As I wrote in our picks column this week, it’s difficult to overhype this Redskins-Eagles matchup. (But we’ll try.) It’s the type of game we all love watching football for.
Michael Vick’s return has been a terrific story, and he’s made key strides as a passer far more quickly than anyone could imagine. But is the unqualified praise for him -- starting with Andy Reid -- totally just?
Two analysts that closely watched Vick’s performance against the Jaguars says to calm down just a bit.
Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders points out (via Philly.com’s Movin’ the Chains) that Vick’s has remained inefficient and erratic at times. Vick has made gorgeous highlight reel throws, but also had stretches of wildness. The quality of defensive backfields he’s started against (Jacksonville and Detroit) are a huge factor in his favor.
ESPN’s Ron Jaworski broke down Vick’s tape and had similar thoughts on PTI Thursday: “I’d like to see a little more consistency,” he said.
The good news for Vick: The schedule doesn’t get tougher. The Redskins secondary has been awful the last two weeks, and the next decent pass defense Philly faces is Tennessee in Week Seven. The rest of the schedule looks rather forgiving as well.
Vick has come a long way and he’s already one of most fun players in the league to watch again. But he’s got room to improve as continues to get more reps in Reid’s offense.