Wiser Michael Vick practicing at full strength
Michael Vick knows that he has the ability to make the big plays in the NFL. However, as the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback eyes his return to the starting line-up, he has admitted that he will need
to use his head just as much as his legs when he scrambles out of the pocket.
After participating in his first full practice since 3 October, Vick attested that he is ready to start as the Eagles’ primarily play-caller when Philadelphia hosts the defending AFC champion Indianapolis
Colts next Sunday, 7 November. The quarterback has missed the last three games due to a rib cartilage injury which he acquired after scrambling downfield and diving between two defenders in an attempt for more yards.
“I definitely have to be smarter when running with the football, trying to get down,” Vick said in reference to the playmaking abilities that have both helped and hurt him over the course of his career.
“If not, who knows? There’s no telling what I’m going to do. I can’t predetermine what I’m going to do. I just have to play smarter and be conscious of what’s going on out there and try and protect myself.”
The rib injury, which he has been nursing over the last month, came after Vick scrambled for a 23-yard gain that was ultimately wiped out by a holding penalty. Showing his familiar highlight reel form,
Vick used his speed and shiftiness to elude several tacklers, before diving for the end zone. Unfortunately, he was pinched between Washington Redskin defenders Kareem Moore and DeAngelo Hall just shy of the goal line.
Although he admitted that he will have to pick and choose his spots, Vick asserted that he wouldn't change his overall approach to the game.
“I'll wear extra padding,” he said. “I’m confident I can take a hit. I can’t play the game worried about getting hit or not being able to play the way I like to play.”
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