Michael Vick is the starting quarterback for the Philadephia Eagles in 2013.
Never mind that he was the king of fumbles in 2012. Never mind that he's one of the most fragile quarterbacks in the game. Vick is the man Chip Kelly chose to start for the Eagles in the upcoming season and that's final. Many wondered if the Eagles' stacked quarterback position would displace Vick, but the Kelly has chosen the 33-year-old veteran as his starting QB.
Why would the Eagles not start Vick?
At the start of the preseason, when analyzing their roster, it looked as though they were prepped for change. Yes, teams are expected to invite extra players, but you don't see the Denver Broncos inviting almost half a dozen quarterbacks to camp. They know who their man is and apparently, with a new coach leading the team, the Eagles might have been unsure about Vick keeping his job as the team's starting QB.
The other options of the team were:
2013 3rd-Round: Matt Barkley
2012 3rd-Round Pick: Nick Foles
Steelers' 2008 5th Rounder: Dennis Dixon
G.J. Kinne: Tulsa
The list should have stopped with Foles, who made decent contributions in his first season in 2012. However, the Eagles wanted to really make sure they were making the right decision. Vick's 2012 campaign was a disaster and as a result, the Eagles struggled last season. They disappointed once again despite the talent up and down their roster.
In 2012, Vick missed six games in another injury-riddled season for the 12-year QB. That's no surprise. The Eagles should know by now that injuries are just a part of Vick's resume. The last time he played a complete season, it was 2006. Since becoming the Eagles' starter in 2010, Vick has missed a total of 13 games, including the 2012 season. Another fact, since becoming the starter, he's finished the season with at least 10 fumbles. Blame it on his playing style, with Vick's rushing talents come big hits and loose balls. In 2012, he had 11 fumbles, fourth in the league behind Philp Rivers, Mark Sanchez and Robert Griffin III.
Part of it was due to the Eagles' depleted offensive line, so not all the blame can go on Vick. However, the fumbles have been all over his career stats. The Chip Kelly offense is expected to help the Eagles in 2013 and many defenders around the league are being asked about their preparation. The fact is, they won't know what to expect until they get on the field since Kelly's offense sets up in less than 15 seconds.
Will Vick be a better quarterback or will he struggle again in 2013? Things are looking up for the Eagles this upcoming season as they are putting up huge yardage totals in exhibition.