want to play in every game but the NFL has a specific protocol to protect players. My focus is to complete this process successfully, so I can rejoin my team on the field.”
Vick is stuck at the fourth of five stages he must pass in order to return to the football field. But when he clears all phases of the league mandated tests, the team says that he’s still their starter. Reid stressed this fact on Friday.
“I make the decision, and I told you that. Until I tell you different, trust it.”
Uh huh. It seems surreal that there is so much commotion over this, because let’s be honest. Who among us expects Vick to start over Foles even after he makes a full recovery? While the veteran quarterback was far from the root of all the team’s problems in this horrific 2012 campaign, what good does it do to play him now? Vick is all but certain to be shown the curb come the end of the season, as will Reid. The Eagles need to know if there is any realistic chance that Foles is the quarterback of the team’s future. If not, they have to plan their offseason strategy accordingly.
It’s certainly understandable why Vick would want to return to the playing field. He’s a competitor. He wants to show what he can do to other teams in the league. Who wants to end their time with a team with an injury and/or by being benched? No one.
But the time when what’s in Vick’s best interest is a matter of concern for the Philadelphia Eagles is over. No one ever said breakups were easy.
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