right, scrambles as Tampa Bay Buccaneers
cornerback Ronde Barber pursues in the fourth
quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday,
Oct. 11, 2009, in Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick has this handing-off thing down. He still has to work on his blocking and route running.
Two games into his return to the NFL, Vick hasn't done a lot for the Philadelphia Eagles. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback was expected to add a new dimension to an already potent offence. So far, he's been a decoy.
Used primarily to run Philadelphia's version of the wildcat offence, Vick has come in for 17 plays in non-garbage time. He's lined up at quarterback 13 times and was split out as a wide receiver on four plays. His totals: two incomplete passes, one carry for seven yards, no catches or intended passes, 10 handoffs. The offence has gained 37 yards when he's on the field, an average of 2.2 yards per play.
Clearly, the Eagles brought Vick in to do more. But coach Andy Reid and offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg are in no rush to show opposing defences too much. The Eagles routed Kansas City 34-14 in Vick's debut in Week 3 and easily beat Tampa Bay 33-14 on Sunday.
There was no need to resort to trickery against those teams. Not when Vick is still getting acclimated to playing again after sitting out two years and spending 18 months in prison for his role in running a dogfighting operation.
"You don't want to show your hand every time you play," quarterback Donovan McNabb said. "Believe me, we have a lot more in store for what we want to do this year. I think it's important that you get that rhythm and get everything adjusted for the base package before you can throw anything else out there.
"I think that we're at a point right now where our base offence can be very effective. Now we can open up the door a little bit for more things to present to defences. We didn't open it up as much (against the Buccaneers). As the season continues on, we'll throw some different wrinkles in there and see how it goes."
With Oakland (1-4) and Washington (2-3) coming up on the schedule, it's not likely Vick will soon get a chance to really run the wildcat. Maybe the Eagles will save all those innovative plays for an important matchup against the New York Giants (5-0) on Nov. 1.
Vick and McNabb weren't on the field together Sunday and Kevin Kolb stayed in just one time with Vick on Sept. 27. Instead of having another quarterback on the field with Vick, the Eagles are letting running backs or wide receivers take some wildcat snaps that don't go to him.
"We can't determine how much I am going to be used," Vick said. "It all depends on the flow of the game, the field position and other things. I'm just ready whenever my number gets called."
Vick had an opportunity to run the traditional offence the final two series against Tampa because of the lopsided score. He completed 1-of-3 passes for one yard and showed off his running skills with an 11-yard scramble, taking a hard shot to the ribs on the play.
"Being under centre is more natural," Vick said. "That is what I like to do, that's what I enjoy. In due time, I will get my opportunity."
That probably won't happen in Philadelphia unless McNabb and Kolb are hurt. But getting a chance to show what he can do matters to Vick: He signed a US$1.6 million contract for this season, with the Eagles holding an option for a second year at $5.2 million.
For now, Vick has to settle for whatever he can get.
The game plan varies every week and it's adjusted depending on circumstances in each game. There's no telling how much Vick will play or what he'll do.
"If we like it one week, we use it. If we don't, we won't," Reid said. "It's not something that I say we have to do every week. It's what fits. If it fits right, we'll wear it."
