Michael Vick’s preseason performance Friday night ran the gamut from spectacular to disastrous, but Andy Reid and Eagles fans should come away from it optimistic.
The explosive Michael Vick is back.
Courtesy of NFL.com’s Preseason Live application, I watched Vick display far more short area quickness than he ever did in 2009. Vick rushed four times for 45 yards in the first half, including a 10-yard score that showed off impressive moves. He had the speed to get to the edge of the defense again.
Vick’s first half throwing the ball predictably erratic. He dropped a gorgeous 46-yard toss in the bucket to Riley Cooper on Vick’s second snap of the game, but also turned the ball over twice. He lost a fumble early on a comically poor decision, and then threw an interception on a miscommunication with rookie Charles Scott.
Still, Vick showed the elusiveness that, well, eluded him last year. He flashed his old talent more on Friday night than all of last year combined.
The Eagles don’t need Vick to be a true drop-back quarterback. But it sure looks like he’ll be a bigger weapon as a runner/Wildcat option this year.
UPDATE: Vick finished 11-of-17 for 119 yards and a pick. He ran for 50 yards on six carries.