Michael Vick keeps his job after all. After days of speculation, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid ended the drama Wednesday, saying Vick would be the starting quarterback for their Monday night game against the New Orleans Saints.
Vick’s starting role came into question after Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, 30-17, after which he said he was aware Reid was considering elevating rookie Nick Foles over Vick. And the speculation has been rampant ever since – until the team announced the coach’s decision.
Reid and Vick will address the media on Thursday.
Foles is a rookie who showed promise in the preseason, when he completed 40 of 63 pass attempts for 553 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. But he played against backups and many players who did not make the opponents’ roster.
Vick’s biggest issue has ball security. He threw eight interceptions and lost five fumbles in the first six games. He has accounted for 13 of the Eagles’ 17 turnovers this season, which is tied for third-most in the NFL.
Sunday’s loss was the first game this season that Vick did not turn the ball, but Reid still did not endorse Vick as the starter for Monday’s game, saying he would have to evaluate all his players.
The Eagles’ offense has struggled all season, averaging a measly 17.1 points per game, which in 28th-best in the NFL. And it has yet to eclipse the 24-point mark in a game.
Receiver DeSean Jackson told a Philly radio station Tuesday that Vick remained “an elite” quarterback and saw no reason for change.
Vick actually started the season by leading the Eagles to comeback wins in the fourth quarter of the final drive in the first two games of the season, their record to 3-1 by the end of Week 4. But since starting their season 2-0 they have spiraled to 3-4.
